Some of the MMA community believe UFC 327 has just as many stacked bouts on its fight card as UFC 300 did in 2024.
One similarity between these two events is that the headliner is the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout between two intriguing strikers.
Jiri Prochazka tries to regain the 205-pound title after winning it at UFC 275, before vacating the belt later in 2022, while Carlos Ulberg aims to make the most of his first title shot.
Here is what you need to know about the main event, as well as three other bouts that will interest you at the Miami numbered event.
Prochazka hunting for gold again
The Czech mixed martial artist is preparing for his fourth UFC championship fight in just his ninth appearance with the organisation.
The 33-year-old’s last two attempts were thwarted by Alex Pereira, who vacated the title to move up to heavyweight in his bid to become a three-division champion.
Both of Prochazka’s losses to ‘Poatan’ ended with a second-round TKO loss, the first one being a premature stoppage at UFC 295, before a brutal ending at the start of round two at UFC 303.
However, despite his knockout losses, ‘BJP’ is still seen as one of the most dangerous fighters to face in the light heavyweight division.
The Znojmo-born fighter is on back-to-back third-round knockout wins against respectable opponents, Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.
Only one of his eight fights in the UFC has lasted more than three rounds, which is where he submitted Glover Teixeira in the fifth round to become a UFC Champion.
The deadly knockout artist has only gone the distance once in his MMA career, salvaging 28 KO/TKO wins and three submissions from 32 victories.
It seems destined that Prochazka will return to the 205-pound throne, but he cannot afford to underestimate his opponent and lose another chance at becoming a two-time champion.
Ulberg finally in his rightful position
After continuously extending his win streak to nine, ‘Black Jag’ has finally been given the golden opportunity, which he aims to take full advantage of.
The Auckland-born fighter has had to conquer former champions and title challengers such as Jan Blachowicz, Dominick Reyes and Volkan Oezdemir.
The 35-year-old has only been defeated once in his mixed martial arts career, which occurred on his UFC debut, losing to Kennedy Nzechukwu by second-round knockout.
Since then, Ulberg has gained so much winning momentum that it looks like he’s not going to be on the receiving end of a loss anytime soon.
The New Zealander produced the third fastest knockout in UFC Light Heavyweight history when he stopped Alonzo Menifield in just 12 seconds at UFC St Louis.
In the biggest MMA organisation, the former kickboxer has only gone to the judges’ scorecards three times, while earning seven finishes.
The #3 light heavyweight contender has a total of 10 stoppage victories with nine ending by KO/TKO and one by submission.
It’s certainly the case that Ulberg is facing the toughest foe of his MMA career, but a victory will make him a very respectable new champion.
Three other fights to watch at UFC 327
Azamat Murzakanov vs Paulo Costa
A former UFC Middleweight title challenger is stepping up a weight class to challenge an undefeated 205-pound mixed martial artist.
Murzakanov aims to increase his perfect record to 17 wins, earning 12 knockouts so far, which have happened in his last three contests.
Costa returned to the win column at UFC 318, where he defeated Roman Kopylov by unanimous decision, before making his decision to move up to light heavyweight.
‘The Professional’ may just be one fight away from a title shot as he stands at #6 in the rankings, but the Brazilian could sneak a shocking underdog win if all goes to plan.
Curtis Blaydes vs Josh Hokit
This heavyweight matchup features a top contender veteran who faces the pressure of losing to an unranked opponent at the Kaseya Center.
Blaydes redeemed his interim title loss by edging a split decision win against Rizvan Kuniev in his last bout, keeping him in the top five of the rankings.
Hokit only entered the UFC last year in November, claiming a first-round knockout on his debut before gaining another knockout win at UFC 324.
‘The Incredible Hok’ has a rare opportunity to boost up the heavyweight division in his third UFC appearance, but Blaydes’ experience may make it too tough of a task to pull off.
Patricio Pitbull vs. Aaron Pico
The featured preliminary matchup showcases two recognisable former Bellator fighters going head-to-head in a featherweight showdown.
Pitbull entered the 145-pound top 15 in his last contest after going the distance to defeat Dan Ige by unanimous decision at UFC 318.
Pico made his debut in his last fight, being on the receiving end of a Knockout of the Year contender when he was stopped in the first round by Lerone Murphy at UFC 319.
Both men will be eager to triumph at UFC 327 and will aim to make a statement in Miami as they have done plenty of times in a different promotion.
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