Back to Headlines
Sports
Apr 12, 2026

Carlos Ulberg Captures Vacant UFC Light‑Heavyweight Title with First‑Round KO as Donald Trump Watches

AI Summary
At UFC 327 in Miami, Carlos Ulberg knocked out former champion Jiri Prochazka in the first round to claim the vacant light‑heavyweight belt, with President Donald Trump seated cageside. The event also featured a knockout win by Azamat Murzakanov, a heavyweight decision victory for Josh Hokit, and a new Hokit‑Lewis matchup announced for UFC Freedom 250 after Trump’s involvement.

The light‑heavyweight division entered a new chapter on Saturday night in Miami when Carlos Ulberg secured the vacant UFC title by delivering a decisive left hook to former champion Jiri Prochazka.

President Donald Trump watched from the cageside as Ulberg’s strike landed at the 3:45 mark of the opening round, ending the bout with a knockout and awarding him the undisputed belt.

Ulberg entered the fight with a professional record of 14‑1 in MMA (10‑1 in the UFC), while Prochazka held a 32‑6‑1 MMA record (6‑3 in the UFC). Early in the first round Ulberg felt a knee give way, yet he persisted, capitalising on Prochazka’s hesitation to land the winning blow.

“I blew out my knee, but I never counted myself out,” Ulberg said afterward. “I knew I needed one clean shot, and when I saw Jiri pulling back, I threw my left hand and it landed.”

Prochazka, who has gone 1‑3 in UFC title fights since June 2022, reflected on the loss: “I felt sorry for him, and this is one of the biggest lessons in my life. The fight was in my hands, I saw his injury, and I’ll be back.”

The championship was vacant after former champion Alex Pereira vacated the belt to pursue an interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250, a bout scheduled for the White House on Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.

Trump promoted the event on his Truth Social account and arrived at the Kaseya Center accompanied by UFC president Dana White, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. ambassador to India Sergio Gor. A Kid Rock track blared as Trump took his seat beside the officials.

In the co‑main event, Azamat Murzakanov knocked out Paulo Costa with a right round‑house at 1:23 of the third round, extending his perfect UFC record to 17‑0‑0.

After his victory, Murzakanov shook hands with Trump, who praised the fighter. Murzakanov acknowledged the president during his post‑fight interview with Joe Rogan.

The heavyweight showdown between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes turned into a gritty slugfest, with Hokit prevailing by unanimous decision (29‑28 on all three cards). Trump cheered loudly as the fighters exchanged blows.

Following Hokit’s win, UFC chief Dana White announced on social media that a bout between Hokit and Derrick Lewis would be added to the UFC Freedom 250 card, noting that President Trump helped bring the matchup together.