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#4. Volkan Oezdemir
No.9-ranked UFC light heavyweight Volkan Oezdemir is looking to have a career resurgence. The former title challenger has consistently been in the top 10 since debuting in the promotion in 2017. Despite being on a rough stretch at the moment, a big win could turn things around for him.
Oezdemir is currently coming off back-to-back losses to Magomed Ankolaev and current light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka. In his most recent loss to Ankalaev, he was outmatched by the Russian in all three rounds. He is scheduled to return to the octagon on July 23, when he takes on No.8-ranked light heavyweight Paul Craig.
'No Time' could still match up with Reyes if he comes up short against Craig. A loss would be his third-straight, which is the same skid that 'The Devastator' is on. A win could also still set the stage for a rematch with Reyes. Their first encounter took place in 2019 and saw 'The Devastator' earn a split decision win.
#3. Loser of Magomed Ankalaev vs. former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith
Dominick Reyes could attempt to get back into title contention if he fights the loser of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Anthony Smith. Both fighters are among the top 205-pounders in the promotion and are one win away from earning a title shot. However, the loser of the bout could find a match with Reyes to be more appealing than the others in the top 5.
Ankalaev has looked great since his lone career loss to Paul Craig. He's riding an 8-fight winning streak during which he defeated Ion Cutelaba twice, Volkan Oezdemir, and Thiago Santos. Reyes will need to ensure his takedown defense is up to par because of Ankalaev's background in Sambo.
'Lionheart' has been equally impressive as he's on a three-fight winning streak that includes two Performance of the Night bonuses. Smith is another exciting finisher as 34 of his 36 wins have come via KO/TKO or submission.
