Rivalries are the heart and soul of the UFC. They bring drama, emotion, and unforgettable moments, forcing fighters to prove themselves as the best. For fans, they add a personal investment in every punch, takedown, and submission attempt. In 2025, some heated rivalries continue to capture the imagination of fight fans worldwide, blending personal enmity with pure athletic brilliance.
Here, we break down five UFC rivalries still burning strong this year, blending hype, history, and high-stakes drama.
1. Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira
Adesanya and Pereira have rewritten the modern rivalry script. What started as an intense feud in kickboxing transitioned perfectly to the UFC octagon when Pereira joined the organization. By 2023, Pereira had handed Adesanya three losses across different combat disciplines, with two coming from their kickboxing days and one via a brutal KO in their first UFC encounter.
Adesanya finally found redemption at UFC 287, defeating Pereira with a perfectly-timed knockout that sent shockwaves through the division. Fast forward to 2025, these two remain entangled as Pereira continues his mission to reclaim ground as a light heavyweight contender, while Adesanya seeks to cement himself as one of the best middleweights in UFC history.
With their contrasting styles and undeniable animosity still lingering, no fan would blink an eye if this rivalry reignites in the years to come.
2. Colby Covington vs. Khamzat Chimaev
If there’s one word to describe this rivalry, it’s electric. While Colby Covington is no stranger to trash talk and stirring controversy, his consistent ability to deliver thrilling performances made him one of the biggest names in the welterweight division. Enter Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated wrecking ball from Sweden, who’s smashed through almost every opponent put in front of him.
With Chimaev consistently gunning for UFC glory, the build-up to a potential showdown with Covington became inevitable. Though their long-awaited bout saw delays due to logistical challenges and weight disagreements over two years ago, the tension between these elite fighters hasn’t cooled down.
Covington, notorious for his high-paced cardio and relentless wrestling, finds an athletic foil in Chimaev, whose raw aggression is virtually unmatched. Fans and UFC betting predictions analysts remain enthralled with every development, wondering if this rivalry’s next chapter could redefine the division.
3. Sean O’Malley vs. Aljamain Sterling
The bantamweight division has never been better, and few rivalries showcase the fire of its modern era like Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling. O’Malley, with his colorful personality and devastating striking accuracy, captured the belt in 2023 against Sterling. The dramatic buildup of their championship clash was fueled by Sterling’s criticism of O’Malley’s contenders’ status and “lifestyle” outside the cage.
After losing his belt, Sterling made it no secret that he wanted revenge, sparking a feud that the MMA community relished. The story escalates whenever “Funk Master” Sterling tears through subsequent opponents on his way to a likely rematch, staking a claim that O’Malley was merely lucky during their first encounter.
Sean O’Malley has his next fight scheduled for June 7 against Merab Dvalishvili. Check the FanDuel UFC odds, as O’Malley’s contender status keeps rising with every victory.
4. Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor cannot exist in the UFC without stirring up attention and emotions, which naturally spilled into his match-up with Michael Chandler. Following their Ultimate Fighter season as rival coaches, the anticipation for this fight reached fever-pitch levels. Both showed genuine dislike for each other as the media circus further fanned the flames.
Chandler brings explosive wrestling and knockout power, while McGregor counters with precision striking and a charismatic aura tailor-built for fight promotion. Their fight’s initial postponement left fans speculating endlessly, stacking more mystique onto the already volatile rivalry.
In 2025, the allure of Chandler versus McGregor hasn’t diminished. UFC betting news sites continue to forecast this match-up as one of the year’s blockbuster events. With both men promising chaos inside the octagon, it’s inevitable that fight fans will stay invested.
5. Leon Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal
Leon Edwards and Jorge Masvidal share a rivalry that has largely simmered outside the octagon. Their infamous backstage “three-piece and a soda” altercation in 2019 in the UK became a defining image of bad blood. Fans and pundits thought this grudge match would resolve itself in the ring sooner, but scheduling conflicts and Masvidal’s brief retirement delayed its realization.
Edwards, now firmly atop the welterweight throne, continues to dominate challengers. Meanwhile, Masvidal returned to the UFC in 2024 after rejuvenating his career. Their looming clash carries not only championship stakes but also personal vengeance. How will Edwards’ technical brilliance and championship calm match up against Masvidal’s gritty determination and flair for delivering highlight-reel moments?
This rivalry perfectly straddles fan narratives and elite competition, ensuring it’s one of 2025’s marquee showdowns.
The Role of Rivalries in UFC’s Thriving Ecosystem
Rivalries in the UFC do more than sell pay-per-views; they embody the emotions and stories that captivate fans. They elevate fighters, amplify narratives, and create memories that outlast the fighters’ careers.
Whether it’s the tactical battles like Adesanya versus Pereira or the personal vendettas of Edwards and Masvidal, fans keep coming back for more. Betting enthusiasts fuel this anticipation with endless speculation and UFC betting insights, making rivalries a central fixture in modern MMA.