5 most heated rivalries in UFC history
The UFC has put on some iconic grudge matches since its inception in 1993. While most fighters are respectful towards their opponents before and after a fight, there have been numerous instances where two individuals who despise one another have locked horns.
Some rivalries are as real as they get. There have been quite a few occasions where former teammates and friends have settled their differences inside the octagon. Meanwhile, fighters who understand the pay-per-view model and the fact that they're in the business of entertainment, rather than sport, often create tension and animosity going into high-profile bouts.
Intriguing storylines, trash talk and antics outside the cage have fueled some of the most iconic rivalries between fighters. On that note, we thought we'd take a look at the five most heated grudge matches in UFC history.
#5. Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir - UFC heavyweight division
Frank Mir became the UFC heavyweight champion in 2004 following a spectacular submission win over Tim Sylvia. He was later stripped after sustaining multiple injuries following a motorcycle accident. Upon his return, Mir went 2-2 in his next four bouts. Seemingly one win away from a championship opportunity, he took on WWE superstar and UFC debutant Brock Lesnar in his next fight.
Leading up to his fight against Lesnar at UFC 81, Mir ruthlessly belittled Lesnar's accomplishments and combat sports credentials. He slammed the UFC for elevating a pro-wrestler to such a big stage and vowed to end the hype surrounding 'The Beast Incarnate'. He delivered on his promise, submitting the WWE star in just 90 seconds with a kneebar.
Brock Lesnar bounced back from the loss to Frank Mir in emphatic fashion. He defeated Heath Herring via unanimous decision in his next bout to stake his claim for a title shot.
Lesnar subsequently took on Randy Couture for the heavyweight title. He won via TKO to become an undisputed UFC champion. In his first title defense, which went down at UFC 100, he took on Mir in a rematch.
Lesnar dominated Mir in the rematch. He used his humongous frame, unreal athleticism and famed wrestling to completely shut down all of his opponent's attacks. Throughout the bout, the heavyweight champ stayed composed in top position while raining down heavy ground-and-pound strikes.
Less than two minutes into the second round, Lesnar pinned Mir up against the fence and proceeded to land some powerful strikes, forcing the referee to call a halt to the action. The pro-wrestling star's post-fight interview remains one of the most iconic in MMA history. He told Joe Rogan:
"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his *ss! I told him that a year ago! I pulled that son of a b*tch out, and I beat him over the head with it. Whooooo!"
Watch his post-fight interview below:
Brock Lesnar went on to fight just four more times in the UFC. His two-fight series with Frank Mir remains one of the most iconic rivalries in the world's premier MMA promotion.
Watch the full rematch between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir below: