The UFC’s recent announcement of upcoming fights in October has ignited an essential conversation about the organization’s capacity to craft moments that resonate beyond the octagon. While the sports community often fixates on confirmed bouts, the real magic lies in the potential matchups yearning to happen—fights that could elevate the sport’s narrative, challenge conventions, and fandoms. The UFC has a storied history of surprises; it’s time to push the boundaries further by contemplating the tantalizing conflicts that remain on the horizon. These fights are not just contests; they are opportunities for the sport to reinvent itself, to generate new legends, and to captivate audiences in unprecedented ways.
The upcoming middleweight clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 exemplifies this potential. It’s a significant stage for two fighters on the ascent, promising fireworks and a narrative steeped in resilience and ambition. Yet, beyond this, a landscape of fresh possibilities exists—bout opportunities that may not yet be on the official schedule but are eager to leave their mark. Building expectations around these fights encourages a deeper appreciation of MMA as a sport that thrives on storytelling, rivalry, and raw adrenaline, rather than just rankings and titles.
Making the Case for the Clash of Champions: Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena
A fight that stands out not just for its potential intrigue but for its implications is a hypothetical showdown between Islam Makhachev and Robert Whittaker. With Makhachev vacating the lightweight title and eyeing a move to welterweight, this move signals a pivotal chapter. It echoes the daring spirit of Khabib Nurmagomedov, his legendary mentor, but also sets the stage for a new narrative—a champion stepping outside the comfort zone of his established weight class. That’s what makes this matchup so compelling: it’s a statement fight about daring to evolve and challenge oneself beyond perceived limitations.
Della Maddalena, often under the radar compared to other phenoms, embodies the kind of fighter who could test Makhachev’s skills in ways few others can. His physicality, versatile skill set, and prime condition make him a formidable opponent—possibly a more complex challenge than many realize. Hosting this bout at Madison Square Garden would ignite the fanbase, offering a spectacle that symbolizes the sport’s growth and the UFC’s commitment to promoting fighters’ narratives rather than just titles. The fight’s significance extends beyond the octagon; it’s a battle about legacy, risk-taking, and pushing the boundaries of what a champion can be.
The Underdog Classic: A Potential Trilogy Between Adesanya and Chimaev
One of the most exhilarating yet unpredictable matchups that fans have desperately wanted is a showdown between Israel Adesanya and Khamzat Chimaev. Originally slated for a much earlier date, the prolonged wait has only fueled speculation and desire. If Chimaev manages to secure the title and defend it successfully, the storylines that could unfold are endless. Imagine a December card in Las Vegas where Adesanya, seeking redemption, faces a newly crowned champion on short notice—a David vs. Goliath narrative that writes itself.
For many, this fight represents more than just a matchup of skill—it’s about reclaiming lost pride, rewriting history, and captivating the audience with a narrative steeped in anticipation and rivalry. Even if Chimaev defies expectations and loses, the story remains compelling. The possibility of a blockbuster trilogy, heated exchanges, and shared history makes this an unmissable chapter in MMA history. The UFC has the rare opportunity to craft a fight that combines martial arts mastery with storytelling that could resonate for years.
Women’s MMA’s Defining Moment: Nunes vs. Harrison
In a sport hungry for dominant stories and milestone moments, the prospects of Amanda Nunes versus Julianna Harrison promise to be a historic event. This isn’t just a title fight; it’s a collision of eras, styles, and narratives. Nunes, a powerhouse who has dominated women’s MMA, finally acknowledging her departure from American Top Team to prepare for this challenge underscores the fight’s importance. Harrison, a judoka with Olympic gold medals, embodies a different spirit—an athlete who has trained for this precise moment her entire career.
This bout has all the ingredients to become an all-time classic, pushing boundaries and rewriting the sport’s landscape for women’s MMA. It’s a match rooted in history, legacy, and the intricate chess game of strategy and willpower. The narrative potential here transcends rankings; it’s about inspiring future generations and cementing the sport’s reputation for delivering the most compelling stories on the planet.
Fireworks and Frenzy: O’Malley vs. Garbrandt
Sometimes, the fights fans crave most aren’t about meticulous rankings or championship aspirations; they’re about raw emotion, history, and vendettas. Sean O’Malley versus Cody Garbrandt epitomizes this. Two fighters with a shared history of knockout power, aggressive styles, and long-standing rivalry could deliver a spectacle that fuels the sport’s adrenaline rush like few others. Both fighters have experienced ups and downs—O’Malley with rising prominence, Garbrandt with a resurgence possible after recent setbacks.
A showdown between the two would be a guaranteed ratings hit, especially with the trash talk and history brewing just beneath the surface. It’s a fight that doesn’t need to be for a title to be meaningful; it needs to happen because it’s compelling—fans want it, fighters want it, and it promises fireworks that could revive both fighters’ careers and captivate the MMA world.
Regarding What Could Have Been: The Future of Pico and Evloev
Finally, every MMA fan has those “what if” moments—fights that might have defined a career but were left unrealized due to circumstances. Pico, once hyped as an imminent superstar, was scheduled for a debut against Evloev, an undefeated grappler with a reputation for tough, methodical fights. The cancellation leaves fans yearning for a fresh, engaging matchup that truly showcases Pico’s explosive, boxer-wrestler style.
In an alternative universe, Pico stepping into the octagon against Rodriguez or even Evloev would serve as a perfect introduction—opponents who could either ignite fireworks or provide compelling strategic battles. The waiting game emphasizes the importance of matchmaking in MMA. A carefully curated fight, rather than an obligatory grappling grind, could catapult Pico into the spotlight and set a new tone for his career trajectory.
The UFC’s ability to curate fights that embody storytelling, athleticism, and unpredictability is essential for the sport’s evolution. These matchups are more than just contests—they are opportunities to craft history, inspire new fans, and solidify the UFC’s legacy as a promoter of legendary moments. The future of MMA depends on the boldness and creativity of matchmakers willing to take risks and follow their instincts. The sport is ripe for revolution—are we ready to see the fights that will define a generation?