Prochazka-Ulberg Set for Vacant Title

Alex Pereira's move to the heavyweight division is the direct cause for the newly available light heavyweight title. The two-time champion relinquished the 205-pound belt to chase a championship in a third weight class, creating the opportunity for a new king to be crowned. This marks Jiří Procházka's third time fighting for a vacant light heavyweight belt. He first won the title by submitting Glover Teixeira in 2022 but vacated it due to a severe shoulder injury. After losing two title challenges to Alex Pereira, he earned this shot with recent knockout victories over Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. Carlos Ulberg enters his first UFC title challenge on an impressive nine-fight winning streak. After losing his promotional debut in 2021, the New Zealander has remained undefeated, securing a first-round knockout against former title challenger Dominick Reyes in his most recent outing. The co-featured bout pits a Bellator legend against a highly-touted prospect. Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire is widely considered the most accomplished fighter in Bellator history, having held titles in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions simultaneously. Aaron Pico was a decorated amateur wrestler and an Olympic alternate who entered MMA with massive expectations. After suffering early-career knockout losses, he has since amassed a series of victories, showcasing the powerful striking that made him a top prospect. The championship doubleheader is scheduled for April 11, 2026, at the Kaseya Center, marking the UFC's fifth visit to Miami. In the night's other title fight, Flyweight Champion Joshua Van will defend his belt against undefeated challenger Tatsuro Taira.