The UFC’s schedule for the coming months has already generated buzz, with marquee bouts like Du Plessis vs. Chimaev and Aspinall vs. Gane promising electrifying moments. Yet, beneath the surface lies an array of potential matchups that could elevate the promotion’s narrative and redefine fighters’ legacies. While the sport often leans on the routine — title defenses, rematches, or obliged featherweight complaints — truly groundbreaking fights are born from audacious matchmaking. The question is: which cage battles could push the boundaries of excitement, rivalry, and storytelling?
Makhachev’s Bold Move: Upending the Lightweight Hierarchy
One of the most intriguing possibilities is the anticipated welterweight title fight, which, despite an absence of official confirmation, looms as a game-changer. The core intrigue lies in the potential matchup between Islam Makhachev and the rising star, Della Maddalena. Makhachev’s decision to vacate the lightweight belt and compete at 170 pounds marks a significant departure from the Khabib Nurmagomedov lineage, where moving up weight classes was seldom considered. It’s a gamble that signals confidence and a desire to test new waters, but it also opens a Pandora’s box of questions about how the sport views champions who challenge themselves across divisions.
For Maddalena, this fight offers an opportunity to break into global consciousness. Though his name may not yet resonate with casual fans, a high-profile bout at Madison Square Garden would skyrocket his visibility. The matchup could serve as a statement — Makhachev’s physicality versus Maddalena’s versatility. If the UFC champions the fight properly, it might just become a legendary example of how strategic matchmaking can push fighters and tease the very fabric of the sport’s hierarchy.
Unfinished Business: The Heavyweight and Middleweight Crossroads
In the heavyweight division, fans have been waiting for a definitive showdown involving Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. The heavyweight landscape has been a swirling pot of injuries, rebuildings, and rematch rumors, but a decisive bout here is overdue. It’s time to settle who truly belongs in the division’s elite echelon, not just for rankings but for narrative stakes. Who among these warriors can assert dominance and claim the title of the division’s next superstar?
Meanwhile, the middleweight division is tantalizingly close to an undisputed showdown between Israel Adesanya and Khamzat Chimaev. Though Adesanya’s current skid complicates the narrative, a clash with Chimaev — who has ignited the division with his relentless pressure and raw skill — would have sky-high stakes. What if, hypothetically, Chimaev becomes champion and is faced with a last-minute opponent switch? Imagine Adesanya, now seemingly on the ropes, getting a surprise shot at the undefeated Chimaev. Such an unpredictable scenario would undoubtedly be the talk of the MMA world, offering an instant classic built on rivalry, last-minute heroics, and redemption arcs.
The Mythical Women’s Championship Duel: Nunes vs. Harrison
In women’s MMA, the awaited clash between Amanda Nunes and newly crowned challenger Julianna Harrison is more than a fight; it’s a cultural event in the making. Nunes, the GOAT of women’s MMA, stepping into the octagon against the undefeated Olympic judoka, Harrison, is a narrative-rich matchup. It’s a story of resilience, evolution, and the ongoing battle for dominance in a division eager for fresh antagonists.
This fight would be more than just a title bout; it would be a battle of styles, generations, and legacies. Harrison’s judo prowess against Nunes’ all-around striking and ground game would culminate in a technical chess match with high stakes and high emotion. If properly promoted, it could push women’s MMA into another stratosphere, potentially sealing its status among the most compelling divisions.
Fight of the Future: O’Malley versus Garbrandt
Some matchups aren’t necessarily built around rankings but are driven by pure entertainment and narrative fireworks. Sean O’Malley versus Cody Garbrandt epitomizes this kind of fight. Years of built-up tension, a distinctive fighting style, and a shared history create a perfect storm for a blockbuster showdown. An old rivalry reignited at a higher stakes level could deliver the chaos, drama, and knockout fireworks fans crave.
Even if this bout doesn’t climb the official rankings ladder, it guarantees attention and pay-per-view hits. It’s one of those fights that feels inevitable — a collision of personalities and styles that fans have been waiting for, and which could serve as a perfect rallying event to cap a wild fight year.
The Rise of Future Stars: Pico’s UFC Destiny
Junior Pico’s debut was meant to be a launchpad into superstardom, yet an injury delay has postponed that moment. The UFC now faces a strategic question: who will Pico face upon return? The options range from grappling specialists to dynamic strikers, but the best matchup might be a more action-packed encounter against Yair Rodriguez.
While a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski or Islam Makhachev remains a tantalizing prospect, it’s crucial to think about how to showcase Pico’s strengths. Rodriguez’s aggressive style would deliver the kind of entertaining fight Pico excels at. A victory here would not only elevate Pico as a serious contender but also invigorate the featherweight division with fresh energy. Given the unpredictable nature of MMA, booking Pico against a fighter known for entertaining performances risks turning him into a fan favorite overnight.
Bold Moves and High-Risk, High-Reward Fights
What these fights represent is a willingness to venture beyond the familiar — to gamble on storylines, fighter potential, and what fans secretly crave: unpredictability. The UFC has an opportunity to craft moments that transcend rankings, creating legends and shifting divisions in ways that traditional matchmaking cannot. These battles are less about immediate belt defenses and more about creating new rivalries, epic moments, and memorable history.
In the end, the essence of MMA lies in its unpredictability. The fights that captivate us are often the ones we least expect — where passion, storylines, and daring matchmaking collide in a truly spectacular fashion. If the UFC dares to take these bold steps, it could transform this upcoming fight season into a legendary chapter of combat sports history.