Five MMA fights that deserved a rematch
UFC fighter Brock Lesnar throws a kick at Frank Mir during the UFC 100 main event. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire)
November 10th, 2020
Thanks to the condensed nature of MMA, a two- or three-fight series between elite competitors always seems to be in the cards.
Even so, there are fights that missed the sequel treatment. Let’s take a look at the five best MMA fights that deserved a rematch and didn't get one (yet).
5. Francis Ngannou vs. Stipe Miocic
The first meeting of these two featured a green Ngannou in a fight that saw Miocic prevail. Since then, Ngannou has evolved into a premier heavyweight and is much better than the version who lost a decision in 2018. Miocic has also elevated himself with wins in his trilogy against Daniel Cormier.
These two are inching closer to a rematch in 2021.
4. Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez
Their awkward, scripted rematch in the WWE notwithstanding, Lesnar never had the opportunity to avenge the loss of his UFC title to Velasquez.
Lesnar’s bouts with diverticulitis and his departure to the WWE axed what could have been the second chapter of a legendary rivalry. Velasquez used the Lesnar win to go on the run of his career as champ.
3. Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm
For all the trash talking and posturing, Rousey wanted nothing to do with Holm after a shocking loss at UFC 193.
Holm lost her next three fights, whereas Rousey quit MMA, after Amanda Nunes destroyed her. Like many shocking upsets in combat sports, the fallen favorite (Rousey) not once considered a rematch with the upsetter (Holm).
2. Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2
Nunes is the greatest female fighter of all time, but Shevchenko is right on her tail.
Many believed Shevchenko deserved the verdict in their second bout, so a third fight between the two best female fighters needs to happen. Both competitors have beaten everyone else around them, so a final showdown seems inevitable.
1. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Filipovic
Perhaps one of the greatest fights in MMA history, it is a crime that Emelianenko and "Cro Cop" never fought each other again.
After a fight with incredible violence and drama, a rematch not happening is one of the sport’s biggest misses.
This is even more frustrating, because both fighters have been in the relatively same orbit in the 15 years since their titanic clash.
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