grudge match

Score-settling bout

A grudge match is a competition between rivals with a history of conflict or previous defeats to avenge.

The term comes from sports but applies to any rematch fueled by personal animosity rather than just competitive stakes: The election became a grudge match between the two former allies.

The implication is that emotions run higher than in ordinary contests.

animosity

vendetta

Prolonged retaliatory conflict

bad bloodLasting hostile feelings
bitter rivalryIntense ongoing competition
feudBitter ongoing rivalry

enmity · hostility · resentment · hatred · ill will · acrimony · spite · antagonism · old wounds · score to settle

rivalry

showdown

Decisive final confrontation

face-offDirect clash between opponents
clashViolent disagreement or collision
duelPrearranged one-on-one combat

confrontation · head-to-head · arch-rivals · decider · tiebreaker

revenge

payback

Retaliation for wrongs

vengeanceRetaliation for injury
retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
settling scoresAvenging past grievances

retaliation · comeuppance · eye for an eye · reckoning · getting even · sweet revenge · payback time · avenging · redemption · unfinished business

combat

boxing

Combat sport using fists

wrestlingCombat sport requiring holds
MMAHybrid combat sport
boutLimited stretch of something

fight night · heavyweight · knockout · title fight · main event · undercard · ring · octagon · sparring · pugilism

grudge match

vendetta

showdown

payback

boxing

grudge match

Opposites

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