MMA fans will have plenty of new content to consume, as A&E’s new series UFC Rivals is set to premiere. Several UFC Hall of Famers are set to be featured in roundtable discussions alongside host Mario Lopez.
Ken Shamrock, Michael Bisping, Miesha Tate, and CM Punk will unpack some of the UFC’s biggest rivalries. They will share their insight and thoughts on the fighters involved and explain how those rivalries shaped the promotion.
“The episodes highlight how big personalities and remarkable stories came together to create unforgettable matchups that shaped the fighters’ careers and left a lasting legacy on the sport,” the network wrote in a press release.
Based on the first-look trailer, the series will be similar to A&E‘s WWE Rivals series. The series will also give the promotion a chance to attract a broader audience who may not be familiar with the sport. By introducing a new audience to some of its biggest rivalries, the UFC could attract more casual or even lapsed fans.
When Will UFC Rivals Premiere?
UFC Rivals is scheduled to premiere on Jun 21. with back-to-back episodes airing at 8pm and 9pm ET on A&E. The debut episode will look at the Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz rivalry, which sparked mainstream interest during the 2000s.
“In the early 2000s, former friends and training partners Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz became bitter adversaries as competition and pride drove them apart. The episode explores how the explosive feud not only captivated fans but helped launch the UFC into the mainstream,” A&E said in a press release.
The network announced that the Liddell vs. Ortiz episode will be immediately followed by an episode on Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra. Although that rivalry was not built on animosity, it began after Serra dethroned St-Pierre to become the welterweight champion.
At the time, Serra had just won season 4 of The Ultimate Fighter, which was promoted as a comeback season. The winner of each division not only earned a second chance with the UFC, but also received a title shot.
Serra’s win over ‘Rush’ is still regarded as one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
“Canadian superstar Georges St-Pierre seemed unstoppable, while Matt Serra was viewed as an underdog until a shocking title-fight victory upended expectations and sparked an unlikely rivalry, the network wrote.”
Which Rivalries Will be Focused on?
While A&E announced the details for the premiere of UFC Rivals, the network did not reveal the full lineup. However, the first-look trailer hinted at what viewers can expect.
The trailer featured footage of Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier and Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz. Based on that, it is reasonable to assume that both rivalries will receive dedicated episodes.
The UFC’s parent company, TKO, already have a working relationship with A&E. The network produces several WWE documentary series, including WWE Rivals and WWE Legends.
If the new UFC series succeeds, it will be interesting to see whether A&E expands its UFC programming. The promotion has had several high-profile rivalries that could make a second season possible. In addition, the UFC has also been around long enough for legends-focused documentaries to become a realistic option as well.
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