1. Winner of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić (UFC 309)
Magomed Ankalaev is currently ranked #2 in the UFC light heavyweight division. He boasts an impressive record of 18 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 10 victories coming by knockout. Ankalaev is known for his striking and has a solid ground game, making him a well-rounded threat in the octagon.
Last Five Fights:
- Win against Johnny Walker (KO) at UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 (Jan 13, 2024)
- No Contest against Johnny Walker (illegal knee) at UFC 294 (Oct 21, 2023)
- Draw against Jan Błachowicz (split) at UFC 282 (Dec 10, 2022)
- Win against Anthony Smith (TKO) at UFC 277 (Jul 30, 2022)
- Win against Thiago Santos (decision) at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Ankalaev (Mar 12, 2022)
Aleksandar Rakić, holding the #5 ranking, has a professional record of 14 wins and 4 losses. He is recognized for his striking power and tactical fighting style. Rakić has faced tough competition and has proven himself against several high-profile fighters in the division, making him a formidable opponent for anyone in his path.
Last Five Fights:
- Loss to Jiří Procházka (TKO) at UFC 300 (Apr 13, 2024)
- Loss to Jan Błachowicz (TKO, knee injury) at UFC on ESPN (May 14, 2022)
- Win against Thiago Santos (decision) at UFC 259 (Mar 6, 2021)
- Win against Anthony Smith (decision) at UFC Fight Night (Aug 29, 2020)
- Loss to Volkan Oezdemir (split decision) at UFC Fight Night (Dec 21, 2019)
2. Winner of Carlos Ulberg vs. Volkan Oezdemir (UFC Macau)
Carlos Ulberg is ranked #10 in the UFC light heavyweight division and has a record of 10 wins and 1 loss. Known for his striking ability, Ulberg has showcased his knockout power and submission skills throughout his career. He is on a hot streak and is looking to make a statement in his next fight.
Last Five Fights:
- Win against Alonzo Menifield (KO) at UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento (May 11, 2024)
- Win against Jung Da-un (submission) at UFC 293 (Sep 10, 2023)
- Win against Ihor Potieria (TKO) at UFC on ABC (May 13, 2023)
- Win against Nicolae Negumereanu (KO) at UFC 281 (Nov 12, 2022)
- Win against Tafon Nchukwi (TKO) at UFC on ESPN (Jun 25, 2022)
Volkan Oezdemir, currently ranked #6, has a record of 20 wins and 7 losses. He is a seasoned veteran with a reputation for his knockout power and ability to go the distance. Oezdemir has faced some of the toughest opponents in the division and is always a dangerous matchup, given his experience and skill set.
Last Five Fights:
- Win against Johnny Walker (KO) at UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov (Jun 22, 2024)
- Win against Bogdan Guskov (submission) at UFC Fight Night (Sep 2, 2023)
- Loss to Nikita Krylov (decision) at UFC 280 (Oct 22, 2022)
- Win against Paul Craig (decision) at UFC Fight Night (Jul 23, 2022)
- Loss to Magomed Ankalaev (decision) at UFC 267 (Oct 30, 2021)
3. Tom Aspinall (Interim Heavyweight Champion)
Tom Aspinall is on the rise in the heavyweight division and is likely to be elevated to champion due to the potential retirement of Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic who will fight in the main event of UFC 308. With a record of 12 wins and 3 losses, Aspinall has demonstrated remarkable striking and grappling abilities, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the heavyweight category. His recent performances indicate he is ready to take on the best in the division.
Last Five Fights:
- Win against Sergei Pavlovich (TKO) at UFC Fight Night (Mar 30, 2024)
- Win against Curtis Blaydes (TKO) at UFC Fight Night (Jul 24, 2022)
- Win against Alexander Volkov (decision) at UFC Fight Night (Mar 19, 2022)
- Win against Andrei Arlovski (TKO) at UFC Fight Night (Sep 3, 2022)
- Win against Sergey Spivak (submission) at UFC Fight Night (Mar 19, 2022)
