Fights We Expect to See Before the End of the Year in the UFC
The UFC has announced exciting fights for October, and this leads us to dream of other matchups that could mark the end of the year. We already have high-caliber fights confirmed, but there’s always room for more.
The stellar event of next month will be the middleweight title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. In addition, Tom Aspinall will face Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight championship at UFC 321. Finally, the bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili, will defend his title against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320.
But, what other fights could elevate the level of the UFC? Here are five matchups that could thrill fans.Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena
Although not officially announced yet, this welterweight title fight is expected to take place at UFC 322 in November in New York. This matchup promises to be one of the most impactful and stylistically intriguing of the year, with a special narrative: Makhachev moving up in weight, something his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, never did.
The UFC could seize this opportunity to promote this fight properly, instead of holding it in Abu Dhabi, where Makhachev has fought in the past. Della Maddalena, although not a well-known name, could gain recognition at an event of this magnitude.
Makhachev’s transition to welterweight is significant. Della Maddalena is a complete, physical fighter and in his prime.Khamzat Chimaev vs. Israel Adesanya
This is a fight that should have happened in 2023, when Adesanya was the middleweight champion. If Chimaev defeats Du Plessis, the UFC couldn’t justify this matchup as a title fight, since Adesanya is coming off a three-fight losing streak. However, the possibility of Chimaev winning the belt and then facing Adesanya, who could enter as a last-minute replacement, would be a spectacular event.
Even if Chimaev were to lose against Du Plessis, this fight would still be attractive. There is a lot of history between both fighters.Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes
This fight, which is also expected for the end of the year, is the next bantamweight title fight. It would be an excellent way to close the calendar. Nunes, although she would be the underdog, is a worthy rival.
This matchup has been anticipated since Harrison, an Olympic judo gold medalist, joined MMA in 2018. Nunes acknowledged that she left American Top Team in 2022 because she knew she would eventually face Harrison, who trained there throughout her MMA career. This fight has the potential to be one of the best in women’s MMA history.Sean O’Malley vs. Cody Garbrandt
Although it’s not the most logical fight from a rankings perspective, this would be a rematch. Years ago, these two bantamweights were expected to face each other. Both are known for their knockout power and were champions in the past.
O’Malley is currently the number 1 contender in the 135-pound rankings, while Garbrandt has lost his two most recent fights. This fight would attract a lot of attention, and it’s best that it happens soon.
In 2021, O’Malley and Garbrandt had an altercation at a press conference, and the UFC could use those images to promote this fight.Aaron Pico vs. Yair Rodriguez
Pico, known for his knockout power, is one of the most exciting fighters to watch. He was expected to debut in the UFC this weekend, but his opponent withdrew.
Rodriguez is a better opponent for Pico’s UFC debut. This fight would be more exciting.
