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Merely put, the UFC‘s gentle heavyweight division finds itself in a state of disarray. Since Jon Jones‘ departure, the division has confronted its justifiable share of challenges, starting from accidents to vacated titles. In an try and deliver readability to the scenario, we are going to assess the contenders and their positions throughout the title image.
Our evaluation will categorize them into 4 teams: “Title Prepared,” “One High quality Win Away,” “Work to Do,” and “Extenuating Circumstances.” By doing so, we hope to supply a complete overview of the division’s present panorama.
Title Prepared – Simply want an opponent and a date.
One High quality Win Away – One signature win from being positioned within the title combat
Bought Some Work to Do – Two or extra fights from an opportunity on the belt
Extenuating Circumstances – Obstacles outdoors their management are stopping them from making strides towards a championship
Title Prepared
Jiri Prochaka – #1 (29-3-1)
One other notable contender who needed to relinquish the title is Jiri, who just lately suffered a extreme shoulder damage. This damage pressured him to briefly put aside the belt whereas specializing in his restoration. Prochaka has expressed his want to make a comeback round September and, contemplating the present matchmaking, it appears becoming for him to sq. off in opposition to Alex Pereira after defeating Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 to compete for the championship. Given the uncertainty surrounding the highest of the division, this logical alternative is tough to dispute.
Soiled Secret: In-fight choice making. Jiri’s offense-focused fashion leaves him uncovered to heavy hitters like Blachowicz, Pereira, and Walker. Counting on his chin could backfire, making a extra balanced method important for fulfillment.
Potential matchup: Prochaka vs Pereira
One High quality win Away
Jan Blachowicz – #3 (29-9-1)
The previous champion stays a continuing presence within the MMA scene, defying age as he approaches 40. At UFC 291 on July twenty ninth, Blachowicz confronted Alex Pereira in his Gentle Heavyweight debut. Regardless of his age, “Polish Energy” confirmed no indicators of slowing down. Nonetheless, his final two fights had peculiar endings – Aleksander Rakic’s knee damage and an underwhelming draw in opposition to Magomed Ankalaev. Sadly, a 3rd shot on the belt, will stay unseen, as Jan lose a really shut break up choice to Alex Pereira. Yet one more win and he’ll have the chance he seeks.
Soiled Secret: His final win outdoors of an opponent damage was over 2 years in the past vs Israel Adesanya
Upcoming matchup: TBD
Alex Pereira #2-MW (7-2)
What a distinction a yr makes. Only a yr in the past, Alex Pereira celebrated a knockout victory over Sean Strickland and had his sights set on a middleweight title shot, leveraging his reference to middleweight champ Israel Adesanya. Now, as a former champion, he embarks on a brand new quest for gentle heavyweight gold. Regardless of having fewer than 10 professional MMA fights, Alex finds himself with a exceptional alternative to make historical past. With a victory in opposition to Blachowicz at UFC 291 he paved the best way for a shot on the gentle heavyweight strap and avenged the one man (apart from himself) who defeated Israel Adesanya within the Octagon. With simply two extra wins he can full the UFC two-division champ velocity run. Might the playing cards perpetually be in your favor Alex
Soiled Secret: He has no gentle heavyweight wins
Upcoming matchup: Pereira vs Prochaka
Johnny Walker – #5 (21-7)
Johnny Walker finds himself in a unbelievable place to make a big effect. With a powerful 3-fight win streak in opposition to powerful opponents like Anthony Smith, Paul Craig, and Ion Cutelaba, he’s undoubtedly probably the most thrilling fighters within the division. This pleasure issue could possibly be the essential aspect in incomes him a title shot. Walker’s exceptional 90% end price is undoubtedly interesting to the UFC, which has a gentle spot for fighters who persistently ship thrilling finishes. His finest plan of action could be to safe a bout with a top-five contender and goal for a decisive end. Impressing with fashion factors will undoubtedly bolster his probabilities of vying for the title. Johnny Walker has the potential to make a major impression within the division, and his electrifying performances with fashion factors could possibly be the important thing to unlocking a title alternative.
Soiled Secret: As thrilling as Walker is, he hasn’t had success dealing with different members of the highest 5
Potential matchup: Walker vs Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev – #2 (18-1-1)
Ankalaev’s latest performances have didn’t win over the UFC, leaving a lot to be desired. Undoubtedly, his top-notch strengths lie in his unimaginable prime strain and ground-and-pound abilities. Moreover, he displays spectacular counter-striking skills, boasting exceptional energy in each his palms and toes.
Nonetheless, Ankalaev’s reliance on counter-striking is usually a double-edged sword, because it hinders his capability to provoke exchanges. This tendency typically ends in slow-paced fights with restricted exercise, which can not all the time resonate nicely with the promotion and followers alike. To achieve his full potential, Ankalaev could must discover a stability between his counter-striking prowess and proactive engagement to create extra thrilling and dynamic fights sooner or later.
Soiled Secret: He laid an egg in a latest title combat due to his combat fashion. He must shine in a combat the place the opponent initiates motion.
Potential matchup: Ankalaev vs Walker
Bought Some Work to Do
Nikita Krylov – #5 (30-9)
In his most up-to-date outing at UFC Combat Evening 277, Krylov showcased his spectacular grappling abilities in an exciting victory over Ryan Spann, partaking in an thrilling scramble-filled contest. Regardless of possessing an underrated degree of pleasure in his fights, many followers are nonetheless unaware of his true potential.
To achieve recognition and safe an opportunity in opposition to a top-five fighter, Krylov should seize the chance to show his thrilling preventing fashion as soon as once more. A victory in his upcoming combat could be the right method to make a powerful assertion and be a focus for followers and the UFC alike. With the appropriate efficiency and a well-deserved win, Krylov can lastly shine within the highlight and display the thrill he brings to the Octagon.
Soiled Secret: No wins over prime 5 competitors. He does personal a victory over Johnny Walker however Walker was ranked eleven previous to that combat. He’s offense-minded however he’s not all the time defensively accountable.
Potential matchup: Rakic vs Krylov
Aleksander Rakic – #4 (14-3) injured
On Might 14, 2022, Aleksander suffered a torn ACL throughout his bout in opposition to Jan Blachowicz at UFC on ESPN 36. Given the character of the damage, the standard restoration interval is round 9 months.
Regardless of being on a 2-fight win streak main as much as the combat with Blachowicz, Aleksander now faces the duty of re-establishing himself within the title image. Whereas a victory with fashion factors may fast-track his path, it’s price noting that he hasn’t secured a end since 2019. Due to this fact, it’s extra doubtless that he might want to string collectively a few wins to place himself for a possible title shot. With dedication and constant performances, the chance to contend for the title may ultimately current itself for Aleksander.
Soiled Secret: The opportunity of ring rust in his eventual return. His alternative of opponent might be essential when he makes his return to the Octagon
Potential matchup: Rakic vs Krylov
Extenuating Circumstances
Jamahal Hill (Former Champion) (12-1) injured
After relinquishing the belt, Jamahal Hill faces the fact of a year-long restoration interval whereas rehabilitating from surgical procedure. The process was skillfully carried out by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, famend because the group physician for the LA Dodgers and LA Rams, with a notable portfolio that features surgical procedures for Kobe Bryant and the Las Vegas Aces’ Kelsey Plum. Presently, Jamahal Hill’s standing doesn’t place him within the title image. Nonetheless, there’s an thrilling prospect awaiting him as soon as he completes his therapeutic journey. He might be granted a direct title shot, a testomony to the respect and recognition he has earned throughout the group.
Soiled Secret: Not likely a secret, the ruptured achilles rehab highway is lengthy and arduous.
Potential matchup: Hill vs Future Title Holder
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