5 explosive fights to make in the UFC light heavyweight division

#2. Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev is arguably the most dangerous and well-rounded fighter in the UFC light heavyweight division. The Russian is an ominous presence in the weight class and has an aura about him that leads many to believe that he has the potential to emerge as a long-reigning champion.

Unfortunately for the Dagestani standout, he isn't the most marketable fighter. When he struggles to find finishes, his fights tend to be quite uneventful. Ankalaev earned four KO/TKO wins in his first six UFC bouts to vault himself into the top 15. Three slow-paced unanimous decision victories followed, seeing his stock take a minor hit.

Nevertheless, he cruised to a statement-making win over former title challenger Anthony Smith in his most recent outing, finishing the American in the second round. Anakalev is now riding the second-longest win streak in divisional history, behind only Jon Jones.

While Anthony Smith is a solid name on Magomed Ankalaev's record, the Russian was a sizeable betting favorite going into the matchup. Another high-profile showcase should ensure that Ankalaev's claim to a title shot is undeniable.

A win over former titleholder Jan Blachowicz appears to be the ideal No.1 contender's fight to book at 205 pounds.

Blachowicz bounced back from his championship loss to Glover Teixeira with a win over Aleksandar Rakic earlier this year. However, the bout ended unceremoniously as Rakic suffered a knee injury in the third round, seemingly out of nowhere. As such, there hasn't really been any clamoring from the fans for Blachowicz to return to title contention.

With both Ankalaev and Blachowicz in need of some momentum heading into a potential championship bout down the line, this matchup is a no-brainer.

Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz [Images via @fight_universe and @espnmma on Twitter]

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#1. Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeira 2 – UFC light heavyweight championship bout

In the main event of UFC 275 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira delivered arguably the greatest title fight in the history of the UFC light heavyweight division. Teixeira was the champion going into the bout, while Prochazka was looking to claim UFC gold in just his third octagon outing.

Their five-round barnburner was chaotic right from the get-go, with both 205-pounders enjoying moments of success. Teixeira was seemingly ahead going into the last minute of the final round, but with just 28 seconds left on the clock, Prochazka latched onto a rear-naked choke to finish the Brazilian titleholder.

UFC president Dana Whit wasn't in attendance at the Singapore Indoor Stadium to witness this memorable championship bout, but his live reaction to the finish went viral online.

White can be heard saying:

"What a f*cking fight! What an absolute f*cking war, man!"

With Glover Teixeira now 42 years old, it seems unfair to put the Brazilian in another contender's match, especially considering he was beating Jiri Prochazka on the judges' scorecards if not for the then-challenger's last-ditch submission.

With no clear-cut No.1 contender, the sequel is the only fight to make atop the light heavyweight division.

Prochazka recently took to social media to share that he is eyeing a rematch with Teixeira for his first title defense. The Czech phenom has vowed to make it look a lot easier this time around, while Teixeira is likely well aware that if not for a few ill-advised decisions, he would've emerged victorious in their enthralling first encounter.