Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

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Light Heavyweight

1. Jiri Prochazka (29-3-1) | UFC [1]

There were more than a few times when Prochazka appeared to be dead in the water against Glover Teixeira in their light heavyweight title bout at UFC 275, but ultimately the resilient Czech prevailed with a rear-naked choke submission at the 4:32 mark of Round 5. Had the bout gone to the scorecards, Prochazka would have likely been on the wrong end of a decision defeat. Instead, the former Rizin Fighting Federation titlist claims 205-pound gold and extends his professional winning streak to 13. “Denisa” will attempt to earn a more emphatic victory the second time around when he meets Teixeira in a rematch at UFC 282 on Dec. 10.

2. Glover Teixeira (33-8) | UFC [2]

Teixeira was less than a minute from retaining his light heavyweight belt in the UFC 275 headliner before Jiri Prochazka ended his reign in heartbreaking fashion with a rear-naked choke at the 4:32 mark of Round 5. In a fight full of momentum swings, Teixeira controlled more of the action than his unorthodox opponent, but one key mistake in the waning moments brought an end to the Brazilian veteran’s six-bout winning streak. Regardless of how things concluded, Teixeira still looks to have plenty left in the tank, and he’ll attempt to prove Prochazka’s first win was a fluke in a rematch with the champion at UFC 282 on Dec. 10.

3. Jan Blachowicz (29-9) | UFC [3]

It probably wasn’t the way he drew it up, but Blachowicz won’t return his victory over Aleksandar Rakic, which occurred when his opponent suffered a knee injury in the third round of their headlining bout at UFC on ESPN 36. The Pole returns to the win column after relinquishing the light heavyweight crown to Glover Teixeira at UFC 267 and has won six of seven bouts dating back to July 2019. Blachowicz will next face Magomed Ankalaev in a potential title eliminator at UFC 282.

4. Corey Anderson (16-5, 1 NC) | UFC [4]

Anderson’s title fight clash with Vadim Nemkov at Bellator 277 on April 15 ended in disappointment for all involved, but especially for challenger Anderson, who appeared to be winning when an inadvertent clash of heads ended the fight in the second round. Nemkov will attempt to find an answer for Anderson’s wrestling when they square off in a championship rematch at Bellator 288 on Nov. 18.

5. Vadim Nemkov (14-2, 1 NC) | UFC [5]

Nemkov had plowed through the Bellator light heavyweight grand prix, defending his title at each stop along the way, in order to meet Corey Anderson in the final at Bellator 277 on April 15. Their matchup seemed to be a win-win proposition for the promotion — that is, until an accidental clash of heads resulted in a no-contest in the second round. Nemkov retained his title as a result, but considering that Anderson appeared to be winning until the untimely stoppage, the champ will plenty to prove in their rematch at Bellator 288 on Nov. 18.

6. Magomed Ankalaev (17-1) | UFC [6]

Ankalaev capitalized on a an apparent leg injury to opponent Anthony Smith at UFC 277, winning via technical knockout in the second round of their light heavyweight feature. The 30-year-old Dagestani has now won nine straight fights in UFC competition, with the last three coming against former title challengers in Smith, Thiago Santos and Volkan Oezdemir. Ankalaev’s own championship opportunity could very well be on the horizon if he defeats Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282.

7. Dominick Reyes (12-3) | UFC [7]

Reyes was plenty game against Jiri Prochazka in the UFC on ESPN 23 main event, but he simply couldn’t go blow-for-blow with his Czech opponent, and the end result was knockout loss 4:29 into the second round of their bout. The Californian’s future seemed bright following a contentious decision loss to then 205-pound champ Jon Jones at UFC 247, but back-to-back KO defeats at the hands of Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz have changed that outlook for the time being. Reyes will attempt to get back on track against Ryan Spann at UFC 281.

8. Nikita Krylov (29-9) UFC [8]

Krylov proved himself to be more than simply a one-round fighter, as he blended striking and wrestling to wear down Volkan Oezdemir in a unanimous decision triumph at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 22. In winning via decision for just the second time in his professional career, Krylov survived some early adversity to earn his second consecutive triumph within the Las Vegas-based promotion.

9. Volkan Oezdemir (18-7) | UFC [9]

Oezdemir got off to a strong start against Nikita Krylov at UFC 280, but he faded down the stretch, as he appeared to fatigue while consistently surrendering takedowns in a unanimous decision defeat. That halts the positive momentum “No Time” built in a tactical decision win over Paul Craig at UFC Fight Night 208 and sends the former light heavyweight title challenger to his third loss in four outings.

10. Aleksandar Rakic (14-3) | UFC [10]

Rakic was engaged in a competitive battle with Jan Blachowicz at UFC on ESPN 36 when disaster struck, as “Rocket” suffered a right knee injury while moving backward early in the third round of their light heavyweight headliner. Not only is it a missed opportunity for Rakic to make a serious statement in the division, but the Austrian could face a lengthy rehab depending on the severity of the ailment.

Other Contenders: Reinier de Ridder, Phil Davis, Paul Craig, Jamahal Hill, Anthony Smith.

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