exciting matchups we crave in the UFC: makhachev vs. jdm, harrison vs. nunes, and o’malley vs. garbrandt?
Exciting Matchups We Crave in the UFC: Makhachev vs. JDM, Harrison vs. Nunes, and O’Malley vs. Garbrandt?
As 2024 barrels forward, UFC matchmakers have already stacked the calendar with some blockbuster events. But for diehard fans and MMA insiders alike, a handful of dream matchups float tantalizingly on the horizon. Three potential fights – Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena (JDM), Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes, and Sean O’Malley vs. Cody Garbrandt – stand out as absolute must-sees due to their storylines, talent, and sheer unpredictability.
Makhachev vs. JDM: Lightweight King Eyes New Heights
Islam Makhachev has established himself as a dominant force in the lightweight division, defending his UFC title multiple times and carrying the legacy of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now, serious buzz surrounds a possible jump in weight to challenge the surging Australian, Jack Della Maddalena, for the welterweight crown, possibly at UFC 322 in New York.
Makhachev’s move up marks a pivotal moment; Khabib never climbed to welterweight, leaving the question “what if?” on the table. Maddalena isn’t a household name yet, but MMA experts point to his well-rounded skillset and physical prime as a major threat. As one analyst put it, “This might be the most stylistically intriguing title fight in years.” The stakes are high, especially if the bout lands at the iconic Madison Square Garden, signaling the UFC’s intent to push this matchup into the mainstream spotlight. If recent MMA scheduling turmoil is any indication (like the recent Abu Dhabi fight cancellation), getting these big fights locked in is more urgent than ever.
Harrison vs. Nunes: A Women’s MMA Superfight in Waiting
Kayla Harrison, the American judoka and PFL superstar, has more than earned her shot at UFC gold. A showdown with Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title is not just overdue—it’s essential for the division. Since transitioning from judo, Harrison has dominated every opponent. Now, all signs point to her challenging Nunes, who has long been considered the women’s MMA GOAT.
Sources close to both camps say this fight was inevitable. Harrison has trained for years at American Top Team, and Nunes even admitted she left the gym in anticipation of a future clash. While Nunes will likely enter as the underdog, her legacy and championship mettle can’t be discounted. Many pundits suggest this matchup would be “easily one of the top five women’s MMA fights of all time,” and could even claim the number one spot if both women perform at their best. The anticipation arguably rivals famous rivalries from the men’s side, like Liddell vs. Ortiz (see the story of that rivalry here).
O’Malley vs. Garbrandt: The Bantamweight Grudge Match
When it comes to guaranteed fireworks, few fights entice more than Sean O’Malley vs. Cody Garbrandt. Though the current rankings might not justify a matchup, the narrative absolutely does. Both former champions, both knockout artists, and both personalities who command serious attention. Years of trash talk boiled over at a news conference in 2021, setting the tone for a classic grudge match.
O’Malley commands the top spot at 135 pounds, while Garbrandt, despite recent back-to-back losses, maintains a loyal fanbase. Expert voices agree that “This matchup would draw more eyes than almost any top-ten fight.” There’s real history here—and a sense that if the UFC doesn’t make this now, it might never happen. If the current landscape has shown anything, it’s that the company isn’t afraid of bold, fan-pleasing decisions. Fighters and fans alike know how fast new stars can rise through spectacular matchups, just as seen in previous UFC events with stacked cards and huge moments.
Expert Opinions and Varied Perspectives
Veteran MMA reporter Brett Okamoto has described these possible matchups as opportunities for “the UFC to take its schedule to the next level.” Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov have also weighed in, noting the unique threats and styles each potential bout brings. On the other hand, some industry observers point to fighter safety and ranking integrity, questioning whether star-driven matchmaking sometimes overshadows athletic merit.
Yet, fan response is overwhelmingly supportive. Social media polls and forum debates consistently rank these fights at the top of wish lists. For many, these are not just contests—they’re chapters in the ongoing evolution of MMA, echoing the sport’s history while pushing it forward.
The Road Ahead
With title implications, old rivalries reignited, and divisions in flux, the UFC’s potential for blockbuster matchups in 2024 is off the charts. As the company reveals more of its yearly schedule, a collective hope lingers among fighters, fans, and promoters: that these super fights finally materialize and deliver the moments that turn good years into legendary ones.
For even more on the latest twists in UFC matchmaking, and to keep up with every fight announcement, stay tuned to trusted sources—because in the fight game, anything can happen before the final bell.
Source: www.espn.com