5 top contenders who are one win away from UFC title shots

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#2. Aleksandar Rakic

Aleksandar Rakic has a record of 14-2

Aleksandar Rakic has looked exceptionally good to this point in his UFC career, with his only loss coming via a split-decision to Volkan Oezdemir. Since then he has picked up wins over big stars Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos.

These fights have put him in a position where he is very much one win away from being the clear-cut number one contender at 205lbs. Rakic had been calling for a fight with Jiri Prochazka, but Prochazka has been sitting out for a title shot.

If that is the case, there does seem to be a couple of fights that could ensure Rakic is next in line. Both Anthony Smith and Jan Blachowicz are big names in the division that would give Rakic the opportunity to win the belt he so desperately wants.

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#1. Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev has a record of 21-1

Islam Makhachev has become a far bigger star in recent times, notably since the retirement of his friend and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev appears to be improving at an impressive rate and is likely now one win away from a title shot.

Makhachev looked dominant in his recent first-round submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC 267. It is now being reported that he will face Beneil Dariush in February with the winner almost guaranteed a title shot after that.

While Makhachev has had a somewhat unspectacular start to his UFC career, he now has three straight submission victories. It appears he could be set to fill the void Khabib Nurmagomedov left at lightweight.