UFC Stockholm reportedly getting two more light heavyweight matchups
UFC Stockholm already has its main event in Alexander Gustafsson vs Anthony Smith. However, the card may very well be adding two more light heavyweight fights with a prospect getting a shot at a top-15 205’er.
According to ESPN, the UFC is looking to add Ilir Latifi vs Volkan Oezdemir and Jimi Manuwa vs surging prospect, Aleksander Rakic.
Latifi was last seen in the Octagon back at UFC 232 where he lost by unanimous decision to Corey Anderson. However, he does hold wins over the likes of Ovince Saint Preux, Sean O’Connell, and Gian Villante among others.
Oezdemir, on the other hand, has dropped three straight after a close decision loss to Dominick Reyes at UFC London. Many thought Oezdemir did enough to win the fight, but that was not the case. His losing streak started at UFC 220 where he lost a title fight against then champion, Daniel Cormier before losing to Anthony Smith in the fall. However, Oezdemir does hold notable wins over the likes of Jimi Manuwa, Misha Cirkunov, and Ovince Saint Preux among others.
In the other light heavyweight fight, Manuwa will return after the knockout loss at UFC 231 to take on Rakic. Manuwa is currently riding a three-fight losing streak with his losses coming to Jan Blachowicz, Oezdemir, and Thiago Santos. He does hold wins over the likes of Corey Anderson, Ovince Saint Preux, and Blachowicz in their first fight.
Rakic meanwhile, is getting a big step up in competition after his impressive performance over Devin Clark at UFC 231. The win extending his winning streak to 11, and is 11-1 overall. He has notable wins over Clark, and Justin Ledet and has only impressed since making his UFC debut back in 2017. Rakic, too many, is considered a future title challenger at 205 and will get a shot to get into the rankings in this fight.
