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#2. Dagestani UFC light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev
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Dagestani light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev, born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, has been a force to be reckoned with since joining the UFC. The No. 4 ranked light heavyweight is 8-1 since joining the promotion and is currently riding an impressive eight-fight winning streak.
Ankalaev has been dominant as of late and neutralized his opponents with his grappling. Based on the current rankings, it might not be long before he receives a title shot. It looks like reigning champion Jiri Prochazka will defend his newly won title against former champion Glover Teixeira in a rematch.
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With that in mind, Ankalaev could challenge the winner if he defeats former title challenger Anthony 'Lionheart' Smith. He has already defeated two former title challengers in Thiago Santos and Volkan Oezdemir. So, a win against another former contender could make it difficult to deny him the next title opportunity.
#1. Dagestani UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev
Dagestani lightweight Islam Makhachev, born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, has been one of the UFC's most highly touted fighters. The 30-year-old is a childhood friend of Khabib Nurmagomedov and is viewed as one to pick-up things where 'The Eagle' left off.
The lightweight phenom has displayed elite-level grappling, which has drawn similarities to Nurmagomedov. The No. 4 ranked lightweight has earned a reputation for mauling his opponents and smothering them on the ground, similar to 'The Eagle'. Makhachev's only career loss came against Adriano Martins in 2015. He has since won 10 straight fights and is scheduled to fight former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
The two lightweights will headline UFC 280, when the promotion returns to Abu Dhabi. A new UFC lightweight champion will be crowned as the bout will be contested for the vacant title. With a win, Makhachev could become one of the biggest stars in the UFC should he defeat 'do Bronx'.
