The anticipation is building in Miami as UFC 327 prepares to take over the Kaseya Center on April 11, 2026, with a card that promises fireworks and history in the making. The event, officially announced by UFC CEO Dana White on February 27, 2026, features not one but two title fights at the very top, headlined by a clash for the vacant light heavyweight championship between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg. With thirteen bouts set to unfold, fans are in for a night jam-packed with high-stakes action, rising stars, and career-defining opportunities.
The main event is a collision between two of the division’s most dangerous men. Jiri Prochazka, the Czech powerhouse with a record of 32-5-1, is no stranger to UFC gold. He first captured the light heavyweight title in 2022 after a thrilling victory over Glover Teixeira, only to vacate the belt due to injury. Since then, Prochazka has been clawing his way back to the summit, most recently notching statement wins over Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. His relentless style and penchant for dramatic finishes have made him a fan favorite and a perennial threat at 205 pounds.
Across the cage, Carlos Ulberg stands ready for his biggest test yet. The New Zealand-born striker, ranked #3 in the division, comes into this bout riding an electrifying nine-fight win streak. Ulberg, known as “Black Jag,” has been carving a path of destruction through the light heavyweight ranks, with his most recent victory coming via a highlight-reel knockout of Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth late last year. With a professional record of 13-1, Ulberg has made it clear that he’s not just here to participate—he’s here to claim gold.
This title opportunity opened up after Alex Pereira, the former champion, vacated the light heavyweight strap to pursue a move to the heavyweight division. Pereira’s decision, announced by Dana White, has sent shockwaves through the MMA world, especially as rumors swirl that he’s set to face Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title at UFC 328. With Pereira’s departure, the UFC wasted no time in booking the top two contenders to battle for the undisputed championship.
Prochazka’s journey back to the title picture has been nothing short of remarkable. After vacating the belt due to injury, he twice challenged Pereira for gold but came up short on both occasions. Nonetheless, his recent resurgence—marked by a knockout of Jamahal Hill at UFC 311—has reminded everyone why he was once the king of the division. According to White, "Prochazka has shown the heart of a champion, and this is his chance to reclaim the throne."
Ulberg, meanwhile, has been vocal about his championship ambitions. After his knockout win over Reyes, he declared, "I want the belt. I’m ready for anyone, anywhere." His City Kickboxing pedigree, alongside teammates like Israel Adesanya, has only fueled expectations that he could be the next big name to emerge from the famed Auckland gym.
The co-main event is no less compelling. Joshua Van, the newly crowned flyweight champion, will make his first title defense against Japan’s Tatsuro Taira, who is currently ranked #3 in the division. Van captured the title at UFC 323 in dramatic fashion after Alexandre Pantoja suffered a broken arm, marking one of the most shocking title changes in recent memory. Now, Van faces a stern test in Taira, a technical wizard with a knack for submissions and a relentless pace.
Beyond the title fights, UFC 327 boasts a main card brimming with intrigue. Fans will see Curtis Blaydes, ranked #4 in the heavyweight division, take on Josh Hokit in a bout with serious implications for the heavyweight pecking order. In the lightweight ranks, Beneil Dariush looks to rebound from a devastating 16-second knockout loss last November as he faces the dangerous Manuel Torres. Dariush, with a record of 23-7-1 in MMA and 17-7-1 in the UFC, is known for his grit and well-rounded skill set, but Torres—boasting nine knockout finishes—will be eager to make a statement of his own.
Another lightweight battle features Mateusz Gamrot against Esteban Ribovics. Gamrot, who is 25-4 in MMA, aims to bounce back after being submitted by Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. Ribovics, with a 15-2 record, has won four of his last five and is eager to keep his momentum going. Their previous encounter was a closely contested affair, and this rematch is sure to be a chess match with plenty of fireworks.
The main card is rounded out by Dominick Reyes versus Johnny Walker in a light heavyweight showdown. Reyes, ranked #10, is looking to get back on track after a string of tough losses, while Walker, ranked #12, wants to prove he still belongs among the elite.
The prelims, which kick off at 7 PM ET on Paramount+, offer plenty of must-see matchups. Paulo Costa makes his light heavyweight debut against Azamat Murzakanov, currently ranked #6. Costa’s move up in weight has been highly anticipated, and this bout will reveal whether he can hang with the division’s best. Featherweight action sees Patricio Pitbull, a former Bellator champion, finally square off against Aaron Pico in a fight years in the making. Both men have been calling for this clash since their Bellator days, and now, under the UFC banner, they’ll settle the score.
Other notable prelims include Kevin Holland versus Randy Brown at welterweight, Kelvin Gastelum against Vicente Luque at middleweight, and Tatiana Suarez taking on Loopy Godinez in a strawweight contest. Suarez, ranked #2, is widely considered a future title challenger, while Godinez, ranked #6, is looking to play spoiler.
With a card this deep, UFC 327 is shaping up to be one of the most significant events of the year. The stakes are sky-high for Prochazka and Ulberg as they vie for the vacant light heavyweight crown, while Van and Taira’s flyweight battle promises to set the tone for the division’s future. The mixture of established stars, surging contenders, and tantalizing debuts ensures that every fight has something on the line.
As fight night approaches, all eyes will be on Miami. Will Prochazka reclaim his former glory, or will Ulberg’s meteoric rise reach its ultimate destination? Can Van fend off the challenge of Taira and solidify his reign? One thing’s certain—UFC 327 is set to deliver drama, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. Stay tuned as the countdown to April 11 continues and the Kaseya Center prepares to host a night that could reshape the future of multiple UFC divisions.