5 incredible UFC vs. Bellator fights we'd like to see

Dana White (left) and Scott Coker (right) [Logo images via @ufc & @bellatormma on Instagram]

The UFC is undoubtedly the world's premier MMA organization. The Dana White-led promotion has the deepest roster in professional combat sports and houses some of the best talent on the planet.

While there's no debate as to whether the UFC is the biggest stage for MMA, the multi-billion dollar company doesn't have ALL the best fighters in the world. Bellator is the second-biggest MMA promotion in the United States and plays home to some high-level fighters who would give their UFC counterparts a real run for their money.

UFC vs. Bellator? @BellatorMMA @UFC

The ball is in UFCs court according to Scott Coker

He quoted “we have the best, not (only) 145, we also have the best 135, the best 205, and we have the best fighter I think with Gerard Mousasi at 185,”

#UFC #Bellator https://t.co/DuUoIi3xBR

Both promotions have world-class fighters on their respective rosters. Naturally, comparisons are often drawn between athletes who compete in and around the same weight class, prompting hypothetical discussions as to who would emerge victorious.

UFC president Dana White has reiterated on multiple occasions that he doesn't foresee his company engaging in any cross-promotional bouts. Nonetheless, we thought we'd take a look at five fantasy matchups to book if the two organizations were open to crossover contests.

#5. Petr Yan (UFC) vs. Magomed Magomedov (Bellator) 3

Petr Yan and Magomed Magomedov have already shared the cage twice previously. The duo locked horns for the first time back in 2016, in a championship bout on the Russian regional MMA circuit.

With the vacant ACB bantamweight title on the line, they slugged it out in a highly controversial bout that ultimately produced a questionable decision from the judges. Yan struggled against his compatriot's wrestling prowess in the opening rounds, but bounced back effectively later on. In the end, Magomedov was awarded a split-decision victory on the night.

However, there are a few points to consider while looking at the result. Notably, Yan was deducted a point following a headbutt in the final round of the bout. Nevertheless, the fight was a barnburner from start to finish and warranted a rematch.

Mar26.2016

Magomed Magomedov becomes the first fighter in history to defeat Petr Yan,

when he defeats him by unanimous decision at ACB 32 https://t.co/pgWjS1O4re

More often than not, rematches don't play out the same way as the first fight. When both fighters are more aware of each other's skills, tendencies, and preferences, we tend to witness cagey affairs.

This wasn't the case in the Petr Yan vs. Magomed Magomedov rematch. The second fight was just as entertaining as the first, with far less controversy influencing proceedings.

Both fighters' toughness and durability shone through in the bout as they went the 25-minute distance yet again. Yan came away with a unanimous decision victory to avenge his loss to Magomedov a year prior.

Apr15.2017

Petr Yan avenges his loss to Magomed Magomedov,

when he defeats him in their rematch to reclaim the ACB Bantamweight title https://t.co/GUjQQalN0n

There's clearly something special about this matchup. A potential trilogy bout between the Russian duo would undoubtedly produce fireworks. Both fighters have improved tremendously since their two-fight series, with Yan among the top bantamweights in the UFC and Magomedov having similar success over at Bellator.

By the way, if you haven't seen Yan/Magomedov 1 from ACB 32 you need to get on that:

youtube.com/watch?v=opezv-… https://t.co/eJ7va7VmoT