Talk is heating up about the UFC light heavyweight title possibly being up for grabs at UFC 327, with Jiri Procházka and Carlos Ulberg as the front-runners to become the new champion. But right now, nothing is set in stone.
Everything kicked off after a Brazilian report claimed the promotion was targeting Procházka vs. Ulberg for the vacant belt at UFC 327 in Miami, set for April 11, 2026. The match depends on whether current champ Alex Pereira decides to let go of his 205-pound title and move up a weight class, most likely for a big fight against Ciryl Gane at heavyweight.
That sparked a firestorm of rumors about who could be fighting for the belt if Pereira officially walks, but Procházka was quick to set the record straight. “All these informations on internet about me and Ulberg is not true because the fight is not confirmed yet, it’s still in negotiating,” Procházka said on his Instagram. April is a huge month for him outside the cage too; he and his partner are expecting a baby, so family comes first unless the UFC gets something done sooner.
Neither Procházka nor Ulberg has signed any contracts yet. Nothing is official from the UFC about the title being vacated or about any light heavyweight belt being handed out at UFC 327. Everything remains up in the air regarding both the main event and the division as a whole.
Pereira’s possible move is the centerpiece here. After taking back the 205-pound title at UFC 320, he’s been openly considering a shift to heavyweight. The idea of Pereira vs. Gane is quietly picking up speed, but so far, nobody, including the UFC, has given a clear answer on what comes next. The outcome of Pereira’s move will not only shape UFC 327 but also play into every other plan in the division in the coming months.
If the belt opens up, Procházka and Ulberg make sense as first picks for the shot. Procházka is a former champ whose wild, relentless style keeps him near the top of the ladder. His most recent win over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320 put him right back in the mix.
Ulberg, riding a nine-fight winning streak, sits just behind Procházka in the standings and has been vocal about wanting a title chance. He threw his hat firmly in the ring last fall, saying, “If an injury keeps Alex out, or he goes up, I’m ready.” His streak and willingness to jump in make him the logical backup should the promotion need to name new contenders quickly.
UFC 327 is currently expected to take place at Miami’s Kaseya Center, with a strong supporting card building beneath the question-mark main event. Other fights reportedly in the lineup: Costa vs. Murzakanov, Reyes vs. Walker, Swanson vs. Landwehr, Holland vs. Brown, and Daukaus vs. Luque. Stacking that many top contenders, especially at 205, sure seems like the UFC is planning for all possible scenarios if the main question, who holds or fights for the light heavyweight belt, remains in limbo.
Plenty of unknowns hang over the event: Will Pereira really leave the division? Will the UFC get Procházka and Ulberg under contract, or could someone else swoop in if those talks fall apart? And can Procházka’s new family responsibilities line up with the organization’s timetable?
If this fight does happen, the winner would instantly shake up the light heavyweight picture and set the stage for a new run at the top. For now, fight fans and everyone inside the game are just watching and waiting to see what Pereira does and if the UFC 327 headliner gets its new stakes.
Stick with MMA Hive for all the latest on how UFC 327 comes together and what’s next for the light heavyweight title.
