5 explosive fights to make in the UFC light heavyweight division

L-R: Jan Blachowicz, Glover Teixeira, Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill and Magomed Ankalaev [Images via @janblachowicz, @espnmma, @jirkaprochazka, @sweet_dreams_jhill and @ankalaev_magomed on Instagram]

Ever since Jon Jones vacated his title in 2020, the UFC light heavyweight title has changed hands three times. The division is now among the most competitive in the UFC and continues to get spicier with every passing high-profile 205-pound bout.

Almost all the ranked light heavyweights have competed this year, and as such, the pecking order has been constantly changing. Most notably, Jiri Prochazka won the belt in spectacular fashion at UFC 275 after five rounds of scorching action in Singapore.

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As of this writing, apart from the Johnny Walker vs. Ion Cutelaba bout set for UFC 279, none of the other top-ranked light heavyweights have an opponent. As they get matched up over the next few months, the landscape of the division is set to undergo another shuffle.

Here are five explosive fights to make in the UFC light heavyweight division.

#5. Thiago Santos vs. Ryan Spann

Thiago Santos has fallen off quite a bit since his razor-close split-decision loss to Jon Jones back in 2019. He has gone 1-4 since that championship bout and looks a shadow of his former self. In his most recent appearance inside the octagon, the Brazilian was finished by rising light heavyweight star Jamahal Hill.

When firing on all cylinders, Santos is among the most intimidating knockout artists in the division. He has 11 KO/TKO victories under his belt in the UFC and remains the only fighter ever to beat Jon Jones on a judge's scorecard.

Friday Fun Fact. 🧐 #UFCVegas59 https://t.co/vundwyNu6P

Santos still holds a place in the top 10 of the 205-pound division. With his ongoing string of losses, the UFC matchmakers might look to use him as a springboard for other up-and-coming contenders, as they've done with numerous veterans in the past.

A fight against Ryan Spann could be next on the horizon for 'Marreta'. The promotion has already tried to leapfrong Spann up the rankings once, but Anthony Smith spoiled the party on that occasion. 'Superman' currently holds the No.12 spot on the light heavyweight ladder and is coming off a first-round submission win over Ion Cutelaba.

The top 1️⃣0️⃣ is in his sights...

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A veteran vs. prospect matchup like Thiago Santos vs. Ryan Spann seems obvious at this point as it seems clear that Santos' days as a championship contender are over.

As the new wave of light heavyweights ascend and the division dawns on a new era, it's only a matter of time before all of Jon Jones' former opponents get phased out of the upper echalons at 205 pounds.

Santos vs. Spann offers both fighters exactly what they need at this stage of their respective careers, and has all the makings of a fun stylistic clash for the fans as well.