UFC 327 was supposed to mark the beginning of a new era in the light heavyweight division after Alex Pereira vacated the title to move up to heavyweight. While the promotion did crown a new 205-pound champion, there’s uncertainty over when that title will be defended again.
Carlos Ulberg produced one of the biggest upsets of the year in the main event, knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the opening round. The finish alone was shocking, but what made it even more incredible was what happened before it. Ulberg tore his ACL early in the fight and spent much of the round dealing with Prochazka’s relentless pressure before catching the former champion with a perfectly timed check hook to seal the victory.
The New Zealander is now recovering after undergoing surgery and has targeted a return in mid-2027. But even while sidelined, Ulberg already has a clear vision for how the UFC should sort out his first title challenger.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday after Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi, Ulberg played matchmaker and proposed a four-man eliminator that he believes should determine who gets the next crack at his belt. He wants Ankalaev to face Prochazka, while Paulo Costa takes on Khalil Rountree Jr., with the winners meeting him once he’s healthy.
He wrote, “After last night’s fights, here’s my thoughts. Ankalaev vs. Jiri. Give them both full camps. It’s a fight the division deserves, and stylistically, it’s one the fans would love to see. Costa vs. Rountree. That’s a wildcard.”
The reigning champion added, “High risk, high reward. Someone’s leaving with serious momentum. By the time the dust settles, I’ll be ready. Whoever earns it. See you in 2027.”
UFC champ Carlos Ulberg suggests a four-man tourney to determine his first challenger after #UFCAbuDhabi.
▪️Magomed Ankalaev vs. Jiri Prochazka
▪️Paulo Costa vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.Best performance gets the show. Agree? pic.twitter.com/4pZvgoSU7x
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 26, 2026
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Interestingly, Joe Rogan has previously floated the idea of an interim title fight between Ankalaev and Costa. However, Ankalaev’s underwhelming performance against Guskov on Saturday may have cooled any momentum behind that idea.
As things stand, Prochazka hasn’t fought since losing the title to Ulberg in April and is yet to receive his next booking. Before that setback, the Czech star had built a two-fight winning streak with stoppage victories over Jamahal Hill and Rountree Jr.
Ankalaev, meanwhile, earned a TKO victory over Guskov in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event. It marked his first appearance since dropping the light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira in their rematch at UFC 320 last October.
Rountree has also been out of action since October, when Prochazka stopped him in a Fight of the Night war at UFC 320. He was originally scheduled to face Ankalaev this past weekend but suffered an injury just weeks before the event, forcing him to withdraw. Guskov stepped in as his replacement.
Costa, on the other hand, has been vocal about wanting another fight. The Brazilian returned to the light heavyweight division in April with a stunning upset win over the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov and is currently riding a two-fight winning streak.
The modern UFC has never been a fan of formal tournaments, but it has often used back-to-back No. 1 contender fights to sort out title challengers. If the promotion follows that familiar formula, Ulberg’s proposed mini-eliminator might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
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