7 Potential UFC vs Bellator Showdowns Fans Wants to See

April 25, 2023
From: Spartacus
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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a rapidly growing combat sport, with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator being two of the biggest promotions in the industry. While both promotions have their own set of talented fighters, fans have always wondered what would happen if the best fighters from each promotion faced off against each other.

Cross-promotion fights between UFC and Bellator fighters have been a topic of discussion for years, with fans clamouring for dream matchups that could potentially shake up the sport. In this article, we will take a look at the top 7 UFC vs Bellator fights that we would like to see.

#7 Stephen Thompson (UFC) vs. Michael Page (Bellator)

This fight on our list features a highly anticipated matchup between two of the most exciting strikers in MMA. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, a former UFC welterweight title challenger, will face off against Michael “Venom” Page, a dynamic striker and former kickboxing champion in Bellator.

Thompson is known for his unorthodox karate style and has some of the best footwork in MMA. He has a record of 17 wins, 6 losses and 1 draw has defeated notable fighters such as Kevin Holland, Geoff Neal, Vincent Luque, Jorge Masvidal, and Rory MacDonald. His striking accuracy and ability to counter his opponents make him a tough matchup for anyone in the welterweight division.

Page, on the other hand, is a flashy striker who uses a range of techniques to keep his opponents guessing. He has a record of 21 wins and 2 losses and has finished opponents with his unorthodox striking and dynamic movement such as Goiti Yamaguchi, Douglas Lima, Derek Anderson, Toss Houston and Shinsho Anzai. His ability to use unorthodox strikes such as spinning kicks and flying knees make him a fan-favourite and an exciting fighter to watch.

This matchup between two elite strikers has the potential to be a barnburner, with both fighters likely to engage in a striking battle. Fans would be eager to see how Thompson’s karate style matches up against Page’s dynamic striking, and who will come out on top in what could be a Fight of the Night candidate.

Page has teased the possibility of joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the future. However, it remains to be seen whether or not this will come to fruition. If he does sign with the UFC, many fans are eager to see him face off against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson in what could be the perfect introduction to the octagon for “MVP.”

If Page were to sign with the UFC, a matchup against Thompson would be a dream come true for many MMA fans. Both fighters are known for their dynamic striking abilities and have shown a willingness to engage in exciting, high-octane fights. The matchup would also represent a clash of generations, with the 36-year-old Page taking on the 40-year-old Thompson.

However, for this matchup to become a reality, one of the fighters would have to switch promotions. Page is currently signed with Bellator, a rival MMA promotion to the UFC, while Thompson has been a longtime UFC fighter. Nevertheless, MMA fans will undoubtedly continue to speculate and hope for this exciting matchup to happen, regardless of the promotional hurdles that stand in the way.

#6 Sean O’Malley (UFC) vs. Patchy Mix (Bellator)

The fourth fight on our list features a bantamweight matchup between Sean O’Malley, a highly touted prospect in the UFC, and Patchy Mix, a young fighter on the rise in Bellator.

O’Malley is known for his dynamic striking and impressive knockout power. He has a record of 17-0 and has quickly become a fan-favourite with his flashy style and charismatic personality. He has defeated notable fighters such as Petr Yan, Kris Moutinho, Raulian Paiva and Thomas Almeida and has shown that he has the potential to be a future champion in the UFC.

Mix, on the other hand, is a talented grappler who has a record of 18-1-0 in Bellator and is #2 in Bellator Bantamweight Rankings. Mix’s grappling skills could pose a serious threat to O’Malley’s striking, and it will be interesting to see how O’Malley handles Mix’s ground game.

Sergio Pettis is the current Bellator bantamweight champion, but many MMA enthusiasts believe that the newly-crowned interim champion, Patchy Mix, is the superior fighter. At Bellator 295 last weekend, Mix claimed the Grand Prix title by brutally knocking out Raufeon Stots, earning himself a hefty $1 million in prize money.

Patchy Mix possesses an array of skills that make him a formidable opponent inside the cage. He is a talented wrestler and grappler with a knack for finishing fights. His performances in the Bellator Grand Prix tournament were impressive, and he demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the promotion.

While Mix has the potential to match up well against current UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, the two fighters train together, making a future fight between them highly unlikely. Additionally, Sterling has hinted that he will not compete in the bantamweight division for much longer.

Therefore, a matchup against UFC knockout artist Sean O’Malley would be a thrilling prospect for MMA fans. O’Malley is already a significant name in the sport and is poised to fight for a championship belt soon. His fighting style is incredibly entertaining, and he is known for his striking prowess and highlight-reel knockouts.

A fight between Mix and O’Malley would be a clash of two of the most exciting fighters in the sport. Mix’s grappling and submission skills would be tested against O’Malley’s striking abilities, making for a fascinating matchup. As one of the top-ranked bantamweights in Bellator, Mix is more than capable of holding his own against O’Malley, and the matchup could potentially lead to a future title shot in the UFC.

This matchup between two young prospects in the bantamweight division has the potential to be a highly entertaining fight. Fans would be eager to see if O’Malley’s striking can keep Mix at bay or if Mix can take the fight to the ground and utilise his grappling to secure a victory.

#5 Shavkat Rakhmonov (UFC) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (Bellator)

Yaroslav Amosov and Shavkat Rakhmonov are two of the most promising welterweight fighters in the world of MMA today. Amosov, the reigning Bellator 170-pound champion, boasts a flawless professional record of 27-0 and has never tasted defeat in his career. At only 29 years old, Amosov is just getting started and has a well-rounded skill set that makes him a nightmare matchup for any opponent.

Meanwhile, Shavkat Rakhmonov is another undefeated phenom who has quickly made a name for himself in the sport. The Kazakh fighter has won all of his 17 professional fights, with all of them ending in finishes. Rakhmonov has already recorded eight knockouts and nine submissions on his record, highlighting his versatility and devastating finishing abilities. He is tantalisingly close to a title shot in the UFC and is seemingly just one win away from his maiden championship bid.

In his most recent outing, Rakhmonov showcased his heart and grit by pulling off a late submission in the dying seconds of a three-round war against Geoff Neal. His performance only solidified his position as one of the top welterweights in the world.

A matchup between Amosov and Rakhmonov would be a mouthwatering prospect for MMA fans. Both fighters possess well-rounded skill sets and are undefeated, which only adds to the intrigue of the potential matchup. A fight between these two would undoubtedly be a closely contested battle, and given their finishing abilities, the bout would be unlikely to go the distance.

Pitting two undefeated fighters against one another is always an exciting prospect in combat sports, and a fight between Amosov and Rakhmonov would be no exception. The bout would determine who truly is the best welterweight fighter in the world, and the winner would undoubtedly establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the division.

Yaroslav Amosov and Shavkat Rakhmonov are two of the most talented and promising welterweight fighters in MMA today. A potential matchup between these two would be a thrilling prospect for fans of the sport, and a win for either fighter would cement their position as one of the best in the world.

ufc fighter vs bellator fighter

#4 Israel Adesanya (UFC) vs. Johnny Eblen (Bellator)

When it comes to determining the best middleweight fighter in the world, three names come up frequently: Israel Adesanya from the UFC, Johnny Eblen from Bellator, and Reinier de Ridder from ONE Championship. While all three are champions in their respective promotions, there are questions surrounding de Ridder’s level of competition in ONE Championship, leaving Adesanya and Eblen as the top contenders for the title.

Eblen, a generational talent hailing from American Top Team in Florida, boasts a 13-0 record with five knockouts. He has a relentless ground game and impressive cardio, making him a tough matchup for strikers who lack grappling skills, such as Adesanya. On the other hand, Adesanya, who is considered the gold standard at 185 pounds, has already won eight title fights in the UFC and is on a tear, coming off a decisive victory over his kickboxing rival Alex Pereira.

Should Adesanya and Eblen face off, it would be a classic striker versus grappler pairing. Both fighters have the skills and potential to finish each other, adding even more excitement to the already highly anticipated matchup. The fight would determine who the best middleweight of the modern era is and could potentially cement their legacy in the sport.

Adesanya and Eblen are not only two of the best middleweights in the world, but they are also two of the most exciting fighters to watch. Adesanya’s striking is unmatched, with his precise, technical approach and creative offence. Eblen, on the other hand, relies on his wrestling and ground-and-pound to dominate opponents.

If the two were to fight, it would be a clash of styles that could go either way. Adesanya would need to keep the fight on the feet and use his striking to outpoint Eblen, while Eblen would look to take Adesanya down and control him on the ground.

But the stakes of this fight go beyond just a win or a loss. A victory for either fighter would not only solidify their position as the best middleweight in the world but could also lead to a unification bout with the other champions in their respective promotions.

Additionally, a matchup between Adesanya and Eblen would be a dream come true for fight fans. The anticipation leading up to the fight would be immense, with fans and analysts alike eagerly debating the outcome. And once the cage door closed, the two warriors would undoubtedly put on a show, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

#3 Valentina Shevchenko (UFC) vs. Cris Cyborg (Bellator)

The third fight on our list features a dream matchup between two of the greatest female fighters in MMA history: Valentina Shevchenko, the former UFC women’s flyweight champion, and Cris Cyborg, the current Bellator women’s featherweight champion.

Shevchenko is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters in the world and has a record of 22 wins and 5 losses. Valentina Shevchenko is a dominant force in women’s mixed martial arts. Born in Kyrgyzstan and fighting out of Peru, she has established herself as one of the greatest fighters in the sport’s history. She made her UFC debut in 2015 and quickly established herself as a top contender in the bantamweight division, which she later dropped in favour of the newly created flyweight division.

At UFC 231 on December 18, 2018, Shevchenko faced off against former strawweight champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk for the vacant flyweight title. In a highly technical and closely contested bout, Shevchenko emerged victorious, showcasing her striking and grappling skills to earn a unanimous decision victory and claim the championship belt.

She went on to defend her title an impressive seven consecutive times, defeating top contenders such as Jessica Eye, Katlyn Chookagian, and Jennifer Maia. Her victories were marked by her precision striking, strong grappling, and excellent fight IQ, which allowed her to dictate the pace and style of each fight.

However, in a shocking upset, Shevchenko lost her title to Alexis Grasso at UFC 285 in March 2023. Despite the loss, she remains one of the most talented and respected fighters in the sport. Her next move is highly anticipated by fans and fellow fighters alike, as she seeks to reclaim her title and solidify her legacy as one of the greatest champions in UFC history.

Cyborg, on the other hand, is a former UFC women’s featherweight champion with a record of 26 wins and 2 losses. She is widely regarded as one of the most devastating strikers in female MMA history and has finished most of her opponents by knockout. She has defeated notable fighters such as Arlene Blencowe, Sinbad Kavanagh, Leslie Smith and Julia Budd and has established herself as a dominant force in the Bellator featherweight division.

A matchup between Shevchenko and Cyborg would be a clash of styles, with Shevchenko’s technical abilities being pitted against Cyborg’s raw power. The fight would likely take place at a catchweight, as Shevchenko competes in the 125-pound division while Cyborg usually fights at 145 pounds.

Both fighters have expressed interest in the matchup, with Shevchenko stating that she would be willing to fight anyone, including Cyborg, and Cyborg acknowledging that the fight would be a huge draw for fans.

As for the possible outcome, it’s difficult to predict given the skills and strengths of both fighters. Shevchenko’s grappling and striking could potentially neutralise Cyborg’s power, but Cyborg’s size and strength could also prove to be too much for Shevchenko to handle. It would likely be a closely contested fight that could go either way.

This matchup between two champions from different weight classes has the potential to be a highly exciting fight. Fans would be eager to see if Shevchenko’s precision striking can overcome Cyborg’s power, or if Cyborg can use her aggressive style to overwhelm Shevchenko.

#2 Alexander Volkanovski (UFC) vs. Patricio Pitbull (Bellator)

The featherweight division is one of the most exciting weight classes in MMA today, boasting some of the most talented fighters in the sport. Two names that consistently come up in conversations about the best featherweight fighters are Alexander Volkanovski and Patricio Pitbull.

Volkanovski has undoubtedly proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the division, having dominated Max Holloway in their trilogy bout to further cement his status as the top featherweight in the world. He also put up a valiant effort in a recent fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, showing his versatility and toughness. Despite this loss, Volkanovski remains a formidable opponent for anyone in the division.

Pitbull, on the other hand, may not receive the same level of recognition as Volkanovski, but his accomplishments speak for themselves. The Brazilian fighter is a former lightweight champion and the current Bellator featherweight champion. He has also fought and won in the bantamweight division and is set to challenge for the bantamweight title in his next bout. If he secures the victory, it would solidify his position as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

While Volkanovski and Pitbull are both dominant champions in their respective promotions, there has been much debate surrounding who the better fighter is. Pitbull has gone on record saying that he would beat Volkanovski, and even suggested that the UFC doesn’t cross-promote because they fear their champions would lose.

A potential fight between the two would be highly anticipated and could determine the true king of the featherweight division. Fans would be treated to a clash of styles, with Volkanovski’s well-rounded game and toughness being pitted against Pitbull’s aggressive striking and grappling abilities. It would undoubtedly be a fight for the ages and would settle the debate once and for all about who the best featherweight fighter in the world truly is.

bellator vs ufc

#1 Jon Jones (UFC) vs Vadim Nemkov (Bellator)

A potential matchup that would certainly generate a lot of buzz in the MMA world would be Jon Jones, widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, taking on Vadim Nemkov, the current Bellator light heavyweight champion.

Jon “Bones” Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. He has amassed a long list of accolades and records throughout his career, cementing his legacy as a dominant force in the sport.

Jones burst onto the scene in 2008, making his professional debut in the MMA promotion, Art of War. He quickly made a name for himself with his unorthodox style and impressive athleticism. He was soon signed by the UFC, and in 2011, at the age of just 23, he became the youngest champion in UFC history, defeating Mauricio “Shogun” Rua to claim the light heavyweight title.

Since then, Jones has been virtually unbeatable in the division, holding the record for the most consecutive title defences in the history of the UFC’s light heavyweight division. His resume includes wins over some of the biggest names in the sport, such as Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Chael Sonnen.

In 2023, Jones made the move up to the heavyweight division, where he faced off against Ciryl Game for the championship at UFC 285. Despite facing a bigger opponent, Jones looked comfortable in the new weight class and secured the victory via submission in the first round.

Jones’ technical skills, creativity in the octagon, and ability to finish opponents in spectacular fashion have made him a fan favourite and earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the UFC.

Nemkov is considered to be one of the best light heavyweight fighters in the world and has a professional MMA record of 15 wins and two losses. He quickly made a name for himself in Bellator with his impressive performances, winning his first five fights in the promotion, including victories over former champions Phil Davis and Liam McGeary. In 2019, Nemkov fought for the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship against Ryan Bader and won the fight via TKO in the second round, becoming the new champion.

Nemkov’s fighting style is a blend of striking and grappling, with a strong emphasis on his Sambo background. He has a dangerous striking game, with powerful kicks and punches, and is also skilled in grappling, with solid takedowns and submissions. Nemkov is known for his durability and ability to take a punch, making him a tough opponent for anyone in the division. As the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion, Nemkov has cemented himself as one of the top fighters in the promotion. 

However, there are talks of a potential cross-promotion fight between Nemkov and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, which would be a highly anticipated matchup between two of the best fighters in the world. Regardless of what the future holds, Nemkov’s rise to the top of the Bellator light heavyweight division is a testament to his skill and hard work, and he is definitely a fighter to watch in the years to come.

A matchup between Jones and Nemkov would not only determine the best light heavyweight fighter in the world but would also provide a unique opportunity to see top fighters from two of the biggest MMA promotions in the world compete against each other.

Conclusion 

There are several exciting matchups that could take place between fighters from the UFC and Bellator. From explosive strikers to dominant grapplers, there are a variety of styles that could clash in the cage.

While these fights may only exist in the realm of fantasy at the moment, it is always fun to speculate and imagine what could happen if they were to come to fruition. Whether it’s Shevchenko vs. Cyborg or Jones vs. Nemkov, each of these matchups would undoubtedly generate a lot of buzz and interest from MMA fans around the world.

We can only hope that the MMA gods will bless us with these dream matchups in the future. Until then, we can continue to appreciate the talented fighters in both the UFC and Bellator and eagerly anticipate their next fights.

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