Thomson / Melendez is one of my favorite trilogyâs in MMA. It didnât have the trash talking or bad blood, but damn good scraps! Fun rivalry between AKA and Cesar Gracie fighters.
Tito v Chuck. Legitimate feelings of betrayal and legit feelings of a friend not giving you your shot.
Alpha Male v Bang Ludwig/Dillashaw. Not really a rivalry but serious heat. Story dominated MMA news among hardcore fans for a while.
DC v Jones. Not really a rivalry but Jones was living rent free in DC head for years while Jones couldnât care less.
Connor and Khabib. Definitely the most high profile. Khabib teamate striking Connor teamate. Connor attacking the bus, getting arrested and sued. Khabib and corner going beserk after the stoppage.
Hidehiko Yoshida v Royce Gracie. Controversy surrounding the âphantom chokeâ and the rematch under what amounts to Gracie Challenge rules.