A&E dipping into the MMA realm and guest appearing will be CM Punk and Ken Shamrock.
A&E is rolling out a new MMA series titled ‘UFC Rivals.’ It will deep dive into some of the most iconic feuds in the history of Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Mario Lopez will host a roundtable of guests to discuss those feuds, and among the panelists are CM Punk, UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock, Michael Bisping, and Miesha Tate.
Below is the press release:
MARIO LOPEZ TO LEAD “UFC RIVALS,” A SPECIAL TWO-EPISODE EVENT PREMIERING SUNDAY, JUNE 21ST AT 8PM ET/PT ON A&E
BACK-TO-BACK EPISODES DELVE INTO ICONIC UFC FEUDS THAT TRANSFORMED THE SPORT INCLUDING CHUCK LIDDELL VS. TITO ORTIZ AND GEORGES ST-PIERRE VS. MATT SERRA
NEW YORK, NY – May 13, 2026 – A&E steps into the world of mixed martial arts with the premiere of “UFC Rivals,” an electrifying look at some of the most iconic feuds in UFC history. Television personality and UFC superfan Mario Lopez leads a roundtable of experts including C.M. Punk, Michael Bisping, Miesha Tate, and Ken Shamrock to unpack the rivalries that defined an era and transformed the UFC into a global phenomenon. Back-to-back episodes of “UFC Rivals” premiere Sunday, June 21st at 8pm and 9pm ET/PT on A&E.
“UFC Rivals” combines compelling archival footage, exclusive interviews and a dynamic roundtable discussion with fan favorite UFC experts to explore the unforgettable moments and high-stakes competition behind the fiercest showdowns ever fought inside the Octagon. 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 night kicks off examining Liddell vs Ortiz, one of the most influential rivalries in UFC history. 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.
Following at 9pm ET/PT, episode two spotlights St-Pierre vs. Serra, widely regarded as one of the greatest 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 panel breaks down the fight, its aftermath, and the moment that stunned fans worldwide.
“UFC Rivals” is produced by UFC for A&E. Dana White, Craig Borsari, Chris Kartzmark, Tucker Greene, and Joyce Lynda Valdes serve as executive producers for UFC. Elaine Frontain Bryant and Jonathan Partridge executive produce for A&E. A+E Global Media holds worldwide distribution rights to “UFC Rivals” in all media.
“UFC Rivals” will be available on demand and to stream on the A&E App and aetv.com.
CM Punk has a 0-1-1 fight record. His UFC 225 loss to Mike Jackson was overturned because Jackson tested positive for marijuana on fight day.
