K. Nurmagomedov (left) and T. Ferguson (right) had five fights canceled in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
On 'World April Fools' Day', 'celebrated' on April 1st, the team at SUPER FIGHTS decided to promote a special agenda on the topic. With this, remember great fights promoted by the UFC in its history, which never got off the ground and left fans frustrated and in doubt about what the results of the fights would be.
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With five fights and an 'honorable mention' – which could still happen – the list brings together the rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Tony Ferguson and 'Conor McGregor x Rafael dos Anjos', in addition to José Aldo e Anthony Pettis, who almost didn't face each other in Brazil. Check out the full list:
#5 – Khabib Nurmagomedov x Tony Ferguson
To start the list, the confrontation between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Tony Ferguson It's the biggest example of a 'fight that never happened' in the UFC, but not because of a lack of interest from the organization and athletes.
The UFC even scheduled the fight on five occasions. Firstly, in August 2015, the two fighters were negotiating to be coaches in the 22nd season of 'The Ultimate Fighter'. Khabib, however, injured his rib and had to leave the reality show talks.
In April 2016, with a new fight scheduled, Tony Ferguson chose to 'give up' on performing. This time citing a problem with his lung. The American also refused to fight another chance, as he wanted to renegotiate the terms of his contract to earn the same fees as the Russian.
On another date, in March 2017, the two would face each other for the interim lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg.) after a trip to Conor McGregor to boxing to measure strength against Floyd Mayweather. With problems in the weight cut, Nurmagomedov ended up hospitalized before the weigh-in and, again, was unable to be in action.
Finally, the fight seemed certain to happen, when the new coronavirus pandemic 'exploded' around the world, in March 2020. In quarantine, Khabib was unable to be released to act and was replaced by Gaethje, who dominated and beat Ferguson in a unanimous decision of the judges. Since then, the 'Bicho Papão' was unable to recover his good form and, subsequently, Nurmagomedov submitted Justin himself to say goodbye to MMA.
#4 – Jon Jones x Anthony Johnson
J. Jones (left) and A. Johnson (right) simulate a fight and drive Dana White to despair. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
Target of Dana White's desire for a 'dream fight' in the UFC, Jon Jones e Anthony Johnson were reserved for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg.). While 'Bones' had already established himself as a dominant champion, 'Rumble' had made a huge turnaround in his career and scored a frightening series of knockouts.
During the promotions for the confrontation, Jones was arrested on charges of being involved in a traffic accident and failing to provide assistance to a pregnant woman. Johnson then measured forces against Daniel Cormier and had his streak broken by submission in the second round.
#3 – Júnior Cigano x Brock Lesnar
J. Cigano (left) and B. Lesnar (right) were TUF coaches. Photo: Reproduction/ Blood Elbow
One of the biggest fights in the history of heavyweights (up to 120,2 kg.) was very close to happening, in 2011. After training athletes in 'The Ultimate Fighter 11', Junior Gypsy e Brock Lesnar They had a certain rivalry and, while the Brazilian was still undefeated in the UFC, the giant was a media phenomenon in the organization.
However, during preparation, Lesnar dealt with health issues related to diverticulitis – intestinal disease known as inflammation of the inner wall of the intestine. He was replaced by Shane carwin, who was dominated and surpassed by Cigano afterwards.
#2 – José Aldo x Anthony Pettis
Aldo and Pettis in a promotional photo for the duel that would take place at UFC Rio 4. Photo: Disclosure/ UFC Brasil
Known as 'showtime' for his skill in stand-up fighting, Anthony Pettis did what many feared: he dropped down a category to challenge José Aldo, for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg.), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The two fighters came to face each other and did promotions until the North American had to withdraw from the card due to a knee injury.
Aldo then received Chan sung jung - Korean zombie – and defeated him by a technical knockout in the fourth round to retain his title. The fight against Pettis was never rescheduled and the American went on to become champion of the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg) after going through Ben henderson.
#1 – Conor McGregor x Rafael dos Anjos
R. Dos Anjos (left) and C. McGregor (right) would face each other at UFC 196. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Ultimate Phenomenon, Conor McGregor was the main name of the franchise after dethroning the legacy of José Aldo for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg.) with a knockout in 13 seconds. Therefore, the Irishman did not stop and decided to move up a category – in the lightweight category (up to 70,3kg.) to challenge Rafael dos Anjos.
The atmosphere, in fact, was one of great rivalry in the face-offs until the Brazilian suffered a broken foot and was forced to leave the action, giving way to Nate diaz, who 'shocked the world' by submitting 'Notório' with a rear-naked choke.
Honorable Mention – Nate Diaz x Dustin Poirier
D. Poirier (left) and N. Diaz (right) in an official view in 2018. (Photo: Twitter/Nate diaz)
Nate diaz was (or still is) involved in a confrontation against Dustin poirier. The fight, scheduled for November 2018, did not happen. The 'Diamond' claimed a hip injury and opted to undergo surgery.
The two athletes, however, seem not to have continued their careers and a confrontation still has a chance of happening. What could complicate matters now is Nate's explicit desire to retire from MMA, while Poirier awaits a decision. Will the issues be resolved in the Octagon?
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