MMA Rematches That Didn’t Live Up to the Hype
Anyone who’s followed MMA knows that some rematches can raise expectations to a fever pitch. There’s a sense that the second time around, things will be different; more intense, more personal, more unforgettable. But every now and then, we’re left with a bout that just doesn’t live up to the hype. Instead of the barnburner fans were dreaming of, it’s a letdown, with fights that fail to deliver the drama or excitement they promised.
Let’s take a moment to discuss a few of these moments where the rematches just didn’t hit the mark.
Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza 2
Credit: Reddit
This strawweight title rematch became a baffling display of mutual inaction. Both champions entered a bizarre staring contest, seemingly waiting for the other. The five rounds of extreme hesitancy led to a historically boring affair. Esparza won a split decision and left audiences completely dissatisfied with the uninspired fight.
Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock 2
Credit: Sherdog
Their highly anticipated rematch, fueled by intense personal animosity, crashed to an unsatisfying halt. Ortiz was clearly dominant, but the fight ended abruptly with a controversial and swift TKO stoppage just over a minute in. The sudden conclusion left a lingering sense of unfulfillment.
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Liz Carmouche 2
Credit: X
Nine years after their first meeting, this flyweight title defense devolved into a prolonged clinch-fest. Fans hoping for Valentina’s usual striking masterclass witnessed a cautious, largely grappling-focused contest against the cage. Shevchenko secured a clear unanimous decision, but the lack of dynamic exchanges meant the bout simply faded from memory.
Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva 2
Credit: X
The eagerly awaited rematch at UFC 168 was designed to settle the score, but it tragically ended in shock and horror. Silva suffered a gruesome leg injury in the second round after a checked kick, immediately stopping the fight. This bizarre and graphic conclusion provided no definitive answers regarding the “Spider’s” future.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Travis Browne 2
Credit: X
Beyond the uninspired stand-up, this fight featured a bizarre mid-fight finger dislocation and an infamous post-fight scuffle. Werdum won a unanimous decision, but the chaotic, injury-marred contest made it a forgettable chapter in both fighters’ careers, remembered for everything but the action.
Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson 2
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Following their thrilling draw, this welterweight title rematch turned into an overly respectful, tactical stalemate. Both fighters appeared paralyzed by the threat of the other’s power, resulting in a painfully low-output affair. Woodley secured a majority decision, but the cautious non-engagement ensured it went down as one of the most anticlimactic championship bouts.
Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson 2
Credit: ufc
Their first encounter was a five-round war and led fans to believe there would be more fireworks in the rematch. However, “Mighty Mouse” revealed a calculated tactical masterclass, which completely nullified Dodson’s explosiveness. Johnson systematically dismantled Dodson with superior adjustments and control before delivering a dominant, but far less exciting, unanimous decision.
Max Holloway vs. Jose Aldo 2
Credit: Reddit
This featherweight immediate rematch lacked any suspense, essentially replaying their first encounter. Fans hoped for Aldo to make critical adjustments, but the fight followed a chillingly similar script. Holloway once more secured a third-round TKO victory, unfortunately, rendering the highly anticipated follow-up as merely redundant.
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Minotauro Nogueira 2
Credit: ebay
The second chapter of this legendary heavyweight rivalry ended in abrupt disappointment. After a promising start, an accidental headbutt from Nogueira opened a severe cut over Fedor’s eye. Medical staff intervened before ruling a frustrating no-contest, denying fans a clear victor, and forcing a third, decisive showdown that felt long overdue.
Renan Barão vs. TJ Dillashaw 2
Credit: ESPN
TJ Dillashaw’s first win over Renan Barão was a massive upset. The rematch aimed to validate Dillashaw’s monumental upset, but instead, it became an even more one-sided affair. Dillashaw’s relentless pressure and varied striking completely overwhelmed Barão and secured another dominant TKO victory.
Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock 2
Credit: Facebook
The inaugural UFC “Superfight” was a marathon of frustration. After Gracie’s quick submission in their first bout, anticipation for a decisive finish was sky-high. Instead, the two legends engaged in a grueling 36-minute stalemate. The absence of judges resulted in a controversial draw.
Israel Adesanya vs. Marvin Vettori 2
Credit: X
Despite heated pre-fight animosity, this middleweight title rematch was a tactical masterclass by Adesanya, devoid of back-and-forth action. “The Last Stylebender” showcased his superior range and defensive power, largely neutralizing Vettori’s attempts. Adesanya’s dominant, unanimous decision victory marked his reign but offered little in terms of thrilling exchanges.
Vitor Belfort vs. Randy Couture 2
Credit: ebay
This light heavyweight title fight ended in a bizarre and controversial fashion. Belfort captured the belt in less than a minute after a grazing punch caused a deep cut over Couture’s eye from the seam of Belfort’s glove. The sudden and premature stoppage left both fighters wanting more and led to an immediate rubber match.
Georges St-Pierre vs. BJ Penn 2
Credit: 24smi
This rematch was a stark contrast to their competitive first meeting. St-Pierre delivered a relentless and utterly dominant performance, systematically breaking Penn down with takedowns and ground-and-pound. The one-sided beatdown led to Penn’s corner throwing in the towel.
Robbie Lawler vs. Nick Diaz 2
Credit: X
Seventeen years after their explosive original, this highly anticipated rematch regrettably failed to reignite the magic. A visibly out-of-shape Nick Diaz, returning from a lengthy layoff, was systematically overwhelmed by Lawler. Lawler secured a third-round TKO, but the contest lacked the frenetic, crowd-pleasing exchanges that made their first encounter classic.