The Light Heavyweight Division is one of the most historic and entertaining divisions of all time in the UFC. Since Jon Jones left the division it has felt like it has been a mess, it's not a mess, it's actually cursed. The title was a hot potato and then when Jiri Prochazka finally won the title last June it felt like we had a champion who was going to make a run with the title. Jiri was young and super unorthodox and can win in any form. Right before he was going to have his first title defense in a rematch against Glover Teixeira, Jiri had a bad shoulder injury while training. When the news was announced, the UFC also turned the co-main event which was a number one contender's fight into the new Light Heavyweight Championship fight since Jiri vacated the title to keep the division moving forward. Magomed Ankalaev was robbed of winning the title that night at UFC 282 in Vegas due to a draw keeping the title vacant. Jamahal Hill defeated Glover Teixeira the following month to earn the title and again it felt like we had a champ who was ready to go on a run especially considering how he brutalized Glover for five rounds and defended Glover's grappling pretty well. Jamahal and Jiri are in their early 30's. Their in the primes of their careers.
This morning Jamahal vacated the title due to a ruptured achilles to keep the division moving forward. You have to respect Jamahal, but this sucks. This is the second time that the Light Heavyweight Champ has vacated the title in only six months. Jamahal posted a six-minute Youtube video that will be attached at the end of this article and you could feel his pain. Jamahal is nothing but real. You could feel how hard it was for Jamahal to relay the news. This really sucks. Jamahal is one of my favorite fighters right now and I was extremely happy for him when he finally got that title opportunity, even though it came the way he did. I hope Jamahal's recovery is a quick and easy one so we can see him at the top once again. As for what to do with the Light Heavyweight Title, I feel like it's fairly obvious. Prochazka vs Ankalaev at UFC 294 in October. Abu Dhabi cards are usually massive anyway, so no reason to not stack it this year, especially with the possible absence of Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev. Jiri was promised a title shot upon his return, Magomed probably should be champion right now if it wasn't for Sal D'Amato. It's crazy that Sal's judging license hasn't been revoked at this point, but whatever. Fun fact, Sal inspired Opinion Octagon to even become a blog due to his inefficient judgment at UFC 282. Scoring a Vacant Championship fight a draw should be illegal. Ankalaev vs Blachowicz was an extremely close fight, Jan kicked Magomed's legs off in the first two rounds, Magomed shifted the momentum in the third, and then was on top of Jan for two rounds straight. Magomed won 3,4,&5 every time I rewatch the fight while Jan won the first two.
Due to the fact, I feel Magomed was robbed and that he is still the highest ranked Light Heavyweight below Prochazka, the clear Light Heavyweight Title fight is Jiri vs Magomed. It would have been interesting if any other judge other than Sal D'Amato was judging that night if Magomed, or even Jan won to see where the division would be today. Jamahal would have gotten a title opportunity eventually at some point, but Jiri might have fought Magomed or Jan first. If the UFC waits for the winner of Pereira vs Blachowicz to make an announcement, that'll be the second time that Magomed Ankalaev has been screwed for the title.
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