Alex Pereira vacates light heavyweight title — alex pereira's move sets up Prochazka vs. Ulberg at UFC 327
alex pereira has formally vacated the UFC light heavyweight championship, clearing the way for Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg to fight for the belt at UFC 327. The vacancy follows Pereira's request to move to the heavyweight division and a public show of support from UFC president Dana White.
Prochazka and Ulberg slated to fight for vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 327
Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg are now scheduled to face off for the light heavyweight title at UFC 327 after Alex Pereira vacated the belt. The headline pairing will decide the division's champion in Pereira's absence.
Alex Pereira asked to move to heavyweight; Dana White signals support
Officials say Pereira previously requested a move to the heavyweight division, a decision that prompted the title vacancy. Dana White has expressed support for that switch and said on Feb. 21, "He's one of those guys that always steps up and does whatever we need him to. Whatever that guy wants to do, we would work with him. " White also revealed he will announce the fights for the upcoming White House event "this week. "
Pereira's recent title history with Prochazka and Ankalaev
Pereira first captured the light heavyweight championship by defeating Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295. He then lost the title to Magomed Ankalaev in May 2025, before regaining it by taking down Ankalaev in the first round at UFC 320. If Pereira officially moves to heavyweight, he would attempt to become the promotion's first three-division champion.
Prochazka's comeback and record after vacating in 2022
Prochazka was previously the light heavyweight champion but was forced to vacate the title due to an injury in 2022. He owns a 32-5-1 record and has won consecutive fights against Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill, positioning him as a leading contender for the re-opened belt at UFC 327.
Carlos Ulberg's streak and UFC debut loss
Carlos Ulberg will enter the matchup with a 14-1-0 record. He has won nine consecutive fights since suffering a defeat during his UFC debut in 2021, bringing a long winning streak into the title fight against Prochazka.
