Where We Stand: Light Heavyweight Division | October 2024

Outlook: “Poatan” took a more methodical approach to breaking down Rountree Jr. as the American fired back with heavy artillery of his own for the first few rounds. By round four, however, it was all Pereira as the leg kicks and jabs opened the door for a thudding knockout finish. After closing the show at UFC 300, UFC 303 and UFC 307, Pereira is in pole position for 2024’s Fighter of the Year, and his options are abundant. He could very well move up to heavyweight to challenge for a third belt or make good on his talks to move back down to middleweight, but 205 seems like the right spot for the 37-year-old. There, he most likely has a date with Magomed Ankalaev, given Ankalaev gets past Aleksandar Rakić later this month. 

1) Jiří Procházka

Last Fight: TKO Loss vs Alex Pereira (6/29/2024)

Next fight: N/A

Outlook: Prochazka was disappointed to lose to Pereira for the second time in about eight months when he dropped their rematch at UFC 303. Since then, Prochazka has talked about rebuilding himself as he pursues another title shot, including a long trip to Japan to study from different people there. Prochazka, who turns just 32 in mid-October, has time on his side, so he can absolutely afford to tweak his game with longevity in mind. 

2) Magomed Ankalaev

Last Fight: KO Win vs Johnny Walker (1/13/2024)

Next fight: N/A

Outlook: Unbeaten since September 2018, Magomed Ankalaev has plenty of reasons to believe he already should have gotten a second chance at light heavyweight gold. On the other hand, he is 1-1 with 1 no contest in his last three fights dating back to his split draw for the vacant belt against Jan Błachowicz at UFC 282. Regardless, Ankalaev has a chance to make a definitive case for himself when he faces Rakic at UFC 308.

3) Jamahal Hill

Last Fight: KO Loss vs Alex Pereira (4/13/2024)

Next fight: N/A

Outlook: The 33-year-old former champion hasn’t had the chance to redeem himself after his knockout loss at UFC 300 to Alex Pereira. He wanted a quick turnaround, but injury prevented him from competing at UFC 303. For now, Hill hasn’t set a date for his return just yet, but conventional thinking can assume he will want to book a fight some time in the next few months, providing he is healthy.

4) Jan Błachowicz 

Last Fight: Split Decision Loss vs Alex Pereira (7/29/2023)

Next fight: N/A

Outlook: It’s been quite the journey for the former light heavyweight champion since relinquishing his title to Glover Teixeira in October 2021. Błachowicz has gone 1-1-1 in his three fights since and underwent shoulder surgery that has kept him out of action. The 41-year-old still has aspirations to recapture his title, but who that comeback bout comes against is unclear for now. 

5) Aleksandar Rakic

Last Fight: TKO Loss vs Jiří Procházka (4/13/2024)

Next fight: vs Magomed Ankalaev (10/26/2024)

Outlook: Aleksandar Rakić looked strong to start his comeback bout with Prochazka, but he wasn’t able to keep the pressure on the former champion. Now with two losses on the bounce, Rakić has a great opportunity to put himself back into the thick of the title picture with a win over Ankalaev. While he likely needs to string together some wins, Rakić has shown he can very much compete with the top of the division at 205 pounds. 

In the Mix: Carlos Ulberg, Azamat Murzakanov

Outlook: New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg is the hottest contender on the rise, with six wins and five finishes in a row. He gets a chance to extend that streak when he faces former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir in Macao, which could set him up for a No. 1 contender fight in the first half of 2025. More quietly moving up the rankings is Azamat Murzakanov. The Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus is perfect through four UFC fights and undefeated at 14-0. He has a good test next in veteran Nikita Krylov in November, and a win there could position him for a breakout year in 2025.