Alex Pereira is giving up his UFC light-heavyweight belt to pursue a historic third championship. The Brazilian star claimed the middleweight title in 2022 after only four fights and one year in the UFC, defeating Israel Adesanya. After losing that belt, he moved up to light-heavyweight, captured a second championship, and defended it three times in seven months. Now, he appears ready to move to heavyweight. Dana White confirmed on Instagram Live that Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg will headline UFC 327 for the newly-vacated belt.
Dana White confirms Pereira’s light-heavyweight exit
Dana White announced that Alex Pereira will vacate his 205-pound title, though he did not explicitly say the fighter plans to move to heavyweight. White also confirmed additional UFC 327 bouts and teased a White House event announcement next week. In Pereira’s place, former light-heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka will attempt to reclaim gold against top contender Carlos Ulberg in the main event.
Miami set for stacked UFC 327 card
UFC 327 will take place on April 11 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Joshua Van will make his first flyweight title defense against rising star Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event. Light-heavyweight action includes Dominick Reyes and Johnny Walker. White confirmed the main event around 11 p.m. Eastern on Instagram Live, without mentioning Pereira. He also announced a Bellator legends fight between Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico, along with Mateusz Gamrot facing Esteban Ribovics and Beneil Dariush battling Manuel Torres.
Pereira’s rise through the weight classes
Alex Pereira recently weighed 243 pounds, a major jump from his octagon debut at 185 pounds against Israel Adesanya. Jon Jones had called him out during plans for a UFC White House return, but that matchup appears unlikely. Pereira’s departure leaves the light-heavyweight division open and sets the stage for Prochazka and Ulberg to fight for the championship.
