Kiwi UFC star Carlos Ulberg is looking to claim the vacant light heavyweight crown on Sunday when he faces Jiri Prochazka at Kaseya Center in Miami.
PPV: UFC 327 Prochazka vs Ulberg | SUN 12 APRIL 11AM AEST | The UFC’s undisputed light heavyweight championship will be on the line, when Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg meet for the vacant title at UFC 327 | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
And while Ulberg’s full focus for now is claiming the vacated belt, he has revealed his amibitous plan to “lure” former champion Alex Pereira back to the 205-pound division.
‘Poatan’ vacated the title to move up a division and fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship at UFC Freedom 250.
Ulberg will be making his first UFC title fight on Sunday and is riding a wave of momentum, having won his last nine bouts.
Prochazka, meanwhile, is on a three-fight win streak after being knocked out in a title fight against Pereira back in 2024.
Pereira’s devastating knockout power usually has rival fighters ducking for cover, but Ulberg has challenged the former champion to come back to the division after his White House scrap.
“I would’ve loved to have fought the champion because that would’ve etched me to be the best,” Ulberg said.
“He is the man right now, and he is definitely the guy that I wanted to fight for that title.”
Ultimately it is on Ulberg to convince Pereira that the fight is worth moving back for, with the Kiwi adding that he needs a strong performance against Prochazka to do just that.
“I think a win here, a dominant win here could definitely lure Pereira back to the division and test himself,” Ulberg said.
“He’s the man at the moment and to be the man you’ve got to beat the man. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat him.
“He’s definitely the guy that I’ve been keeping a close eye on and wanting that fight because I know that would be the fight to make happen. It is always focusing on me and what’s at hand and in front of me.”
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