7 UFC Dream Matches That Never Happened

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Tank Abbott and Ken Shamrock never clashed inside the Octagon

There have been many marquee fantasy matches that have taken place inside the Octagon such as Chuck Liddell vs Tito Ortiz, Ken Shamrock vs Royce Gracie and Wanderlei Silva vs Chuck Liddell, but there have been many more that never have. This list runs down the 7 most anticipated matches that never took place.

#7 Ken Shamrock vs Tank Abbott

Ken Shamrock and Tank Abbott were two of the most popular and enduring stars of the early era of the UFC in the mid-1990s and its later resurgence in the early 2000s when MMA was finally embraced into the mainstream.

However, somewhat surprisingly, Shamrock and Abbott never crossed paths with each other.

Why didn't it happen?

There were windows for this to happen, most notably in 1996 and 2003. However, it never did. Shamrock was Superfight Champion while Abbott was competing in UFC tournaments. Abbott never won and therefore never earned a shot at Shamrock.

There were rumours of a bout between the pair as recently as 2009, albeit outside the UFC which likely would have materialised had Shamrock not tested positive for steroids following his victory over Ross Clifton.

Who would have won?

Whatever the era, Shamrock would have won this fight. It would be at its least competitive in 1996, when Shamrock's knees were still healthy enough for him to take Abbott down to the mat. This match would have played out similarly to Shamrock's victory over Kimo at UFC 8, with Shamrock the winner by submission.

#6 Jon Jones vs Brock Lesnar

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Jon Jones vs Brock Lesnar: Could the dream bout finally occur in 2019?

One of the few matches on this list that could still conceivably happen, even if the window is small.

Lesnar and Jones have been rumoured to clash for years, and both are well-rounded strikers and wrestlers that would unquestionably match up very well in the Octagon.

Much like Lesnar, Jones is currently serving a suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. This bout could occur in 2019, maybe with the UFC Heavyweight Championship at stake.

Why didn't it happen?

Jones debuted in the UFC, just prior to Lesnar winning the Heavyweight Championship and built his reputation whilst Lesnar was out of action injured. When Lesnar returned, Jones was Light-Heavyweight Champion. Soon after Lesnar re-joined WWE.

Who would have won?

We may find out in 2019, but had this bout occurred in 2009, then Lesnar's greater UFC experience would likely have been the deciding factor. Had the bout occurred in 2011, then a more experienced Jones would likely have been able to take Lesnar down to the mat with his strikes and found a way to finish the fight.

#5 George St. Pierre vs Royce Gracie

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George St. Pierre and Royce Gracie prior to UFC 167

George St. Pierre and Royce Gracie are two of the finest Welterweight fighters of all time and both have imperious UFC records, with only three Octagon defeats between them.

Why didn't it happen?

When Royce Gracie returned to the UFC in 2006, it was for one match only. His opponent was, St. Pierre's great, Welterweight rival, Matt Hughes.

In 2006, Hughes was the legend with a greater reputation than St. Pierre and the more marquee opponent for Gracie. St. Pierre's profile would increase in later years.

Who would have won?

Without doubt, St. Pierre. Gracie was too far past his peak.

#4 Randy Couture vs Mirko Cro Cop

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Mirko Cro Cop - never faced Randy Couture

It would have been a heavyweight title fight for the ages. The wrestling acumen of Couture versus the devastating striking skills of Cro Cop.

Why didn't it happen?

The match would have occurred with the UFC Heavyweight Championship on the line at UFC 74. However, in a number one contender match at UFC 70, Cro Cop was surprisingly knocked out by Gabriel Gonzaga. Gonzaga challenged Couture for the belt instead.

Who would have won?

At the time the fight would have likely taken place, Cro Cop was entering decline. A fact highlighted by his loss to Gonzaga, and Couture had developed his striking skills to a level that matched his grappling ability. Couture likely would have won this fight in a similar fashion to how he finished Gonzaga.

#3 Cris Cyborg vs Ronda Rousey

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Cyborg vs Rousey: Could still happen in the future

Probably the two most famous women in the history of MMA. Cris Cyborg, the reigning Featherweight Champion and Ronda Rousey, the former Bantamweight Champion, could yet still have their dream match.

Why didn't it happen?

Rousey's final UFC fight occurred at UFC 207 in December 2016. Cyborg debuted at UFC 198, during Rousey's one year sabbatical from the sport. After Rousey's knockout loss at UFC 207, she never fought again.

If the match were to occur then one of these two ladies would either have to cut or put on weight to clash inside the Octagon.

Who would have won?

This is an extremely difficult one to predict. Both possess devastating striking power. However, Rousey has the far superior grappling ability and Cyborg's only MMA defeat came via submission, which is what Rousey's likely route to victory would be.

#2 Brock Lesnar vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

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Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - fell to Frank Mir at UFC 92, denying him the Lesnar match at UFC 100

Two of the biggest names ever in the history of MMA. Brock Lesnar vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira would surely have been an instant classic

Why didn't it happen?

Nogueira lost to Frank Mir at UFC 92. Had he won, he, not Mir would have faced Lesnar for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 100.

Who would have won?

At the time of Lesnar's fight with Mir at UFC 100, where this bout would have taken place, Lesnar was at the top of his MMA game. His superior size and strength would likely have overwhelmed the ageing Nogueira. Big Nog's excellent wrestling skills would have been neutered by Lesnar's considerable wrestling background. As a result, it's hard to see how Nogueira could have found a way to affect Lesnar in such a way where he could have defeated him.

#1 Wanderlei Silva vs Randy Couture

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Wanderlei Silva and Randy Couture: Never clashed

Two of the finest Light-Heavyweight fighters in MMA history. Randy Couture called Wanderlei Silva out on many occasions whilst UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion. A clash between the two of them would have been the most mouth-watering Light-Heavyweight clash of all time.

Why didn't it happen?

Simple. Silva spent the bulk of his prime years fighting in Japan for Pride FC while Couture fought in the UFC.

Who would have won?

Silva possessed the superior striking ability, speed and agility and would likely have proved too hot for Couture to handle.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram