Aleksandar Rakic hopes to get into title contention with a win over Anthony Smith at UFC Vegas 8 this weekend. But a shot at the gold will apparently no longer come against the longest-reigning champion in light heavyweight history.
Jon Jones recently vacated his 205-pound title, announcing his intention to leave the division entirely with plans to move up to heavyweight when he returns to action. A new champion will be crowned at UFC 253, when Dominick Reyes faces off with Jan Blachowicz, but Jones’ shadow still looms large over the division.