Ilir Latifi (13-5-0, 1 NC) has finally made his way to a top 10 contender in the world. The “Sledgehammer” is the #9 contender as of the latest UFC light heavyweight rankings after his win over Australian prospect Tyson Pedro (6-1) at UFC 2015.

Latifi Returns to Action

“From small shows to a top 10 rank – hard work and faith pays off” posts the Sweden based fighter. Training out of Allstars Training Center and American Top Team has won his last four of five bouts in the Octagon, including additional wins over Hans Stringer, Sean O’Connell, and Gian Villante.

With the boost in the rankings, Latifi is only one of three Nordic fighters in the official UFC rankings joining Alexander Gustafsson (#1 contender) and Gunnar Nelson (#11 contender)

The fighter out of Malmö turned pro in 2008 and found his way into the Octagon on short notice in 2013 to headline in Stockholm against Gegard Mousasi, where he lost by decision. Overall he has a 6 win and 3 loss record in the Octagon and in position to further move up in the rankings with his next bout.