5 fights to make in the UFC light heavyweight division

The UFC light heavyweight title has changed hands numerous times since Jon Jones vacated the championship back in 2020. At the recently concluded UFC 283 pay-per-view, Jamahal Hill became the latest fighter to hold the 205-pound strap.

Given how competitive the division is, the title could potentially change hands a few more times over the next year or so. Notably, former champion Jiri Prochazka, who vacated the title due to injury last year, is itching to return to action.

A message to @JamahalH from @Jiri_BJP after #UFC283 👀 https://t.co/OCEeWilId7

Apart from Hill and Prochazka, the rest of the contenders in the UFC's 205-pound division will be looking to make their mark in the coming months in pursuit of a championship opportunity. Apart from the confirmed Ryan Spann vs. Nikita Krylov bout, no other light heavyweights have been booked.

On that note, here are five fights to make in the UFC light heavyweight division.

#5. Khalil Rountree Jr. vs. Volkan Oezdemir

After an inconsistent run of form between 2017 and 2021, Khalil Rountree Jr. has finally found his groove. The 32-year-old American now finds himself on a three-fight win streak, comprising victories over Modestas Bukauskas, Karl Roberson and Dustin Jacoby, to break into the light heavyweight top 15.

It's back in the win column for Khalil Rountree 👏

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When he's on his game, Rountree Jr. is an intimidating fighter to stand across from inside the octagon. He possesses tremendous power in every limb and has looked phenomenal off late. Pitting him against another higher-ranked striker not only produces an enticing matchup, but offers Rountree Jr. a chance to advance up the ladder.

Volkan Oezdemir fits the bill. A former title challenger, Oezdemir is now seen as the gatekeeper to the upper echelons of the light heavyweight division. 'No Time' occupies the No.8 spot in the rankings, five places ahead of Rountree Jr.

Having lost three of his last four bouts, Oezdemir isn't in a position to demand top 10 fighters. A fight between the Swiss ace and Rountree Jr., two devastating strikers, would be an explosive addition to any fight card.

Rountree Jr. vs. Oezdemir [Images via @khalilrountree & @volkan_oezdemir on Instagram]

#4. Paul Craig vs. Dominick Reyes

Paul Craig is among the most popular fighters in the UFC light heavyweight division. The Scottish grappling phenom's kill-or-be-killed mentality has clearly resonated with the masses, but his last two performances have left a lot to be desired.

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Craig is coming off back-to-back losses to Volkan Oezdemir and Johnny Walker. His somewhat one-dimensional game has put a major dent in his title aspirations and he'll need to make some wholesale changes if he is to advance up the ranks. His wrestling offense, in particular, requires improvement.

Another out-of-form light heavyweight desperate to return to winning ways is Dominick Reyes. Since his failed attempt at the title against Jon Jones, Reyes has lost three fights on the trot and, as such, has dropped to the No.11 spot in the 205-pound rankings.

A fight between Reyes and Craig offers both fighters a chance at breaking their losing skid. This classic striker vs. grappler pairing is a throwback of sorts and would determine which contender's championship hopes are still alive.

Craig vs. Reyes [Images via @paulcraig & @domreyes24 on Instagram]

#3. Aleksandar Rakic vs. Johnny Walker

Johnny Walker has blown hot and cold since signing with the UFC in 2018. After a scintillating start to his career in the famed octagon with three stellar knockouts, Walker lost four out of his next five bouts to drop out of the top 10. The flamboyant Brazilian is now back in to winning ways and is on a two-fight win streak.

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At UFC 283, Walker made light work of Paul Craig to re-enter the light heavyweight top 10. Under the tutelage of John Kavanagh, the Brazilian is back to his best and looks set for another run at the title. Currently occupying the No.8 spot, he is just one or two big wins away from a shot at the belt.

The ideal next opponent for Walker would be No.4-ranked Aleksandar Rakic, who has been out of action since suffering an injury against Jan Blachowicz last year. The Austrian is among the most highly touted contenders in the division, so a win over him would certainly elevate Walker's stock.

Both Rakic and Walker are long and rangey strikers with explosive power. This matchup is all but guaranteed to produce fireworks and is a no-bariner from the matchmakers' point of view.

Rakic vs. Walker [Images via @rakic_ufc & @johnnywalker on Instagram]

#2. Jan Blachowicz vs. Anthony Smith

Perennial UFC light heavyweight contender and former title challenger Anthony Smith weighed in as the back-up fighter for the recent Glover Teixeira vs. Jamahal Hill title bout, which is a clear sign that 'Lionheart' is on the cusp of a title shot. While his new best friend Jamahal Hill looks to defend the belt, Smith needs a big win to position himself nicely in the title mix.

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A fight between Anthony Smith and former champion Jan Blachowicz appears to make sense for all parties involved. Blachowicz is coming off his draw against Magomed Ankalaev last year and is also very close to another championship opportunity.

Both top-ranked light heavyweights are veterans of the sport and are quite evenly matched. Blachowicz possesses significantly more power than his American counterpart, but is nowhere near as quick and elusive. On the flipside, 'Lionheart's use of range and distance is difficult to overcome, making this a very interesting fight.

Blachowicz vs. Smith would be the perfect addition to the undercard of the next light heavyweight title fight.

Smith vs. Blachowicz [Images via @lionheartasmith & @janblachowicz on Instagram]

#1. Jamahal Hill vs. Magomed Ankalaev – UFC light heavyweight title fight

Jamahal Hill's incredible ascent from Dana White's Contender Series to UFC gold over the span of just four years has been nothing short of incredible. 'Sweet Dreams' won the title with a dominant showing against Brazilian icon Glover Teixeira this past weekend and looks set for a massive year ahead.

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The elephant in the room when it comes to the UFC light heavyweight title picture is obviously Jiri Prochazka. The Czech phenom vacated the strap after getting injured last year to prevent the division from getting held up, and was apparently promised a title shot upon his return.

Prochazka recently revealed that he will return by the end of the year, but isn't rushing his recovery, nor should he. As the former champion recovers, a fight between Jamahal Hill and Magomed Ankalaev is the only fight to make atop the division.

Ankalaev's last fight was his draw against Jan Blachowicz last year, which many felt he deserved to win. The Russian is a force to be reckoned with, as is Jamahal Hill, making this an easy booking for the championship.

Ankalaev (left) could be next for Hill (right) [Images via @ankalaev_magomed & sweet_dreams_jhill on Instagram]