Alex Pereira vacates UFC light heavyweight title
In a stunning development that has reshaped the landscape of the UFC’s 205-pound division, Alex Pereira has officially vacated the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The announcement was confirmed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship late Friday evening, sending shockwaves through the MMA world.
With the announcement of the title vacancy also came the announcement of a fight to crown a new champion at 205-pounds as Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg are locked in for a title fight in the UFC 327 main event.
This card is VIOLENT! 🤯
The #UFC327 card is LOCKED IN for Miami!
[ LIVE SAT APR 11 on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/gPcAkCyzJ2
— UFC (@ufc) February 28, 2026
Pereira, a former two-division champion in the UFC, captured the light heavyweight title in 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the promotion’s most dangerous and marketable stars. Known for his devastating knockout power and elite kickboxing pedigree, the Brazilian star successfully defended the belt against top contenders, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound elite.
While official details surrounding the decision remain limited, sources close to the situation indicate Pereira is considering a move up to the heavyweight division, potentially pursuing a third UFC championship in a new weight class. Others suggest lingering injuries and the toll of consecutive high-profile bouts may have influenced the decision.
UFC President Dana White addressed the situation during a brief media scrum.
“Alex has been an incredible champion for us,” White said. “He’s stepped up every time we’ve asked, fought the best guys in the world, and delivered huge performances. We respect his decision, and we’ll move quickly to keep the division moving.”
Pereira’s meteoric rise in MMA has been one of the sport’s most compelling stories. After transitioning from an elite kickboxing career—where he notably held victories over Israel Adesanya—Pereira captured the UFC middleweight title before moving up to light heavyweight and claiming gold there as well. His willingness to take high-risk fights on short notice further endeared him to fans.
As for Pereira, the focus shifts to what could be another ambitious run—potentially toward heavyweight gold and further legacy-defining moments inside the Octagon.
