A catalyst that can attract fan interest and sell pay-per-views,
rivalries have been a key factor in the growth of mixed martial
arts.
Produced by Ciranda Films in association with the Ultimate Fighting
Championship, the series — which has aired on the Brazilian Combate
channel since Sept. 28 — is entitled “The Greatest Rivalries of
MMA”, and in six episodes highlights some of the greatest rivalries
in the sport since it was known as Vale Tudo.
Some of the rivalries covered include: the Santanas vs. the Gracies
in the 1950s; muay Thai vs. jiu-jitsu in the ‘80s; jiu-jitsu vs.
Luta-Livre in the ‘90s as well as BTT vs. Chute Boxe and Sakuraba
vs. the Gracies, the two biggest rivalries of Pride era. The
documentary also shows the most remarkable UFC rivalries.
“We shared those 18 rivalries in six episodes. Each one has three
parts, starting and finishing with a UFC rivalriy and incorporating
a historic rivalry,” said Bruno Duarte, who directed the
series.
“We traveled all over Brazil and USA to interview some of the most
important protagonists, trainers and also journalists who witnessed
all those 18 rivalries closely.”
Even though he admittedly wasn’t familiar with the fighting world,
Bruno confessed that he became a big fan of the sport after
finishing the series.
“All the narratives are absolutely engaging,” he said. “It´s
not only about fighting, it’s about human history. Khabib vs.
Conor; Jones vs. Cormier; Santanas vs. Gracies; BTT vs. Chute Boxe;
jiu-jitsu vs. Luta-Livre. Even people who don’t like MMA
would be interested in seeing
that.”
Just like all series produced by UFC in partnership with Combate
channel in Brazil, “The Greatest Rivalries of MMA” will be offered,
with subtitles, on UFC Fight Pass for American fans.
“That´s a very interesting piece not only to recall the most
important rivalries of UFC ever, but also to understand the history
and origins of our sport,” said Eduardo Galetti, senior vice
president of UFC in Brazil.
The content of each episode is listed below.
The Greatest Rivalries of MMA
Episode 1
Anderson
Silva vs. Vitor
Belfort
Santanas vs. Gracies
Ronda
Rousey vs. Miesha
Tate
Episode 2
Jose
Aldo vs. Conor
McGregor
Jiu-Jitsu vs. Muay Thai
Dan
Henderson vs. Michael
Bisping
Episode 3
Tito
Ortiz vs. Chuck
Liddell
Jiu-Jitsu vs. Luta-Livre
Claudia
Gadelha vs. Joanna
Jedrzejczyk
Episode 4
Conor
McGregor vs. Nate Diaz
Brazilian Top Team vs. Chute Boxe
T.J.
Dillashaw vs. Cody
Garbrandt
Episode 5
Jon
Jones vs. Daniel
Cormier
Vitor
Belfort vs. Wanderlei
Silva
Amanda
Nunes vs. Cristiane
Justino
Episode 6
Anderson
Silva vs. Chael
Sonnen
Kazushi
Sakuraba vs. Gracies
Khabib
Nurmagomedov vs. Conor
McGregor