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.<\/p>\n
Carlos Ulberg produced one of the biggest upsets of the year in the main event, knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the opening round<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Taking to Instagram on Sunday after Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n He wrote, \u201cAfter 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The reigning champion added, \u201cHigh 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.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n UFC champ Carlos Ulberg suggests a four-man tourney to determine his first challenger after #UFCAbuDhabi<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u25aa\ufe0fMagomed Ankalaev vs. Jiri Prochazka Best performance gets the show. Agree? pic.twitter.com\/4pZvgoSU7x<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 26, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
\n\u25aa\ufe0fPaulo Costa vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.<\/p>\n