The landscape of the UFC light heavyweight division has undergone a seismic transformation, as two-time champion Alex Pereira officially vacated his 205-pound title, setting the stage for a new era and opening the door to a historic heavyweight run. UFC CEO Dana White broke the news during a Friday night Instagram live session, confirming that the main event of UFC 327 will feature former champion Jiri Prochazka and surging contender Carlos Ulberg battling for the now-vacant belt. The event is set for April 11, 2026, at Miami’s Kaseya Center, promising fight fans an electrifying night packed with high-stakes showdowns and legacy-defining moments.
Pereira’s decision to relinquish the light heavyweight crown comes after a whirlwind UFC journey that has seen him capture titles in two divisions in record time. After arriving in the promotion and dethroning Israel Adesanya at middleweight back in 2022, Pereira moved up to 205 pounds, where he claimed and defended the belt three times. Most recently, he reclaimed the light heavyweight title with a resounding first-round TKO over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, avenging a previous upset loss and cementing his dominance. However, his ambitions now extend even further, as he sets his sights on becoming the first fighter in UFC history to win championships in three separate weight classes.
White’s announcement did not explicitly confirm Pereira’s heavyweight debut, but the writing is on the wall. Pereira has recently tipped the scales at an imposing 243 pounds and, according to multiple sources, is eyeing a run at the heavyweight division. The move comes at a time when the heavyweight landscape is in flux: reigning champion Tom Aspinall has been sidelined with significant eye injuries since his no-contest bout against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, and former champion Jon Jones has abruptly retired. This has left the division hungry for star power and fresh contenders—precisely the opportunity Pereira appears ready to seize.
"Alex Pereira vacated the UFC light heavyweight title as announced by Dana White on February 28, 2026," ESPN reported, confirming the magnitude of the shakeup. White himself teased further details, promising more announcements about the much-anticipated UFC White House event, scheduled for June 14 to coincide with the United States’ 250th anniversary. With heavyweight champion Aspinall’s future uncertain, speculation is swirling about Pereira potentially fighting for an interim heavyweight title or even facing off against the legendary Jon Jones, should Jones reconsider his retirement. Conor McGregor’s name has also been floated as a possible headliner for the historic card.
With Pereira’s departure, the focus now shifts to UFC 327’s main event, where redemption and legacy are on the line. Jiri Prochazka, the Czech powerhouse with a 32-5-1 record, is no stranger to championship gold. He was forced to vacate the light heavyweight title in 2022 due to a shoulder injury and has since been on a mission to reclaim his throne. Prochazka faced Pereira twice in back-to-back title challenges in 2023 and 2024, coming up short both times via second-round knockout. Since then, he’s bounced back in spectacular fashion, notching back-to-back finishes against Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr., solidifying his spot as a perennial contender.
On the other side of the octagon stands Carlos Ulberg, the New Zealand-born dynamo who has quietly built an impressive 14-1 professional record. After losing his UFC debut in 2021, Ulberg has gone on a tear, racking up nine consecutive victories. His most recent triumph—a first-round knockout of former title challenger Dominick Reyes in September—catapulted him into title contention and set the stage for the biggest fight of his career. If Ulberg emerges victorious, he will become only the second New Zealand-born UFC champion, joining the ranks of fellow Kiwi Israel Adesanya.
The stakes for Prochazka and Ulberg could hardly be higher. For Prochazka, UFC 327 represents his third shot at recapturing the title he never lost in the cage. For Ulberg, it’s the culmination of a remarkable rise through the light heavyweight ranks, an opportunity to etch his name in the history books and bring championship gold back to New Zealand. As noted by BJPENN.COM, "This is the first time in years the light heavyweight division does not involve Pereira in the title picture," underscoring the magnitude of the moment for both fighters.
The excitement doesn’t end with the main event. The co-main event will see Joshua Van, fresh off his title-winning performance, defending his flyweight championship against Japan’s Tatsuro Taira. Van captured the belt with a dramatic victory over Alexandre Pantoja last December, capitalizing on an elbow injury that forced the Brazilian out of the contest. Taira, meanwhile, has quickly established himself as a formidable challenger, riding a wave of momentum into his first UFC title shot.
UFC 327’s undercard is equally stacked, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. In lightweight action, No. 12 ranked Beneil Dariush will square off against No. 14 ranked Manuel Torres. Dariush is looking to rebound from a knockout loss to Benoit Saint Denis, while Torres enters the bout on a two-fight win streak, both via first-round TKO. Featherweight fans will be treated to a high-stakes clash between Aaron Pico and former two-division Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull—a matchup years in the making, finally coming to fruition after both men made the leap to the UFC following PFL’s acquisition of Bellator.
Additional bouts include Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit in heavyweight action, adding even more intrigue to a card that promises fireworks from start to finish. As the UFC continues to expand its reach and push the boundaries of combat sports, UFC 327 stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and unforgettable moments.
For Alex Pereira, the journey is far from over. His quest to become the first three-division UFC champion is just beginning, and with the heavyweight division in a state of flux, the timing could not be better. As for the light heavyweight division, a new king will be crowned in Miami, and fans around the world will be watching closely to see who rises to the occasion. With legacy, redemption, and history on the line, UFC 327 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of the year.
As April 11 approaches, the anticipation continues to build. Will Prochazka reclaim his lost glory, or will Ulberg’s meteoric rise culminate in championship gold? One thing’s for sure: the UFC’s light heavyweight division will never be the same again.