Look at the global trends: everyone is going heavy, or at least heavier than ever before. USAF/PLAAF/RuAF don’t even have modern light fighter programs; hell, the F-35 barely even qualifies as a ‘medium’ fighter!
Problem with light fighters is limited scope especially in terms of radar, flexibility and range.
And with shrinking fleets, flexibility becomes the order of the day.
The other thing I think is happening is that with ever expanding BVR capabilities, shorter range aircraft reliant on aerial refuelling become more vulnerable. I.e. pop the completely non-stealthy tankers and thus reduce range of light/medium fighters.
Hence more reliance on long range due to internal fuel capacity. And this means heavier fighters. I think from this perspective. F-35 is a bit behind the ball.
Heavy fighters can also be more stealthy due to more room for internal bays.
Of course Su-27/30 isn’t stealthy but its successors certainly are (T-50, J-20).
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