Ilir Latifi announces that his next fight will be at heavyweight

Ilir Latifi’s next fight will be in the heavyweight division.

Latifi was at Royal Arena for UFC Copenhagen this past weekend where in the guest studio, he announced the news (via Kimura). He added that it was something he wanted to test out as dieting had become harder for him at the age of 36 as he carries a lot of weight in between fights.

There is no planned bout yet, however, “The Sledgehammer” will be going to the United States to train shortly.

Latifi is one of the smaller light heavyweights standing at 5’10”. However, he has a huge, powerful frame that could benefit from competing at heavyweight, similar to former champion Daniel Cormier.

The Swede has lost his last two fights and before his most recent TKO loss to Volkan Oezdemir, teased a move to heavyweight as well.

“I even have plans of fighting at heavyweight, so let’s see,” Latifi told MMA Fighting in August. “Both divisions are tough. Light heavyweight is as tough as heavyweight. Both divisions they hit hard; light heavyweight they are faster, higher paced. There are advantages of the heavier guys, so we’ll see.

“I would like to fight anybody in the top-10 — maybe Derrick Lewis. I’m not looking past Volkan, this is a fight to focus on and do it. After that, let’s see, let’s take the decision from there.”