5 UFC rematches that would be much bigger the second time around
Rivalries in the UFC can turn popular fighters into superstars in the sport. The likes of Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva and Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz boosted each fighter involved to a whole new level of popularity. For this to happen, a number of fights between the same opponents is what one would typically expect.
4 years ago today: Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz go to war in their rematch at UFC 202 https://t.co/XF5uqgDMi7
These situations typically lead to the rematch being even bigger than the first bout. Other times, two prospects meet early in their careers and then go on to become big stars. When they meet again after some time, the rematch is inevitably bigger as the fighters have gained populartity and there is naturally more attention.
Here are five UFC rematches that would be much bigger the second time around.
#5. Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje - UFC lightweight division
Justin Gaethje came up short in his second title fight recently when he was submitted in the first round by Charles Oliveira. He was previously submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov. Another man who has lost both his title fights against the same competitors is Dustin Poirier. Perhaps now is the time for these two to square off once again.
Apr14.2018
Dustin Poirier puts an end to one of the wildest fights of the year,
when he finishes Justin Gaethje in a classic https://t.co/qnVjcuo2KI
The first fight between the pair was a barnstormer that ultimately saw Poirier finish Gaethje back in 2018. However, at that point we had no idea how good either fighter was. The loss left Gaethje 1-2 in his UFC career, while Poirier also hadn't picked up the big wins he's known for today.
A rematch between the pair would be a much bigger deal this time around. Both fighters have established themselves as top five lightweights in the promotion and are much bigger stars than they were in 2018. With both men in need of a new challenge, perhaps this fight could be made sooner rather than later.