Prochazka vs. Ulberg Set for Vacant UFC Title
Jiri Prochazka will fight Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight championship in the main event of UFC 327, according to reports. The title became available after former champion Alex Pereira vacated the belt. Ulberg's rapid rise from a 2021 debut to a 2026 title shot highlights his quick ascent in the division.
The vacancy at the top of the light heavyweight division comes after two-time champion Alex Pereira relinquished the belt. Pereira, a former middleweight champion and the first to hold titles in both divisions, vacated to pursue a title in the heavyweight division. This marks Jiří Procházka's third time fighting for the undisputed UFC light heavyweight title. He first won the belt in June 2022 by submitting Glover Teixeira at UFC 275, becoming the first Czech champion in UFC history. He later vacated the title due to a significant shoulder injury before losing a bid to reclaim the vacant belt against Alex Pereira at UFC 295. Procházka is on a two-fight winning streak since his last loss to Pereira, securing TKO victories over former title challenger Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. The 33-year-old holds a professional record of 32 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, with 28 of his wins coming by knockout. Carlos Ulberg enters his first UFC title shot on an impressive nine-fight winning streak. The New Zealander has been undefeated since losing his promotional debut back in March 2021. His recent victories include decisions over former champion Jan Błachowicz and Volkan Oezdemir, and a first-round knockout of Dominick Reyes. Fighting out of the acclaimed City Kickboxing gym, Ulberg has earned a reputation as a dangerous finisher. Seven of his nine consecutive wins have come inside the distance, including a 12-second knockout of Alonzo Menifield in May 2024. The championship bout is scheduled to take place on April 11, 2026, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
