5 best rivalries in UFC middleweight history

Israel Adesanya defeated Robert Whittaker via unanimous decision in their rematch

The most recent UFC PPV saw Israel Adesanya defend his middleweight title against Robert Whittaker. This was the second time the pair have shared the octagon, and their rivalry is just one of many in middleweight division history.

This is far from the first time the same two men have squared off for the middleweight championship on multiple occasions. Even outside of those rivalries, we have seen some intense bad blood feuds that won't be forgotten in a hurry.

On top of that, the middleweight division has been blessed with some of the biggest names in MMA history. The likes of Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and most recently Israel Adesanya have ensured there has consistently been plenty of eyes on the 185 lb division.

🕷 Anderson Silva 🕸

👑 Longest championship reign in UFC history - 2457 days.
💪 Longest win streak in UFC history - 16
👊 Most finishes in UFC title fights - 9
🙌 Most fights in middleweight division - 13
🏅 10 title defences in a row
💰 14 fight bonuses
📺 17 PPV Main Events https://t.co/Vew7TvpYUc

Here are the five best rivalries in UFC middleweight history:

#5. Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker - UFC 243 & 271

Adesanya leads the series with Whittaker 2-0

The rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker may not have entirely lived up to some people's expectations. However, it has still featured two of the highest-level middleweight martial arts we have ever seen compete twice with the middleweight title on the line.

The first bout was fueled with bad blood but ultimately led to a one-sided clash that Adesanya won in the second round. The rematch was a much more evenly contested affair, but it was much more cordial in the build-up and failed to fully explode inside the octagon.

While these two are among the best middleweights we have ever seen, their lack of a signature bout means this one doesn't rank higher. On top of that, the newfound respect between the pair reduces interest in their rivalry.

Robert Whittaker believes third fight with Israel Adesanya is inevitable: ‘I’m gonna be the best ever’ mmafighting.com/2022/2/23/2294… https://t.co/jshZXmhcfh

Perhaps a trilogy fight could one day come around and cause these two to move up this list.