Jiri Prochazka Targets Heavyweight Move to Secure Trilogy Against Alex Pereira After Relinquished Light Heavyweight Title

Jiri Prochazka discusses chasing Alex Pereira to heavyweight and his upcoming UFC 327 title fight against Carlos Ulberg. Read the full editorial analysis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 10:14 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from MMA Mania

The Inevitable Intersection of Two Combat Paths

The departure of Alex Pereira from the light heavyweight division has not deterred Jiri Prochazka from his pursuit of a third encounter with the Brazilian powerhouse. Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, the Czech fighter signaled his belief that their competitive histories are destined to intertwine once more, regardless of weight class. Pereira recently vacated his 205-pound championship to explore opportunities in the heavyweight ranks, a move that Prochazka interpreted as a professional courtesy to the division. According to Prochazka, the transition to heavyweight is a path he is willing to follow, stating his conviction that the man who defeated him twice will eventually cross his path again in a high-stakes environment.

Vacating the Throne as a Professional Courtesy

The strategic landscape of the UFC shifted significantly when Pereira, known as "Poatan," officially stepped away from his light heavyweight title. Prochazka described this decision as a "gentleman thing," noting that it is standard protocol for a champion to release their belt when moving up to seek new challenges. This vacancy has cleared the way for the Czech striker to re-enter the title picture immediately. According to Prochazka, while he had hoped for an immediate opportunity to rectify his past losses against either Pereira or Carlos Ulberg, the current structure allows him to focus on reclaiming what he considers his rightful place at the top of the 205-pound division before looking toward a heavier future.

Strategic Focus on the Upcoming Miami Title Bout

Before any potential jump to the heavyweight division can materialize, Prochazka must navigate a difficult stylistic matchup at UFC 327 in Miami. He is slated to face the third-ranked Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight crown, a fight that represents his immediate priority. Prochazka dismissed the merits of other potential contenders, asserting that only he and Ulberg have earned the right to compete for the title at this juncture. By securing the belt in Miami, the former champion aims to solidify his legacy at light heavyweight before eventually tracing Pereira’s footsteps into the promotion's heaviest weight class.