Alex Pereira Jumps to Heavyweight, Jiri Prochazka Awaits Rematch

Prochazka believes he will eventually get his chance to defeat Pereira, even as the Brazilian moves up in weight class.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Jiri Prochazka is convinced he will eventually find a way to defeat Alex Pereira, even as Pereira vacates his light heavyweight title and moves up to the heavyweight division. Prochazka believes 'sooner or later' Pereira will come his way, as the two fighters have already met twice with Pereira emerging victorious on both occasions. Prochazka now has the opportunity to reclaim the 205-pound crown by defeating Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 in Miami.

Why it matters

This ongoing rivalry between Prochazka and Pereira has captivated MMA fans, as the two have developed a fierce competitive dynamic. Pereira's move to heavyweight raises questions about whether the trilogy fight will still materialize, but Prochazka remains confident he will get his chance to avenge the previous losses.

The details

Pereira (13-3) recently vacated his light heavyweight title and is rumored to be fighting Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship. Prochazka (32-5-1) will now face No. 3-ranked Carlos Ulberg (13-1) at UFC 327 in Miami, with the opportunity to reclaim the 205-pound title that Pereira has relinquished.

  • Pereira vacated his light heavyweight title in March 2026.
  • Prochazka will face Ulberg at UFC 327 in Miami next month.

The players

Alex Pereira

A Brazilian MMA fighter who has twice defeated Jiri Prochazka and is now moving up to the heavyweight division.

Jiri Prochazka

A Czech MMA fighter who is determined to defeat Pereira and reclaim the light heavyweight title that Pereira has vacated.

Carlos Ulberg

A New Zealand MMA fighter who is ranked No. 3 in the light heavyweight division and will face Prochazka at UFC 327.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not surprised. I think it's a gentleman thing. When you go up, it's normal to release the title. I hoped (to meet Pereira again). Possible opponents for me, there was Ulberg or Pereira. I wanted just one of these two for a title fight because I think other fighters don't deserve it, and I made enough to take back what's mine. I believe sooner or later Alex Pereira will come in my way.”

— Jiri Prochazka (The Ariel Helwani Show)

“I already chose the way I like to hunt Ulberg because he don't like the pressure. He don't like to be hunted. This is what I say to myself. I need to be that one who catches this guy. There is no other way to fight with him. He is fast, good kickboxer, he likes to jump a lot, to be light on the legs. He don't like to wrestle. He don't like to be on the ground. So, pressure, pressure. That's it.”

— Jiri Prochazka (The Ariel Helwani Show)

What’s next

Prochazka will face Ulberg at UFC 327 in Miami next month, with the opportunity to reclaim the light heavyweight title that Pereira has vacated.

The takeaway

Despite Pereira's move to heavyweight, this ongoing rivalry between him and Prochazka remains one of the most compelling storylines in MMA. Prochazka's determination to avenge his previous losses against Pereira will continue to drive him, even as the landscape of the divisions shifts around them.