Following his second straight loss to UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 210 this past weekend, Anthony Johnson shocked the MMA world when he announced his retirement from MMA at 33 years of age.

Not only is the UFC losing one of the most exciting knockout artists in the promotion's history, but the 205-pound class just lost one of its biggest superstars. If you thought the light heavyweight division was shallow when Phil Davis and Ryan Bader left for Bellator, “Rumble” leaving just drained the pool.  

You can’t replace Anthony Johnson in the current climate, but the promotion should be signing up-and-coming talent. The lack of depth in the division is obvious. If you look at the 205-pound rankings, Volkan Oezdemir is currently ranked in the sixth spot despite having one fight. His promotional debut was a controversial decision victory over Ovince St-Preux at UFC Fight Night 104 and isn’t exactly a vote of confidence for the future of the weight class.  

Here at FloCombat, we’ve got five light heavyweight prospects the UFC should be keeping their eye on.

Karl Moore (8-1) - Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Champion

Moore recently captured the vacant Cage Warriors light heavyweight title this past March when he defeated TUF 19 competitor Josh Clark by unanimous decision at Cage Warriors 81. It was his eighth win in his last nine fights, with his only blemish during that span coming against current UFC light heavyweight Paul Craig back in 2015.

The Fight Academy Ireland product has only gone the distance twice in his career and boasts four wins by submission and two by knockout. At just 25 years old, he is one of the most promising fighters on this list.

Mikhail Mokhnatkin (9-1-2)

Mokhnatkin has fought the majority of his career for Russia’s Fight Nights promotion and hasn’t tasted defeat since his professional debut in 2010. At 27, Mokhnatkin boasts wins over PRIDE veteran Valentijn Overeem, former UFC light heavyweight Fábio Maldonado. He also went the distance against RIZIN light heavyweight standout Jiri Prochazka in what ended up being a draw.

With seven career stoppage victories in 12 fights, Mokhnatkin has an exciting style that would make him a fan favorite in the UFC. The St. Petersburg native has amassed a 11-fight unbeaten streak.

Cameron Olson (7-2- 1 NC)

The Roufusport product Olson has won four fights in a row since moving up to light heavyweight last June. In addition, he’s won six of his seven career fights by stoppage and has remained one of the most underrated fighters on the regional circuit.

His two career losses were to Jordon Young (who is 6-0 now) and TUF 23 finalist Khalil Rountree, both in the middleweight division. The 27-year-old fighter is in the prime of his career and having teammates like Tyron Woodley, Anthony Pettis and Gerald Meerschaert in the UFC should only strengthen his case for a call up.

Plus with a nickname like “Captain Crunch,” why wouldn’t the UFC want to sign this guy?

Magomed Ankalaev (8-0)

Just 24 years old, Ankalev is the youngest fighter on this list but is undoubtedly deserving of a UFC contract. The Gorets gym standout has won his last three fights for top Russian promotion Akhmat Fight Show, including a fourth-round TKO victory over 31-fight veteran Maxim Grishin in his last fight.

Since starting off his career in 2014 with four straight decision victories, Ankalaev has turned a corner, earning three wins by stoppage in his last four fights. If the UFC has plans of going to Russia in the near future, signing the Makhachkala native would be an ideal fit.

Dominick Reyes (5-0)  

Reyes has been consistently winning fights since his pro-debut in 2014. The 27-year-old has won four of his last five fights by stoppage, including three-victories by knockout. In his last matchup, he took out 4-0 light heavyweight Marcus Govan, just 27-seconds into the first round at HFC 32. Reyes trains out of Elevation Fight Team with the likes of UFC heavyweight Curtis Blaydes and former WSOF title challenger Josh Copeland. If a UFC contract doesn’t happen this year, expect to see Reyes sign with one of the bigger promotions in the near future.


Agree with this list? Who did we miss? Let us know @FloCombat.