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Light Heavyweight
1. Vadim Nemkov (16-2, 1 NC) | Bellator [1]
Nemkov was largely dominant in his latest title defense, as he earned a clear-cut unanimous verdict over former UFC title challenger Yoel Romero in the Bellator 297 main event. The Fedorteam representative battered his adversary with straight punches and an arsenal of kicks while surviving a late Romero takedown in the final stanza. While a finish would have been an ideal punctuation to the night, Nemkov still had to respect the explosive ability of his opponent. The Russian standout is unbeaten in his last 12 professional outings, a stretch that also includes a victory in the Bellator 205-pound grand prix.2. Alex Pereira (9-2) | UFC [2]
Pereira has proven to be a quick study in MMA, as he became the ninth two-division champion in promotion history by virtue of a second-round stoppage of Jiri Prochazka in the UFC 295 headliner. It only took “Poatan” seven UFC appearances to capture gold at 185 and 205 pounds after conquering two divisions in Glory Kickboxing, making him one of the most accomplished combat sport athletes in recent memory. In the aftermath of his latest triumph, the Brazilian encouraged longtime rival Israel Adesanya to move up to light heavyweight for an MMA trilogy.3. Jiri Prochazka (29-4-1) | UFC [3]
After being sidelined for the majority of 2023 as he recovered from a shoulder injury, Prochazka’s bid to regain the vacant light heavyweight strap came up short at UFC 295, where he suffered a second-round knockout loss to former middleweight king Alex Pereira. That officially ends a 13-fight winning streak for the Czech Republic native, who accepted the defeat in typically classy fashion by refuting any notion of an early stoppage.4. Jamahal Hill (12-1, 1 NC) UFC [4]
Hill put on a clinic in the UFC 283 headliner, as he battered and bloodied a resilient Glover Teixeira en route to a convincing unanimous decision triumph in Rio de Janeiro. The UFC’s 16th light heavyweight champion ended up with a short-lived reign after rupturing his Achilles tendon during a pick-up basketball game among UFC fighters in July. Hill subsequently relinquished the 205-pound strap, and his timetable for a return could be a lengthy one.5. Glover Teixeira (33-9) | UFC [5]
Teixeira’s trademark toughness was on display throughout the UFC 283 headliner, but he was ultimately unable to find an opening to rally against Jamahal Hill, as he lost a lopsided unanimous decision in Rio de Janeiro. After his bid to regain light heavyweight gold came up short, the beloved Brazilian veteran announced his retirement in the Octagon. Assuming the decision holds up, Teixeira’s rankings eligibility will expire on Jan. 21, 2024.6. Jan Blachowicz (29-10-1) | UFC [6]
Blachowicz welcomed ex-middleweight champ Alex Pereira to the division at UFC 291 and with Jamahal Hill having vacated the belt due to injury, their clash might well have been a title eliminator at the very least. Blachowicz came out on the wrong end of a close split decision, leaving him very much in the mix at age 40, but time is dwindling if he means to make another run at the belt. He’ll look to remain in contention when he rematches Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 297 in Toronto.7. Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) | Bellator [7]
Anderson edged former light heavyweight champion Phil Davis via split decision in a featured light heavyweight contest at Bellator 297, rebounding from a five-round defeat to reigning title holder Vadim Nemkov at Bellator 288. It wasn’t an emphatic victory, but few expected it would be given the skill sets of the two grappling-minded combatants. While “Overtime” has yet to capture championship gold in the UFC or Bellator, he has built a solid resume that includes victories over the likes of Davis, Ryan Bader, Glover Teixeira and Jan Blachowicz.8. Magomed Ankalaev (17-1-1, 1 NC) | UFC [8]
Ankalaev was just getting warmed up when he landed an illegal knee against Johnny Walker 3:13 into the opening round of their encounter at UFC 294. When a cageside doctor determined Walker was unable to continue, the bout was declared a no contest. It’s the second straight unsatisfying result for Ankalaev, who was coming off a split draw against Jan Blachowicz in clash for the vacant light heavyweight crown at UFC 282 in December 2022. As it currently stands, the Gorets Fight Team member hasn’t tasted victory in the Octagon since July 2022. He’ll get a chance to find some closure when he faces Walker in a rematch on Jan. 13.9. Nikita Krylov (30-9) UFC [9]
After an illness forced Krylov out of a proposed headlining clash against Ryan Spann at UFC Fight Night 220, the bout was rescheduled two weeks later as a 215-pound catchweight affair. “The Miner” showcased his grappling chops in the rebooking, submitting Spann with a triangle choke in the opening stanza of their UFC Fight Night 221 matchup. Krylov has won three straight outings, a run that includes wins over Spann, Volkan Oezdemir and Alexander Gustafsson.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. After a lengthy rehab, Rakic will return for a rematch against Blachowicz at UFC 297.Other Contenders: Reinier de Ridder, Johnny Walker, Phil Davis, Anthony Smith, Antonio Carlos Jr.
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