Photo: UFC 

By Miguel Palaban

The UFC light heavyweight championship will be up for grabs when Jiri Prochazka faces Carlos Ulberg in the main event of UFC 327 on Sunday (Manila time), at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

The division’s title became vacant after former champion Alex Pereira expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight and relinquished the belt.

Prochazka enters the bout with a record of 32 wins, five losses, and one draw.

The Czech fighter previously held the 205-pound crown but was forced to vacate it in 2022 due to injury.

He later challenged Pereira twice, suffering second-round knockout losses in both encounters across 2023 and 2024.

Since then, Prochazka has rebounded with consecutive finishes over Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr., reestablishing himself as a top contender.

Ulberg, who owns a 13-1 record, represents one of the division’s fastest-rising contenders.

Based in New Zealand, Ulberg has compiled an impressive run since joining the promotion in 2020.

After dropping his debut in 2021, Ulberg has racked up nine straight victories. His latest outing saw him deliver a first-round knockout against Dominick Reyes in September 2025.

The matchup presents a contrast in experience and momentum.

Prochazka brings a championship pedigree and a history of high-level competition, while Ulberg offers consistency and a sustained winning streak.

With the belt vacant, both fighters have a clear opportunity to establish themselves as the division’s next titleholder.