The reason for moving to heavyweight was Pereira's interest in new challenges and the desire to become the promotion's first champion in three divisions. According to "Poatan," he already weighs about 110 kg in training mode, making him competitive in this category.
The vacant light heavyweight title will be contested by Czech fighter Jiri Prochazka and New Zealand's Carlos Ulberg. Their bout will be the main event of the UFC 327 tournament, which will take place on April 11 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Prochazka, the 33-year-old former champion, has a record of 32-5-1 and is known for his spectacular knockouts. He was defeated twice by Pereira in 2023 and 2024 but returned in 2025 with a series of two victories over Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree.
35-year-old Ulberg is on an impressive eight-fight winning streak. His record is 13-1, with key triumphs over Jan Blachowicz and Dominick Reyes. The New Zealand native, previously competing in kickboxing, debuted in the UFC in 2020 and now gets a chance for his first title fight.