Aleksandar Rakić (Rematch)
A rematch with Aleksandar Rakić, currently ranked #5 in the light heavyweight division, could reignite their past rivalry and provide Oezdemir, who is ranked #9, with an opportunity to reestablish himself as a top contender. Their previous fight was a close contest, and a second bout would draw significant attention.
Rakić's Last Five Fights:
1. Loss to Magomed Ankalaev (Decision, UFC 308)
2. Loss to Jiří Procházka (TKO, UFC 300)
3. Loss to Jan Błachowicz (Knee Injury, UFC on ESPN)
4. Win over Thiago Santos (Decision, UFC 259)
5. Win over Anthony Smith (Decision, UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Rakić)
Rakić's recent performances have been mixed, but his high ranking and technical prowess make him an exciting opponent for Oezdemir. A victory in this rematch could catapult Oezdemir back into title contention.
Loser of Dominick Reyes vs. Anthony Smith (UFC 310)
Both Dominick Reyes, ranked #12, and Anthony Smith, ranked #13, are seasoned fighters who have experienced ups and downs in their careers. A matchup with the loser of their UFC 310 bout could offer Oezdemir an intriguing opportunity to test himself against a fellow veteran.
Dominick Reyes' Last Five Fights:
1. Win over Dustin Jacoby (KO, UFC on ESPN)
2. Loss to Ryan Spann (KO, UFC 281)
3. Loss to Jiří Procházka (KO, UFC on ESPN)
4. Loss to Jan Błachowicz (TKO, UFC 253)
5. Loss to Jon Jones (Decision, UFC 247)
Anthony Smith's Last Five Fights:
1. Loss to Roman Dolidze (Decision, UFC 303)
2. Win over Vitor Petrino (Submission, UFC 301)
3. Loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. (TKO, UFC Fight Night)
4. Win over Ryan Spann (Decision, UFC Fight Night)
5. Loss to Johnny Walker (Decision, UFC on ABC)
A fight against either Reyes or Smith would be a competitive matchup, giving fans a clash of styles and strategies as both fighters aim to climb back up the rankings.
Alonzo Menifield
For a less risky but still challenging bout, Oezdemir could face Alonzo Menifield. Ranked 15th, Menifield's aggressive striking and knockout power present a stylistic clash that could push Oezdemir to showcase his own striking skills and composure.
Volkan Oezdemir's Last Five Fights:
1. Loss to Carlos Ulberg (Decision, UFC Macau)
2. Loss to Nikita Krylov (Submission, UFC 284)
3. Win over Paul Craig (Decision, UFC London)
4. Loss to Magomed Ankalaev (Decision, UFC 267)
5. Win over Aleksandar Rakić (Decision, UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. The Korean Zombie)
Despite recent setbacks, Oezdemir remains a dangerous and versatile fighter in the light heavyweight division. His striking power, durability, and experience have kept him competitive against elite opponents. However, refining his defensive skills and ground game will be crucial as he prepares for his next fight.
Selecting the right opponent for his comeback is essential. Whether he opts for a high-stakes rematch with Rakić, a veteran clash with Reyes or Smith, or a stylistic test against Menifield, Oezdemir’s path forward is filled with opportunities to reclaim his standing in the division.
