UFC CEO Dana White announced via Instagram Live on Friday that Alex Pereira has officially relinquished the UFC light heavyweight title. This move opens the door for a championship fight between former titleholder Jiri Prochazka and rising contender Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, scheduled for April 11 at the Kaseya Center. Pereira’s decision to vacate the belt marks a significant shift in the 205-pound division.
Pereira’s Dominant Run at Light Heavyweight and Career Highlights
Alex Pereira leaves the light heavyweight division after successfully defending his title three times following his initial win in 2023. His latest title win was an 80-second technical knockout against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, avenging a previous defeat to Ankalaev. At 38 years old, Pereira first claimed UFC gold in the middleweight class in 2022 after defeating Israel Adesanya, capturing the belt in only his fourth UFC fight since debuting in 2021. Known for his kickboxing background, where he was a two-division world champion, Pereira has also defeated notable UFC fighters such as Sean Strickland, Jan Blachowicz, Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree Jr. Recently, he weighed in at 243 pounds, sparking speculation about a potential move to heavyweight as he aims to become the first UFC fighter to win championships in three weight classes.
Upcoming Title Fight and Fighter Backgrounds
The vacant light heavyweight championship bout will be Jiri Prochazka’s third opportunity to regain the belt he was forced to give up in 2022 after a shoulder injury. The 33-year-old Czech fighter holds a professional record of 32 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, including 18 wins and 2 losses since 2015. Both recent losses occurred by second-round knockout against Pereira at UFC 295 and UFC 300. Prochazka has since rebounded with knockout wins over Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr., maintaining his ranking at No. 2 in the light heavyweight division.
Carlos Ulberg, who is 35 years old and ranked No. 3, enters the title fight on a nine-fight winning streak after a loss in his 2021 UFC debut. The New Zealander boasts a 13-1 professional record, with recent notable wins including a first-round knockout of Dominick Reyes and consecutive victories over Jan Blachowicz and Volkan Oezdemir.
Additional Highlights of UFC 327
UFC 327 will also feature a flyweight title co-main event between champion Joshua Van and challenger Tatsuro Taira. Other anticipated matchups include Johnny Walker facing Dominick Reyes and Azamat Murzakanov battling Paulo Costa. Dana White mentioned that more details about the upcoming UFC White House event will be announced in the near future, keeping fans eagerly awaiting further news.
Breaking: Alex Pereira will vacate his light heavyweight title, Dana White announced on Friday.
Jiri Prochazka will take on Carlos Ulberg in the main event at UFC 327 for the vacant title. pic.twitter.com/u2MaaE09Vw
— ESPN (@espn) February 28, 2026
