Top 15 UFC Light Heavyweight Fighters in 2024
In the ever-evolving world of UFC, the light heavyweight division has always been one of the most exciting and unpredictable. It's time to take a look at the top 15 fighters who are making waves in the Light Heavyweight Rankings in 2024.
From power punchers to slick submission artists, these fighters have what it takes to captivate audiences and climb the ranks. Join us as we explore the talents and strengths of the best of the 205-pound division, and see why they reign supreme in this action-packed weight class.
Top 15 Light Heavyweights
Current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion - Alex Pereira
Alex "Poatan" Pereira is the current champion of the Light Heavyweight division. After winning his fight against Jiří Procházka in November 2023, Pereira surpassed expectations by becoming 1 of 9 fighters in UFC history to hold a championship belt in two different weight classes.
Pereira successfully defended his Championship title at UFC 303, then again after facing off against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 in October 2024. His win over Rountree came by way of TKO near the end of Round 4.
#1 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Jiří Procházka
Jiří Procházka has been known as a human highlight reel in the 205-pound division. Procházka is currently ranked number 1 in the LHW division.
Procházka won when he fought Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 300 with Procházka walking away as the winner by way of TKO in Round 2. In June 2024, Procházka lost by head kick KO during the second round of his bout with Alex Pereira.
A former RIZIN champion, Procházka brings an electric energy to the Octagon, making him an exciting mixed martial artist to watch, no matter who he faces.
#2 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev is a serious contender within the UFC light heavyweight division. Ankalaev's explosive power and devastating striking ability have made him a popular star in the division.
With a remarkable record with 18 wins, 1 loss and a reputation for delivering spectacular finishes, Ankalaev won his most recent fight against Johnny Walker by way of knockout at UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 in January 2024.
#3 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Jamahal Hill
Jamahal Hill is now ranked number 3 in the Light Heavyweight division. After winning against Glover Teixeira at the beginning of 2023, Hill was prepared to face Alex Pereira.
After recovering from an injury and returning for his next fight, Hill suffered a KO loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 300 in April 2024. This loss set Hill's professional record to 12 wins and 2 losses.
#4 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Jan Błachowicz
With his technical prowess and savvy fighting style, Jan Błachowicz has proven himself to be a formidable opponent. As the current champion, Błachowicz's calculated approach and devastating striking make him a threat to anyone who steps in the Octagon with him.
At UFC 291, Błachowicz lost by split decision to current champion, Alex Pereira. Błachowicz now has a current record of 29 wins and 10 losses.
#5 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Aleksandar Rakić
UFC LHW contender, Aleksandar Rakić, brings a strong presence to the Octagon. Since joining the UFC in 2017, Rakić has quickly risen through the ranks, showcasing his athleticism and fight IQ.
After losing to Jiří Procházka in April 2024 at UFC 300, Rakić will be back to showcase his skill set, possibly at some point in the near future.
#6 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Nikita Krylov
UFC Light Heavyweight contender, Nikita Krylov, is always fun to watch. With his dynamic kicks and slick submissions, Krylov always puts on a show in the Octagon.
Kyrlov won his fight against Ryan Spann by way of triangle submission at UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili in March 2023 in a Catchweight bout at 215. Krylov now has a professional record of 30 wins and 9 losses.
#7 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Johnny Walker
Johnny Walker's explosive striking, unorthodox techniques, and flashy personality make every fight a must-see event. Whether he's executing a bone-crushing knockout or pulling off a gravity-defying move, Walker always brings the excitement and rarely disappoints us as fans.
In January 2024, Walker lost his rematch against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Fight Night Ankalaev vs. Walker 2. Then, Walker lost his next (and most recent bout) against Volkan Oezdemir by way of knockout at UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov in June 2024.
#8 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Khalil Rountree Jr.
Khalil Rountree Jr. is an American mixed martial artist with an explosive and unforgettable fighting style. Known for his knockout power and turning his life around after starting martial arts, Rountree is one of the most entertaining fighters to watch right now.
With a background in Muay Thai, he later transitioned to MMA, earning his contract with the UFC. His TKO knockout victory at UFC 296 against Anthony Smith moved him up in the rankings.
At UFC 307, Rountree fought for almost 4 Rounds against Alex Pereira for the Championship belt. Rountree was unable to sustain the pace he started the fight off with and lost by TKO near the end of the Fourth.
#9 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Volkan Oezdemir
UFC powerhouse, Volkan Oezdemir, is an exciting fighter with dangerous knockout power. His aggressive fighting style has earned him a spot in the Top 15 rankings.
In September 2023, Oezdemir defeated Bogdan Guskov via rear naked choke submission.
At UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov in June 2024, Oezdemir defeated Johnny Walker by knockout just over 2 minutes into Round 1.
#10 Ranked UFC Light Heavyweight - Carlos Ulberg
Carlos Ulberg has been fighting in the UFC since March 2021. Since winning Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses (one each), Ulberg has earned a professional record of 10 wins and 1 loss.
Ulberg faced off against fellow Top 15, 205-pounder, Alonzo Menifield at UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento in May 2024 and won the fight by knockout.
We Regularly Update Our Rankings
We update our rankings when new fighters move up into the Top 15 (or get pushed out), so come back again to check for shifts in the UFC Light Heavyweight rankings throughout the year!
