5 blockbuster fights to book in the UFC light heavyweight division

#2. Jamahal Hill vs. Volkan Oezdemir

Jamahal Hill has slowly but surely emerged as a true contender in the UFC light heavyweight division in recent years. Hill secured a UFC contract after a scintillating performance on Dana White's Contender Series. He went on to pick up KO/TKO wins in his next three bouts, one of which was later overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for marijuana.

Hill suffered the first loss of his pro MMA career at UFC 263 last year after dislocating his arm while trying to escape a Paul Craig armbar attempt. Despite losing, he showed his grit and will to continue in a situation where most fighters would tap.

Since the loss to Craig, Hill has bounced back in style with back-to-back KO wins. He knocked out Jimmy Crute in December last year and followed it up with a sensational victory over Johnny Walker in February 2022, putting the light heavyweight division on notice as a result.

The UFC will be delighted with the progress Jamahal Hill has made so far. 'Sweet Dreams' has an all-action fighting style, as well as an endearing demeanor. Currently ranked No.10 in the light heavyweight division, he will be looking to climb the ranks in the coming years.

One potential opponent for Hill is former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir. Oezdemir is coming off a loss to Magomed Ankalaev and will be itching to return to winning ways later this year.

Interestingly, the Swiss fighter took to social media moments after Jamahal Hill's KO win over Johnny Walker, questioning the American's skills. In response, Hill clapped back and claimed that 'No Time' has sustained too much brain damage in his last few fights, which is likely clouding his judgment.

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#1. Anthony Smith vs. Magomed Ankalaev – Winner fights for the UFC light heavyweight championship

Magomed Ankalaev has slowly but surely emerged as an ominous presence in the light heavyweight division. The formidable Russian joined the UFC with a perfect professional record of 9-0. In his first fight in the promotion, he succumbed to a last-ditch submission attempt from Paul Craig after dominating the entirety of the fight.

Since the slip-up against Craig, Ankalaev has put together an eight-fight win streak in the UFC. His wins over Marcin Prachnio, Dalcha Lungiambula and Ion Cutelaba showed that he possesses fight-ending power in his strikes. Additionally, he has shown a vast arsenal of tools and is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the light heavyweight division.

In his most recent bout, Ankalaev cruised to a unanimous decision victory over Thiago Santos at UFC Fight Night 203 to break into the top five in the rankings.

Magomed Ankalaev called for a title shot following his most recent victory. With the UFC light heavyweight championship set to be contested in a matter of months, the Russian will likely need one more win before getting a title shot. A fight against fellow top-five contender Anthony Smith makes a ton of sense for both fighters.

Smith has blown hot and cold since his failed attempt at the title against then-champion Jon Jones in 2019. He went 4-2 in his next six fights to re-enter the mix at the top end of the light heavyweight division.

In his most recent appearance inside the octagon, 'Lionheart' produced a flawless first-round submission victory against Ryan Spann. He is currently riding a three-fight win streak. A win over a rising star like Ankalaev will further solidify Smith's claim to a title shot.