Khamzat Chimaev vs. Jiří Procházka Targeted for UFC 327 Main Event
Recent coverage has placed Khamzat Chimaev as the targeted challenger for Jiří Procházka in the main event of UFC 327 for the vacant light heavyweight title. The matchup is being discussed for an April 11 headliner at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, but the promotion has not officially confirmed the pairing and details remain unconfirmed.
Khamzat Chimaev and the proposed move to 205
The plan under discussion would see Khamzat Chimaev vacate his middleweight title rather than defend it, pursuing a second divisional championship at 205 pounds. The idea would represent a third UFC weight class for Chimaev after his runs at welterweight and middleweight. The report lists Chimaev with a 15-0 record and notes that he won the middleweight strap by dominating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August.
Such a jump to light heavyweight would reshape immediate title-picture math: it would open the middleweight belt for contention while placing Chimaev directly into a vacant light heavyweight title line. At the same time, the proposed matchup would pit Chimaev against a former light heavyweight champion who has rebuilt momentum with successive stoppage wins.
What the UFC 327 card would look like if the Chimaev vs. Procházka plan holds
Promotional plans for UFC 327 are already taking shape around a stacked evening of title fights and notable returns. If the targeted main event stands, the card presented in recent updates would include:
- Main event: Vacant light heavyweight title — Jiří Procházka vs. Khamzat Chimaev (targeted)
- Co-main event (confirmed in current lineups): Flyweight title defense — flyweight champion vs. Tatsuro Taira
- Additional announced or discussed bouts: Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker; Kevin Holland vs. Randy Brown; Paulo Costa's light heavyweight debut vs. Azamat Murzakanov
Schedule and matchups remain subject to change as the promotion finalizes the card. An earlier rumor had targeted a different Procházka opponent for the vacant 205-pound crown, and it is unclear whether the Chimaev plan replaces that scenario or exists as a competing report.
Coach perspective and the wider light heavyweight picture
Commentary from a longtime coach in the scene has weighed in on adjacent negotiations, urging another top light heavyweight — Alex Pereira — to consider moving up to heavyweight rather than pursuing a fight with Chimaev at 205. That coach argued that Chimaev presents a stylistic challenge on the mat and suggested gearing efforts toward a heavyweight run and a third divisional title.
Alex Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title with a first-round knockout of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 and had previously avenged a loss to the same opponent. Following that victory, Pereira stated ambitions to seek a heavyweight campaign. In parallel, Jiří Procházka has regained momentum in the weight class with back-to-back stoppage wins at prior events, making the vacant 205 belt a hot commodity.
What’s next and the caveats
At present, the Chimaev vs. Procházka pairing is a targeted plan circulating in coverage but remains unconfirmed by the promotion. If formal confirmation arrives, expect official fight announcements, medical clearances, and promotional timelines to follow. Until then, the situation should be treated as developing; promotional confirmation will be required to move from rumor to official booking.
