Volkanovski Vs Lopes and Other Highly Anticipated Fights in MMA History

Why Rivalries Are the Heart of MMA

Beyond the skill of the fighters, one of the things that keeps viewers glued to the press conferences and engaging with MMA content on social media is the rivalries. Rivalries draw attention. This is not just for ardent MMA fans but even outside the existing fan base. They create intricate and emotional stories that light up social media platforms. With rivalries, it’s not just about the rift between the fighters but the anticipation it creates for the game.

Rivalries are important to MMA because the personal stakes that the fighters have pushed them to exceed their limits. The drive to outperform the opponent is heightened and makes fights more intense and memorable. It also brings fans along on the journey. Fights are not just for entertainment. Fans can connect with their favorite fighter’s story, making every fight feel personal. Because of this, online betting platforms like GGBET allow every fan to have more skin in the game and be part of their favorite fighter’s victories.

Highly Anticipated Fights in UFC 2025 Season and in MMA History

The UFC is known for its iconic fights and moments. Here are a few fights to not miss in 2025 and some of the greatest fights in MMA history.

UFC 314: Volkanovski Vs Lopes

After a series of losses, from Makhachev in 2023 to UFC 298 with Ilia Topuria, Alex Volkanovski lost his 145-pound strap. The one-time undefeated champion has taken many blows. Some of which were avoidable. But with the blows to his record and losing his belt, Volkanovski is on a journey of redemption. Seeking to redeem his titles. But this is impossible unless he beats Lopes in the upcoming UFC 314. The younger fighter, on the other hand, sees the defeated champion Volkanovski as his opportunity to throw a legend. Will Volkanovski be defeated again? This anticipated showdown fight is scheduled for 11:00 pm on the 12th of April 2025 at Kaseya Centre Miami.

UFC 315: Muhammad Vs Della Maddalena

In an interview with The Coach and the Casual, Belal Muhammad says, “I’m gonna outbox Jack; I’m not gonna shoot for one takedown. I’m gonna show the UFC fighters and the fans that I’m the best boxer in the UFC Welterweight division.” This fight brings anticipation with Muhammad seeking to defend his title, using skills outside of the usual takedown strategy that he’s known for. In his interview with MMA Junkie, Della Maddalena, who is respected by fans for his boxing abilities, simply says about Muhammad, “He’s got a tough fight on his hands.” The personality contrast between these two fighters raises the anticipation for the fight scheduled for 11:00 pm on the 10th of May, 2025.

Conor McGregor Vs Nate Diaz

This rivalry marks history as the most intense and iconic feud in UFC history. The genesis of the rivalry was in March 2016, when Nate Diaz gave Conor McGregor his first UFC loss, submitting McGregor in the second round. Despite that, the fight was on short notice, with McGregor originally scheduled to face Rafael dos Anjos. Not being one to back down, McGregor demanded a rematch, where he got a majority decision victory. The animosity, trash talk, and heated fights still have fans clamoring for a trilogy.

Alex Pereira Vs Israel Adesanya

This rivalry started from the “Glory of Heroes” kickboxing tournament, where Israel Adesanya had lost twice to Pereira. Adesanya enters into the MMA space, defeating the longest-standing middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in 2018. Despite this, in 2022, Pereira would give Adesanya the first knockout (KO) loss of his MMA career. With the vengeance of all his past woes with Pereira, Adesanya would eventually KO his opponent in UFC 287. The feud between these two is significant for setting up the most highly anticipated fights in MMA history.

Ronda Rousey Vs Miesha Tate

Very few could imagine where the rivalry between these two opponents could go when it started in the elite women’s MMA. Rousey was an Olympic Judo bronze medalist, and Tate was the reigning champion for Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight. But it all began when Rousey submitted Tate in 2012 and took her title. They would regularly engage in public back-and-forth before their fight in December 2013, where Rousey finally asserted her dominance for a second time.

Anderson Silva Vs Chael Sonnen

Its speculated that the dynamic of this rivalry would be different if Sonnen composed his disposition towards Silva. Silva was an MMA favorite, but Sonnen thought him a fluke and made it known with his intense berating and verbal bashing. Eventually, with less than two minutes left in the cage and despite being ahead on the judges’ scorecard, Sonnen slipped up, and Silva locked him in a triangle armbar. It is described as one of the greatest comebacks ever seen.

Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier

During the UFC 182 promotional event, Cormier pushed Jones in the face, and both took each other down, brawling on the floor. That was the beginning of the most iconic moment in UFC history. Before this event, the only thing between both fighters was just competitiveness. But that event brought in a different dynamic to the pair. When Jones won the first fight, he even mocked Cormier for crying.