A new era began in the light heavyweight division at UFC 327 in Miami. Carlos Ulberg won the vacant Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight title. He defeated former champion Jiri Prochazka.
United States President Donald Trump watched cageside on Saturday. Ulberg landed a left hook to Prochazka’s chin. He won the undisputed belt with a knockout at 3:45 in the first round.
Ulberg (14-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) finished Prochazka (32-6-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC). Ulberg nearly lost the fight due to a knee injury. He caught Prochazka with a left hook and followed with more strikes to win the title.
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Start Your News Detox"I blew out my knee, but I never counted myself out," Ulberg said. "I knew all I needed was that one shot, and I ended up getting it." He noted Prochazka was hesitant to move forward. "As soon as I landed my left hand, he’s going."
Ulberg has now won 10 fights in a row. Prochazka has a 1-3 record in UFC title fights since June 2022. Two of those losses were to Alex Pereira (13-3).
Ulberg (15-1-0) seemed to hurt his right knee early in the first round. His knee buckled awkwardly when he planted his foot. Prochazka (32-6-1) then targeted Ulberg’s left leg with kicks. He hoped to weaken both legs instead of attacking aggressively for a finish.
"I felt sorry for him, and this is one of the biggest lessons in my life," Prochazka said. "That fight was won, I had it, it was in my hands. I saw his injury, and … I will be back. Life is about that, learn and be better."
The fight for the vacant belt happened after former champion Alex Pereira moved up a weight class. He will challenge for the interim heavyweight crown at UFC Freedom 250. This event will take place at the White House on June 14, which is Trump’s 80th birthday.
Before arriving at the arena, Trump’s Truth Social account posted an advertisement for UFC 327. Trump entered the Kaseya Center with UFC president Dana White and members of his family.
A Kid Rock song played as Trump walked to his seat. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US ambassador to India Sergio Gor were also nearby.
US President Donald Trump speaks with UFC CEO Dana White and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during UFC 327 [Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AFP]
Other Fights at UFC 327
Earlier, Paulo Costa rallied in the third round. He ended Azamat Murzakanov’s undefeated record. Costa (16-4) has now won his last two fights. He used to fight mainly at middleweight. Murzakanov (16-1) had won five of his first seven UFC fights by KO/TKO since 2022.
In the co-main event, Azamat Murzakanov (17-0-0) used a right roundhouse kick to the head. This dropped Paulo Costa (15-5-0) and ended the bout at 1:23 in the third round.
After his victory, Murzakanov stepped onto the Octagon apron to shake Trump’s hand. The president praised him. Murzakanov also acknowledged Trump during his post-fight interview.
Josh Hokit (9-0-0) and Curtis Blaydes (19-6-0) fought in a slugfest. Trump watched the heavyweights excitedly as fans chanted "This is awesome!" The fighters bloodied each other’s faces. Hokit won by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Josh Hokit knees Curtis Blaydes in their heavyweight bout [Carmen Mandato/Getty Images via AFP]
Lewis vs. Hokit Added to White House Card
Dana White announced a new fight after Hokit’s win. Josh Hokit will fight Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250. White said Trump asked why Lewis was not on the White House card.
The UFC chief called Lewis and offered him a fight. During the broadcast, Rogan jokingly asked if there was room for Hokit on the card. This led to the match being made.
"President Trump built half of that fight, Rogan built the other half," White said in a video. "Both guys have agreed and accepted the fight."
