Prochazka and Ulberg to Compete for Vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Title

Former champion Alex Pereira has vacated the belt, setting up a title bout at UFC 327 in Miami.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The UFC has announced that Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg will compete for the vacant light heavyweight championship at UFC 327 in April. This comes after former champion Alex Pereira, who held the title twice, has decided to vacate the belt and potentially move up to heavyweight.

Why it matters

The light heavyweight division is one of the UFC's marquee weight classes, and the title fight between Prochazka and Ulberg will determine who will reign as the new champion. Pereira's decision to vacate the belt opens up an opportunity for a fresh face to claim the title.

The details

Prochazka is a former light heavyweight champion who was forced to relinquish the title due to injury in 2022. He has challenged Pereira for the belt twice, losing both times. Ulberg, who trains out of New Zealand, has won nine consecutive fights since losing his UFC debut in 2021, including a recent first-round knockout of Dominick Reyes.

  • The light heavyweight title fight between Prochazka and Ulberg will take place at UFC 327 on April 11, 2026.
  • Pereira has vacated the light heavyweight title, though the exact date of his decision is unclear.

The players

Jiri Prochazka

A former UFC light heavyweight champion who has challenged for the title twice, losing both times to Alex Pereira.

Carlos Ulberg

A light heavyweight fighter from New Zealand who has won nine consecutive fights since losing his UFC debut in 2021.

Alex Pereira

The former UFC light heavyweight champion who has decided to vacate the title and potentially move up to heavyweight.

Dana White

The CEO of the UFC, who announced the vacant light heavyweight title fight between Prochazka and Ulberg.

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What they’re saying

“The UFC's undisputed light heavyweight championship will be on the line in April, as Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg will meet for the vacant title at UFC 327.”

— Dana White, UFC CEO (ESPN)

What’s next

The winner of the Prochazka-Ulberg fight at UFC 327 will become the new UFC light heavyweight champion.

The takeaway

The light heavyweight title fight between Prochazka and Ulberg at UFC 327 represents an opportunity for a new champion to emerge in one of the UFC's most prestigious weight classes, following the departure of former champion Alex Pereira.