UFC Sets Prochazka vs. Ulberg for Vacant Title

The vacancy at the top of the light heavyweight division was created by Alex Pereira's decision to move up to the heavyweight division. Pereira, a former two-division and two-time light heavyweight champion, has expressed a strong interest in a bout with former heavyweight king Jon Jones. This marks the second time Jiri Prochazka will fight for a vacant light heavyweight title. He first captured the belt in June 2022 with a fifth-round submission of Glover Teixeira, becoming the first UFC champion from the Czech Republic. Prochazka later vacated that title due to a significant shoulder injury. Prochazka’s journey back to a title shot includes two losses to the now-departed champion Alex Pereira. However, he has also secured impressive knockout victories over top contenders like Dominick Reyes, Aleksandar Rakić, and Jamahal Hill. Carlos Ulberg enters his first UFC title opportunity on the strength of a nine-fight winning streak. The New Zealander, who trains out of the acclaimed City Kickboxing gym, has been on a tear, securing six of those nine victories by way of stoppage. Ulberg's ascent through the ranks includes significant wins over former champion Jan Blachowicz and top contender Dominick Reyes, whom he knocked out in the first round in his most recent outing. His 12-second knockout of Alonzo Menifield is the third fastest in the history of the UFC's light heavyweight division. The championship bout is scheduled to headline UFC 327 on April 11, 2026, in Miami, Florida. The event will also feature a flyweight title fight, with champion Joshua Van defending his belt against Tatsuro Taira.