Sherdog’s Top 10: MMA Rivalries

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9. Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo

McGregor might be a trash-talking loudmouth, but he generally backs up his bravado with results in the cage. He verbally attacked Aldo for months on end, insulting the Brazilian and his country whenever a camera or a microphone presented him with the chance to do so. McGregor silenced his detractors when he starched Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194, halting his 18-fight winning streak and long reign atop the featherweight division.

Aldo demanded an immediate rematch, but McGregor moved on to other pursuits. He landed a shot at the UFC lightweight title, though a fight with fellow champion Rafael dos Anjos fell apart when the Kings MMA standout injured himself in training. McGregor accepted a bout with replacement Nate Diaz, only to be submitted at 170 pounds. The Irishman will rematch Diaz in the UFC 203 main event, also at welterweight.

Meanwhile, Aldo has been booked opposite Frankie Edgar in a five-round clash for the interim featherweight championship, with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for McGregor’s undisputed title at 145 pounds. Many more chapters figure to be written in the McGregor-Aldo rivalry.

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