MMA
Most Anticipated Rematches in UFC History: What Could 2024 Bring?
Discover the most anticipated UFC rematches of 2024 and beyond! From McGregor vs Poirier 4 and Holloway vs Volkanovski, these potential showdowns could reignite legendary rivalries and deliver unforgettable moments.
Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones//Getty Images
Rematches have always held a special place in UFC history, often stemming from controversial decisions, close fights, or high-stakes drama and feuds. As we head into the final half of 2024, several potential rematches could generate significant buzz.
Here's a look at some of the most anticipated rematches in UFC history and what the next 12 months could bring.
Top Five Most Iconic Rematches in UFC History
UFC fans have certainly not been starved of rematches and trilogies over the decades. But here are some of the most intriguing rivalries and feuds that have taken place inside the octagon.
5. Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson 2 (UFC 232)
Jon Jones punches Alexander Gustafsson//Getty Images
At one moment in time, Alexander Gustafsson gave Jon Jones his toughest fight of his career when they first met back in 2013. Although “Bones” won the first meeting via unanimous decision, the outcome divided opinion amongst MMA fans.
In December 2018, Jones would silence doubters by dominating the Swedish fighter and scoring a TKO victory in round three.
4. Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier 2 & 3 (UFC 241 and 252)
Daniel Cormier punches Stipe Miocic//Getty Images
The first fight was so nice, they didn't do it just twice, how about thrice… The trilogy of Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier began in 2020 when “DC” got his hand raised after securing a first-round knockout.
Their trilogy ended with Miocic retaining the heavyweight title after two closely contested fights, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights.
3. Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 2 (UFC 202)
Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor//Getty Images
Conor McGregor sought revenge after being submitted by Nate Diaz in their first fight back in 2016. Just a few months later, the rematch was an intense, back-and-forth battle, with “The Notorious” winning by majority decision.
2. Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier 2 (UFC 214)
Jon Jones punches Daniel Cormier//Getty Images
Their first fight took place at UFC 182 in January 2015. Jones successfully defended his UFC light-heavyweight championship, winning by unanimous decision.
The rematch between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 in July 2017 is one of the most intense and controversial fights in MMA history. Despite Jones stopping Cormier, the result would later be overturned to a no-contest after Jones’ drug test came back positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Their rivalry is deeply rooted in personal animosity, stemming from a series of confrontations that began years before they stepped into the octagon.
1. Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen 2 (UFC 148)
Josh Rosenthal, Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva//Getty Images
After nearly losing his middleweight title to Chael Sonnen in their first fight, Anderson Silva's submission victory in the fifth round led to an explosive rematch that ended with a TKO win for Silva.
The two wins over Sonnen contributed to an astonishing ten successful UFC middleweight title defences for “The Spider”.
Potential Rematches We Could See in the Next 12 Months
Over the next 12 months, we could very well see some exciting rivalries reignited, with the possibility of creating new iconic moments in UFC history. Here are a few of the potential rematches that are eagerly anticipated amongst fans.
Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski 4
Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway//Getty Images
Max Holloway has lost three times to Alexander Volkanovski, but all three fights were closely contested, with the second being particularly controversial.
If “Blessed” can defeat Georgian star Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 and claim the UFC featherweight title then perhaps we could see the fighting pride of Hawaii face off against the Australian once more.
Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland 2
Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya//Getty Images
After the shocking upset loss Israel Adesanya suffered at the hands of Sean Strickland in 2023, a rematch would be highly anticipated. Adesanya fell short in his quest to regain his middleweight title against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305, this could create another intense showdown with Strickland as both look to reclaim the title at 185lbs.
Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 4
Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier//Getty Images
With their series standing at 2-1 in Dustin Poirier's favour, a fourth fight could be on the horizon. If Conor McGregor has any hopes of returning to the cage, a rematch with Poirier could be the fight that draws in the masses, especially given their history.
A potential bout between McGregor and Michael Chandler is a saga that has been ongoing for the entirety of 2024, and now it looks like the Irish superstar has no intentions of facing the American this year, if at all. But with bad blood surrounding the Poirier fight, maybe that's the one that will make McGregor return.
Jake Staniland is a sports writer who excels in covering a wide range of sports: football, combat sports and the NFL - All three subjects are his lifelong passions.
Jake is a boyhood Sheffield United fan, which is often a curse that he thanks his family for. His favourite Blades player ever is Billy Sharp