The UFC thrives on the thrill of elite matchups, capturing the imagination of fans with fights that blend skill, storyline, and unpredictability. While the 2023 slate has delivered its share of blockbuster moments, the sport’s brightest future hinges on a handful of high-stakes battles that could redefine weight classes, rivalries, and the very fabric of MMA storytelling. As fans, we are not just passive observers but advocates for the most compelling clashes—and it’s time UFC’s management recognizes that appetite.
Especially with the recent announcements and ongoing chatter, it’s clear that the sport could benefit from a purer focus on matchups that combine violence, talent, and narrative intrigue. The potential fights laid out here have the power to influence rankings, spark regional and global debates, and turn casual viewers into die-hard fans. These scenarios aren’t just wishful thinking; they are vital pieces of a puzzle that, if assembled correctly, can elevate the sport’s mainstream appeal.
The Makhachev Della Maddalena Showdown: A Game-Changer in the Making
One of the most underappreciated storylines unfolding in the UFC revolves around Islam Makhachev’s move up to welterweight to challenge the reigning champion, likely someone from that division’s emerging elite. The anticipation surrounding what this fight could mean is substantial because it’s more than a mere title change; it’s a symbolic shift in the sport’s landscape. Makhachev, long considered Khabib Nurmagomedov’s spiritual successor, stepping into a new weight class signals a desire to diversify his legacy.
What makes this matchup between Makhachev and rising star Jack Della Maddalena particularly compelling is the combination of skill and story. Della Maddalena may not yet be a household name, but his combination of physicality and technical prowess makes him a formidable challenge for any top-tier fighter. It’s a classic case of an underdog with everything to gain and little to lose. Hosting this bout at Madison Square Garden would be more than just a venue choice; it’s a statement that the UFC recognizes the importance of elevating rising talents and giving them a global platform.
This hypothetical showdown could serve as a George Foreman-style springboard for Della Maddalena, and watching Makhachev adapt to a weight class beyond lightweight would add a fascinating layer of strategy and endurance. Critics might argue Makhachev’s size disadvantage makes the fight less appealing, but true fans understand that MMA’s beauty lies in its unpredictability. This would be a marquee event—an opportunity for the sport to demonstrate that emerging fighters can challenge established stars in a meaningful, impactful way.
The Khamzat Chimaev and Israel Adesanya Saga: A Fight Worth Waiting For
Few fighters have sparked as much debate and excitement as Khamzat Chimaev. His ascent has been nothing short of meteoric, marked by dominance and a ferocious fighting style that electrifies spectators. When contemplating potential matchups, the fight that emerges as both overdue and explosive is his clash with Israel Adesanya. While recent circumstances—illness, inactivity—have delayed this showdown, betting on a future where these two collide remains logical.
The appeal isn’t only on a stylistic level; it’s rooted in storytelling. Chimaev’s push into the title picture has teed up a narrative about grit, resilience, and the kingmaker role that champions like Adesanya have historically played. If the UFC rings in a December bout in Las Vegas—say, with Chimaev defending his newly acquired strap—the scene could be set for a fireworks display that redefines middleweight greatness.
Furthermore, the potential for Adesanya to step in on short notice against a heavily favored undefeated Chimaev adds an intriguing twist. It injects the element of chaos the sport often needs and could produce one of the most memorable pages in MMA history, even if it’s just a temporary solution. Such a fight would be a perfect storm: the rising star versus the established icon, each vying for legacy and dominance.
The Bantamweight War: Nunes vs. Harrison as a Landmark Event
The women’s bantamweight division remains starved for marquee moments, but a title clash between Amanda Nunes and two-division champion Julianna Harrison could rejuvenate the division’s tier-one status. What makes this fight so appealing isn’t solely the skill level but the narrative richness—it’s a clash of two fighters who have climbed different paths to confront each other. Nunes, often seen as the GOAT of women’s MMA, faces Harrison, a judoka who’s been quietly accumulating wins and readying for her moment.
The anticipation isn’t just for the fight itself but for what it symbolizes: the culmination of years of building, the rise of a new star, and the last chapter for one of the sport’s most dominant forces. The underdog tag on Harrison adds an extra layer of intrigue. If the fight is booked in a massive arena—ideally at UFC’s flagship venues—it could serve as a pinnacle event, rewriting the narrative for women’s MMA and inspiring a new generation.
Such a bout has the potential to produce one of the sport’s greatest moments—not merely in terms of techniques exchanged but in storytelling, legacy, and the evolution of women’s combat sports.
O’Malley vs. Garbrandt: A Classic Rivalry Reignited
In the realm of big personalities and high-voltage fights, few matchups promise more fireworks than Sean O’Malley against Cody Garbrandt. The backstory is built on mutual respect, shared history, and a simmering rivalry that fans eagerly want to see explode into the octagon. Both are knockout artists with a penchant for standing and trading, making their confrontation a natural crowd-puller.
The beauty is not only in the fight but in its potential to ignite a rivalry that transcends rankings and elevates both fighters’ profiles. There’s a certain nostalgia tied to their anticipated clash—an alignment of stylistic flair and raw aggression. An ideal setting would be a brutal, high-energy event designed to maximize promotion, allowing fans to indulge in a spectacle that appeals to both hardcore enthusiasts and casual viewers.
Given Garbrandt’s recent struggles and O’Malley’s rising star status, this fight would serve as a barometer of momentum and a critical step further up the rankings ladder. The UFC should seize this opportunity not just for the fight itself but for the story it can tell about resilience, rivalry, and the evolution of bantamweight personalities.
Beyond the Cage: The Power of Strategic Matchmaking
While these fights shine brightly in the hypothetical landscape, the true passion lies in UFC’s capacity to turn ideas into realities. MMA fans demand more than just titles—what they crave are battles that matter on a personal, regional, and global scale. The promotion’s ability to schedule fights that evoke emotion and showcase martial artistry will ultimately determine the sport’s growth.
Bookkeeping fights just for the sake of it isn’t enough anymore. The future belongs to strategic, well-constructed matchups that tap into fan excitement, fill stadiums, and leave lasting legacies. The key is bridging the gap between marketability and meaningful competition. Whether it’s a rising star like Della Maddalena stepping up to challenge a veteran, or a grudge match between stylistic opposites like O’Malley and Garbrandt—all of these fight concepts serve a bigger purpose: ensuring MMA continues to evolve as a sport that’s unpredictable, captivating, and transcendent.
In essence, the UFC has the blueprint for an unforgettable finish