Carlos Ulberg captured the vacant UFC light heavyweight title Saturday night, knocking out Jiri P...

Carlos Ulberg captured the vacant UFC light heavyweight title Saturday night, knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the first round of the UFC 327 main event in Miami.In the co-headliner, Paulo Costa pulled off an upset against Azamat Murzakanov, earning a third-round TKO victory in his return to the 205-pound division.Here are four takeaways from the event.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Ulberg winning title on 1 leg was absurdly impressive</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830467/cropped_GettyImages-2270932258.jpg?ts=1776029987" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830467/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270932258.jpg?ts=1776029987 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830467/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270932258.jpg?ts=1776029987 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830467/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270932258.jpg?ts=1776029987 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830467/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270932258.jpg?ts=1776029987 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830467/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270932258.jpg?ts=1776029987 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ed Mulholland / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>It's impossible to overstate just how improbable Ulberg's win over Prochazka was, given that he blew out his knee just a few minutes before the knockout.The UFC commentary team noticed immediately that Ulberg was compromised - and so did Prochazka. Ulberg tried to hide the injury, but at that point, it felt like a matter of time before Prochazka chopped down Ulberg's leg or knocked him out. The fight was in the palm of his hand. All he had to do was not get caught.And then Prochazka got caught.Ulberg floored him with a picture-perfect check left hook and then finished the job with devastating shots on the ground.Considering the circumstances, this was one of the most incredible wins we've seen in the UFC in a long time.<h3>No room for mercy in MMA</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830468/cropped_GettyImages-2270933070.jpg?ts=1776030043" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830468/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270933070.jpg?ts=1776030043 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830468/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270933070.jpg?ts=1776030043 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830468/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270933070.jpg?ts=1776030043 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830468/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270933070.jpg?ts=1776030043 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830468/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270933070.jpg?ts=1776030043 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ed Mulholland / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>Prochazka took his foot off the gas instead of going for the kill when he noticed that Ulberg had hurt his knee. That decision cost him the UFC light heavyweight title and his consciousness. Prochazka said afterward he felt mercy for his injured opponent, but in a sick twist, he was the one who ended up on his back, staring up at the lights.It was hard not to feel bad for Prochazka as he stood in the Octagon, speaking to Joe Rogan and trying to process what had just happened. He realized the fight was his to lose, yet he let it slip away. All Prochazka needed to do was attack Ulberg's leg, with one or two more heavy kicks likely enough to do the job.The outcome is another harsh reminder that there's no room for mercy in MMA. While there's no need to rain down ground-and-pound on a clearly unconscious fighter, generally speaking, you ought to do what it takes to win. If that means capitalizing on an injury like Ulberg's blown-out knee, then so be it. Even Ulberg said as such."If you're in there to get that title, you do whatever it takes to get that win," Ulberg said at the postfight press conference.Prochazka will be thinking about this one for a while. And you can bet he won't let anyone off the hook from here on out.<h3>Costa immediately in the mix at 205 pounds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830472/cropped_GettyImages-2270930989.jpg?ts=1776030371" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830472/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270930989.jpg?ts=1776030371 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830472/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270930989.jpg?ts=1776030371 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830472/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270930989.jpg?ts=1776030371 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830472/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270930989.jpg?ts=1776030371 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830472/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270930989.jpg?ts=1776030371 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Carmen Mandato / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Just when it felt like Costa was being thrown to the wolves against Murzakanov, he delivered one of the best performances of his career.Although Costa entered the co-headliner as a significant underdog, he battered Murzakanov and eventually put away the previously undefeated Russian with a head kick in the third round.Costa is a .500 fighter since losing to Israel Adesanya in 2020, but perhaps this move to light heavyweight is exactly what he needed to revitalize his career. Whether the Brazilian can put some consistency together remains to be seen, but he'll be fighting for the title in no time in a shallow light heavyweight division if he keeps performing the way he did Saturday.<h3>Hokit gives the heavyweight division life</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830474/cropped_GettyImages-2270930098.jpg?ts=1776030426" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830474/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270930098.jpg?ts=1776030426 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830474/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270930098.jpg?ts=1776030426 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830474/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270930098.jpg?ts=1776030426 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830474/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270930098.jpg?ts=1776030426 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830474/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270930098.jpg?ts=1776030426 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ed Mulholland / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>The heavyweight division has been on life support for a while, but Josh Hokit might've just saved it.Hokit, whose WWE-style persona has made him one of the most captivating fighters in the UFC since his debut last November, talked the talk throughout UFC 327 fight week, but he also walked the walk at Kaseya Center in Miami. Hokit bit down on his mouthguard and delivered a Fight of the Year candidate against No. 5-ranked contender Curtis Blaydes. The two traded heavy blows for 15 minutes, smashing the record for most significant strikes landed in a UFC heavyweight bout. At the end of it, Hokit got his hand raised via unanimous decision to catapult into the upper echelon of the division.Heavyweight badly needed fresh blood, and Hokit delivered. Oh yeah, and Gable Steveson signed with the UFC on Saturday night, too. Suddenly, things are looking up for the division.

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UFC 327 takeaways: Prochazka blew his chance to regain the title

Jiri Prochazka wants to run it back with newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulbe...

Jiri Prochazka wants to run it back with newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg.Prochazka <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3520955" href="https://thescore.com/news/3520955">suffered</a> a first-round knockout loss to Ulberg in the UFC 327 main event Saturday in Miami. Although Ulberg hurt his knee early in the bout, Prochazka couldn't capitalize and said afterward that he felt like he let the fight slip away."Big apologies for my performance tonight," Prochazka said in a video on his Instagram Stories. "I still can't understand this, my stupid mercy in the fight. That cost me this fight. I would like to fight the rematch, because that was my fight. That was my fight, and I just gave him this opportunity to catch me."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ulberg confirmed in his postfight interview that he "blew out" his knee in the opening moments of the bout. The exact injury is still unknown, but the 35-year-old New Zealander will likely be sidelined for several months.Prochazka, a former light heavyweight champion and the current No. 2-ranked contender, had won two in a row going into his vacant title fight with Ulberg. The 33-year-old Czech holds a 3-3 record dating back to 2023, which includes a pair of knockout losses to former two-division champion Alex Pereira.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 11: Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic reacts after a knockout loss against Carlos Ulberg of New Zealand in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 327 event at Kaseya Center on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Prochazka wants rematch vs. Ulberg: 'That was my fight'

The UFC White House card has added a seventh fight.  Rising heavyweight Josh Hokit, fresh off the...

The UFC White House card has added a seventh fight.Rising heavyweight Josh Hokit, fresh off the biggest win of his career over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 on Saturday, will face Derrick Lewis at the promotion's monumental June 14 event in Washington, UFC CEO Dana White announced.White said on Instagram Live that President Donald Trump asked him why Lewis wasn't on the card. Trump was sitting cageside with White at UFC 327 at Kaseya Center in Miami. White said he offered the fight to Hokit and Lewis minutes later and they accepted.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hokit, who made headlines throughout UFC 327 fight week because of his Colby Covington-esque persona, surged into title contention with a unanimous decision win over the No. 5-ranked Blaydes. The two heavyweights delivered an instant classic, trading heavy punches in all three rounds.Hokit, who made his UFC debut last November, improved to 3-0 in the promotion. The 28-year-old California native is undefeated as a professional at 9-0 with eight finishes.Lewis, ranked No. 8 in the division, is looking to get back on track from a second-round knockout loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324 in January. The 41-year-old Houston resident is 2-1 in his last three outings. Lewis holds the record for most knockout wins in UFC history (16).In the UFC White House main event, Ilia Topuria will defend the lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje. In the co-headliner, former light heavyweight and middleweight champ Alex Pereira will move up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane for the interim belt.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 11: Josh Hokit reacts after a victory against Curtis Blaydes in a heavyweight fight during the UFC 327 event at Kaseya Center on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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UFC adds Hokit-Lewis to White House card

UFC 327 took place Saturday night at Kaseya Center in Miami. In the main event, Carlos Ulberg kno...

UFC 327 took place Saturday night at Kaseya Center in Miami. In the main event, Carlos Ulberg knocked out Jiri Prochazka to claim the vacant light heavyweight title. theScore's Nick Baldwin provided live results and analysis throughout the card.📌 Jump to: <a href="#costa">Costa's TKO</a> | <a href="#hokit">Hokit's UD</a> | <a href="#reyes">Reyes' SD</a> | <a href="#swanson">Swanson's TKO</a> | <a href="#pico">Prelims</a> | <a href="#padilla">Early prelims</a><h3>Ulberg KOs Prochazka to win title</h3>Carlos Ulberg knocked out Jiri Prochazka to capture the vacant light heavyweight title in the UFC 327 main event Saturday night at Kaseya Center in Miami.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The finish came at the 3:45 mark of the first round.For more, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3520955" href="https://thescore.com/news/3520955">here</a>.<h3>Main event is a pick 'em. Who ya got?</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What's your favorite value on the UFC 327 card!? 👀 <a href="https://t.co/2hJVEu7ILh">pic.twitter.com/2hJVEu7ILh</a>— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreBet/status/2043111590556209331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>UFC announces Gable Steveson signing</h3>The promotion revealed that Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has signed with the UFC and will make his debut at UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.For more, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3520945" href="https://thescore.com/news/3520945">here</a>.<h3><a id="costa" name="costa">Costa pulls off the upset vs. Murzakanov</a></h3>Paulo Costa was a man on a mission in his return to light heavyweight.The former middleweight title challenger pulled off a stunning TKO win over Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event. The finish came at the 1:23 mark of the third round.Costa hurt Murzakanov with a head kick and then landed another one that ended the fight.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ok 205 Costa is an interesting player Uces. Banger btw <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC327?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC327</a> <a href="https://t.co/dISaT4Kb6N">pic.twitter.com/dISaT4Kb6N</a>— Underrated Tribal Chief (@CombatUTC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CombatUTC/status/2043168643287011503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Murzakanov, who was ranked No. 6 in the 205-pound division coming in, suffered the first loss of his career, falling to 16-1 as a professional.Costa, who competed at light heavyweight once previously before Saturday, is now immediately in the title mix. The Brazilian is riding a two-fight winning streak and hasn't lost since facing Sean Strickland in June 2024.<h3><a id="hokit" name="hokit">Hokit wins an all-time slugfest</a></h3>Rising heavyweight Josh Hokit picked up the biggest win of his career in a Fight of the Year candidate against Curtis Blaydes, earning a unanimous decision win (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).In what will go down as an all-time great heavyweight bout, Hokit and Blaydes exchanged heavy punches in all three rounds and somehow made it to the final horn. Hokit got the best of Blaydes in Rounds 2 and 3 to secure the judges' nod.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? 👀 [ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC327?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC327</a> | LIVE NOW on <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParamountPlus</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/6QRu9E3scU">pic.twitter.com/6QRu9E3scU</a>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2043156352382730632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Hokit (177) and Blaydes (174) set a new UFC record for the most combined significant strikes landed in a heavyweight bout, surpassing the 2019 rematch between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier, according to <a href="https://x.com/aaronbronsteter/status/2043165588105691634?s=20">Sportsnet's Aaron Bronsteter</a>.Hokit, 28, remained undefeated with the victory, improving to 3-0 in the UFC and 9-0 as a professional.Blaydes came up short for the first time since an interim title fight against Tom Aspinall in July 2024, falling to 1-2 in his last three appearances.<h3><a id="reyes" name="reyes">Reyes beats Walker in snoozer</a></h3>Former light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes earned a split-decision win over Johnny Walker in a lackluster affair.The judges scored the fight 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28. Walker outlanded Reyes 42-34 in total strikes.Reyes is back in the win column after suffering a knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC Perth last September. Walker fell to 1-3 in his last four outings.<h3><a id="swanson" name="swanson">Swanson goes out with a bang</a></h3>Cub Swanson delivered a picture-perfect performance in his retirement fight.The longtime featherweight contender scored a TKO finish over Nate Landwehr, flooring him with a right hand and forcing the referee to step in at the 4:06 mark of the first round.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
KILLER CUB SWANSON WITH ONE LAST DISPLAY OF BEAUTIFUL DESTRUCTION AGGHHHHHHH <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC327?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC327</a> <a href="https://t.co/niB2fZwMvl">pic.twitter.com/niB2fZwMvl</a>— Underrated Tribal Chief (@CombatUTC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CombatUTC/status/2043140133621203039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Swanson came out guns blazing, rocking Landwehr multiple times before putting him away for good.Swanson, 42, made his professional MMA debut in 2004 and stepped into the Octagon 26 times, producing a 16-10 record. He spent much of his career highly ranked in the 145-pound division and beat the likes of Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Jeremy Stephens. Swanson finishes his career with a 31-14 record.<h3><a id="pico" name="pico">Pico clobbers 'Pitbull'</a></h3>Aaron Pico earned his first UFC victory in dominant fashion, dismantling Patricio "Pitbull" Freire in a long-awaited matchup between Bellator veterans.Pico earned a unanimous decision over Freire, with the judges scoring the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830364/cropped_GettyImages-2270920326.jpg?ts=1775956067" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830364/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270920326.jpg?ts=1775956067 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830364/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270920326.jpg?ts=1775956067 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830364/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270920326.jpg?ts=1775956067 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830364/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270920326.jpg?ts=1775956067 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830364/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270920326.jpg?ts=1775956067 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ed Mulholland / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>Pico used crisp boxing to batter Freire in the stand-up department. He briefly dropped Freire in the second round. Pico also landed several takedowns and punished his opponent on the ground.The 29-year-old American returned to the win column after suffering a devastating knockout loss to Lerone Murphy in his Octagon debut last August. Pico is now 4-1 in his past five appearances.Freire, a former Bellator two-division champion, fell to 1-2 in the UFC.<h3>Holland edges out Brown</h3>Kevin Holland began his 2026 campaign with a win, taking home a unanimous decision over Randy Brown. All three judges scored the fight 30-27 in Holland's favor.The first two rounds - especially the second - were exhilarating. Holland battered Brown with leg kicks but absorbed a massive upkick in the opening frame. Holland then dominated the second stanza, nearly submitting Brown with a D'Arce choke.The action was much tamer in the third, with Holland controlling Brown in the clinch to seal the deal.Holland, 33, snapped a two-fight losing streak and earned his first victory since submitting Vicente Luque last June. Brown, 35, has lost two straight and three of his last four.<h3>Gamrot smothers Ribovics</h3>No. 8-ranked lightweight Mateusz Gamrot cruised past Esteban Ribovics, submitting him with an arm-triangle choke at the 4:19 mark of the second round.Gamrot smothered Ribovics on the ground for long stretches of the fight before eventually forcing the referee to step in with a submission.With the victory, the 35-year-old Polish fighter rebounded from a loss to former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC Rio de Janeiro last October.Ribovics, a 29-year-old from Argentina, is now 1-2 in his last three Octagon appearances.<h3>Suarez makes statement</h3>Tatiana Suarez is back in the strawweight title picture after an emphatic submission win over Loopy Godinez. Suarez tapped out Godinez with a rear-naked choke at the 2:29 mark of the second round.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TATIANA SUAREZ COMES BACK FROM GETTING KNOCKED DOWN AND SUBMITS LOOPY IN ROUND 2 ‼️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC327?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC327</a> <a href="https://t.co/AqwHBBq0OG">pic.twitter.com/AqwHBBq0OG</a>— UFC FIFTH ROUND (@UFCFIFTHROUND) <a href="https://twitter.com/UFCFIFTHROUND/status/2043107484961804552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 35-year-old had to overcome a bit of adversity to get the job done. Early in the first round, Godinez rocked Suarez on the feet and then hammered her with punches on the ground. But Suarez turned the tide with her grappling and controlled Godinez from top position.That continued into the second round as Suarez took Godinez down and then locked in the choke.Suarez has now won two in a row since challenging Zhang Weili for the 115-pound title in February 2025. This was her first stoppage victory since August 2023.Godinez, 32, suffered her first loss since August 2024, ending a two-fight winning streak.<h3><a id="padilla" name="padilla">Padilla, Mederos fight to draw</a></h3>Chris Padilla and MarQuel Mederos delivered an early candidate for Fight of the Night.The lightweights fought to a majority draw, with two judges scoring the fight 28-28 and one scoring it 29-27 in Padilla's favor. Bruce Buffer originally announced Padilla as the winner, but the broadcast corrected the scores several minutes later.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC327?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC327</a> broadcast announces a misread scorecard for Chris Padilla vs. MarQuel Mederos. Originally announced as a majority decision win for Padilla, the fight result is now a majority draw. <a href="https://t.co/oVB6xvR3bT">https://t.co/oVB6xvR3bT</a> <a href="https://t.co/wM0ujI3sNT">pic.twitter.com/wM0ujI3sNT</a>— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMAJunkie/status/2043109722627187038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Padilla, a 30-year-old California native, moved to 4-0-1 in the UFC and is riding an eight-fight unbeaten streak overall.Mederos, 29, is now 3-0-1 in the promotion. He's unbeaten in 10 consecutive fights.<h3>Luque stuns Gastelum with choke</h3>Vicente Luque pulled off a big upset against Kelvin Gastelum in his middleweight debut, submitting Gastelum with a D'Arce choke at the 4:08 mark of the first round.Luque dropped Gastelum and then sunk in the submission, forcing a tap.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Vicente Luque +220 underdog… They called me a mad man. UFC 327 prelims going hard. <a href="https://t.co/14mQjYkHaM">pic.twitter.com/14mQjYkHaM</a>— klein wong (@kleinwong_) <a href="https://twitter.com/kleinwong_/status/2043093079373029418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 34-year-old Brazilian snapped a two-fight skid and picked up his first victory since December 2024. Luque is now tied with Matt Brown and Dustin Poirier for the fifth-most finishes in UFC history (15).Gastelum, 34, fell to 1-2 in his last three Octagon appearances.<h3>Radtke opens UFC 327 with a win</h3>Welterweight Charles Radtke kicked off the night with a dominant performance against Francisco Prado, earning a unanimous decision victory (30-26, 30-26, 30-26).The 35-year-old Chicago native was outstruck by Prado but amassed over eight minutes of ground control time to secure the judges' nod. Radtke is now riding a two-fight winning streak and hasn't lost since facing Mike Malott at UFC 315 last May.<h3>Pre-fight notes</h3>Prochazka and Ulberg will square off for the light heavyweight title after Alex Pereira vacated the belt and moved up to heavyweight. Prochazka, who held the title in 2022, is looking to become a two-time champion. The 33-year-old Czech Republic native is coming off back-to-back knockout wins over Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill and is 3-1 in his last four Octagon appearances. Prochazka's only two losses in the past decade came against Pereira.Ulberg is fighting for the 205-pound title for the first time in his career. The 35-year-old New Zealander earned a crack at the belt with a knockout win over Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth last September. He's riding a nine-fight winning streak and holds an impressive 13-1 record as a professional.In the UFC 327 co-main event, No. 6-ranked light heavyweight Azamat Murzakanov seeks the biggest win of his career against former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa.Here's a look at the rest of the UFC 327 fight card:<h3>Main card (Paramount+ at 9 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg</li>
<li>Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa</li>
<li>Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit</li>
<li>Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker</li>
<li>Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (Paramount+ at 7 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Patricio "Pitbull" Freire vs. Aaron Pico</li>
<li>Kevin Holland vs. Randy Brown</li>
<li>Mateusz Gamrot vs. Esteban Ribovics</li>
<li>Tatiana Suarez vs. Loopy Godinez</li>
</ul><h3>Early preliminary card (Paramount+ at 5:30 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Chris Padilla vs. MarQuel Mederos</li>
<li>Kelvin Gastelum vs. Vicente Luque</li>
<li>Charles Radtke vs. Francisco Prado</li>
</ul>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 11: Carlos Ulberg of New Zealand prepares to face Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 327 event at Kaseya Center on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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UFC 327: Prochazka vs. Ulberg results, analysis

Carlos Ulberg knocked out Jiri Prochazka in dramatic fashion to capture the vacant light heavywei...

Carlos Ulberg knocked out Jiri Prochazka in dramatic fashion to capture the vacant light heavyweight title in the UFC 327 main event.The finish came at the 3:45 mark of the first round Saturday night at Kaseya Center in Miami.Ulberg suffered a knee injury early in the fight but rallied to pull off an improbable win. He caught Prochazka with a picture-perfect left hook and put him to sleep with vicious follow-up shots on the ground.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jiri Prochazka gets knocked out by Carlos Ulberg who was injured 🤯 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC327?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC327</a> <a href="https://t.co/DQP1d6usVk">pic.twitter.com/DQP1d6usVk</a>— Unbiasedbox2 (@Unbiasedbox2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Unbiasedbox2/status/2043176274802487680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Ulberg said in his postfight interview that he "blew out" his knee during the fight."I never, ever counted myself out," Ulberg said. "I knew that all I needed was that one shot, and I ended up getting it. I knew that Jiri was hesitant to come forward. And as soon as I landed my left hand, he's going (out). I gotta sort this knee out, but we're the champion."The UFC booked the fight between Ulberg and Prochazka after Alex Pereira decided to vacate the 205-pound title and move up to heavyweight, where he'll face Ciryl Gane for the interim belt at the UFC White House event on June 14. Prochazka and Ulberg were ranked No. 2 and No. 3 coming in, respectively.Prochazka said he felt like he threw away the fight after noticing Ulberg was compromised."I felt mercy in that fight," Prochazka said in his postfight interview. "I felt so sorry with him. Man. This is one of the biggest lessons in my life. I still can't understand - that fight was won. I won that fight. I had it. It was in my hands. I just let him - because I saw his injury. F--k."Ulberg extended his winning streak to 10 and lifted his professional record to 14-1. The 35-year-old New Zealander hasn't fallen short since his UFC debut in March 2021.Prochazka, a former light heavyweight champion, suffered his first loss since a head-kick knockout against Pereira in June 2024. He had won two in a row entering Saturday's event."I will be back," Prochazka said. "Life is about that: learn, and be better."

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 11: Carlos Ulberg of New Zealand punches Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 327 event at Kaseya Center on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Ulberg KOs Prochazka to win UFC light heavyweight title

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has signed with the UFC and will make his debut at UFC 329 o...

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has signed with the UFC and will make his debut at UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the promotion announced Saturday.Steveson's opponent wasn't announced.One of the most accomplished collegiate wrestlers in history, Steveson transitioned to MMA in 2025 and has put together a 3-0 professional record.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 25-year-old heavyweight has scored first-round knockouts in each of his fights to date. He most recently beat Hugo Lezama at a Mexico Fight League event in February.Steveson, who trains under UFC legend Jon Jones, is widely considered a potential future heavyweight champion.Before his MMA career, Steveson wrestled in WWE from 2021-24. He also had a brief stint in the NFL, playing for the Buffalo Bills as a defensive tackle during the 2024 preseason.

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 19: Gable Steveson of the Minnesota Golden Gophers defeats Cohlton Schultz of the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 285-pound final match during the Division I Men's Wrestling Championship held at Little Caesars Arena on March 19, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Gable Steveson signs with UFC, will debut at UFC 329

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 327 in Miami.   👊 Bet on UFC 327 ...

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 327 in Miami.<blockquote>👊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Bet on UFC 327 with theScore Bet here</a></blockquote><h3>Light heavyweight championship</h3>Jiri Prochazka (32-5-1) vs. Carlos Ulberg (13-1)Whenever Jiri Prochazka steps into the Octagon, MMA fans have learned to expect the unexpected.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>That's what makes this UFC 327 main event so great. His opponent, Carlos Ulberg, is the kind of fighter who prioritizes winning over anything else. Methodical, tactical, smart. He has some highlight-reel knockouts on his resume, but at his roots, Ulberg is happy to use his large 6-foot-4 frame and pick you apart.Prochazka, on the other hand, is a wild man. One of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC, the 33-year-old Czech Republic native has gone the distance just once in 38 professional appearances, boasting 31 finishes in 32 wins. He has an all-gas-no-brakes fight style, choosing to walk forward and throw strikes until the other guy in the cage is asleep. The approach has worked well for Prochazka, with his only two losses in the UFC coming against Alex Pereira, who just so happens to be vacating the light heavyweight title and opening the door for Prochazka and Ulberg to vie for the championship.I find it tough to pick Ulberg because his likeliest path to victory is by shutting out Prochazka's lights. He could potentially win a decision, but let's be honest: this one ain't going the distance. When Prochazka is conscious, he's one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. He was behind on the judges' scorecards entering the third and final round against Khalil Rountree Jr., and then, boom, Prochazka did Prochazka things and got his opponent out of there in a stunning - yet seemingly inevitable - comeback win.This might not be a picture-perfect performance from Prochazka, but when are they ever?The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=c1c2758e-e7ea-4197-89aa-dd391ddfbc9d&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=16&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg%2Fevent%2F1f1b6502-7df1-4625-b33d-cc2252ae6f65&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Prochazka, fourth-round TKO</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824005/cropped_GettyImages-2240853088.jpg?ts=1772252809" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824005/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240853088.jpg?ts=1772252809 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824005/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240853088.jpg?ts=1772252809 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824005/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240853088.jpg?ts=1772252809 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824005/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240853088.jpg?ts=1772252809 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824005/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240853088.jpg?ts=1772252809 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Light heavyweight bout</h3>Azamat Murzakanov (16-0) vs. Paulo Costa (15-4)Former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa is being thrown into the deep end in his return to the 205-pound division. Azamat Murzakanov hasn't gotten a whole lot of buzz as he's ascended the ladder, but the man can fight. The 36-year-old Russian's first-round knockout win over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 321 last October proved he's one of the top up-and-comers in the weight class, and I expect him to keep that momentum going. Costa is 1-2 in his last three outings and, quite frankly, hasn't been the same since losing to Israel Adesanya six years ago.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=2c6a9cc2-6785-4598-ab8b-bae6b3178be4&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=13&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=5&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg%2Fevent%2Fc17f384c-5afc-44df-a155-7a07b65a6fc6&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Murzakanov, unanimous decision</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830223/cropped_GettyImages-2243259486.jpg?ts=1775852078" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830223/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243259486.jpg?ts=1775852078 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830223/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243259486.jpg?ts=1775852078 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830223/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243259486.jpg?ts=1775852078 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830223/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243259486.jpg?ts=1775852078 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830223/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243259486.jpg?ts=1775852078 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Heavyweight bout</h3>Curtis Blaydes (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Josh Hokit (8-0)Josh Hokit, the cringiest fighter in the UFC right now, could be a top-five heavyweight next week if he beats Curtis Blaydes. Let that sink in for a moment. The good news for anyone out there who isn't the biggest fan of Hokit's shtick is that this is a terrible stylistic matchup for him, on top of already being a massive jump up in competition. A perennial heavyweight contender for the last decade, Blaydes has some of the best wrestling and ground-and-pound in the division. If Blaydes gets the fight to the mat, it'll be game over for Hokit pretty quickly.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=9768c242-0a4d-4bff-84f8-bf76145ca455&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=19&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg%2Fevent%2Fe9f7ba04-b60f-43ea-92bd-b425f89a809f&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Blaydes, second-round TKO</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774140/cropped_GettyImages-2203881753.jpg?ts=1741469537" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774140/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203881753.jpg?ts=1741469537 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774140/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203881753.jpg?ts=1741469537 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774140/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203881753.jpg?ts=1741469537 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774140/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203881753.jpg?ts=1741469537 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774140/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203881753.jpg?ts=1741469537 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Light heavyweight bout</h3>Dominick Reyes (15-5) vs. Johnny Walker (22-9, 1 NC)This one may come down to who gets hit first. As wild as this sounds, I feel a bit more comfortable putting my faith in Dominick Reyes to win than I do Johnny Walker.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=0326be8f-c5e6-497f-bc6a-7416c359a051&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=11&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=4&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg%2Fevent%2F5605a403-5324-42c7-bce8-5b97d3700516&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Reyes, first-round knockout</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796026/cropped_GettyImages-2209986580.jpg?ts=1753834775" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796026/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209986580.jpg?ts=1753834775 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796026/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209986580.jpg?ts=1753834775 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796026/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209986580.jpg?ts=1753834775 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796026/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209986580.jpg?ts=1753834775 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796026/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209986580.jpg?ts=1753834775 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Featherweight bout</h3>Cub Swanson (30-14) vs. Nate Landwehr (18-7)After a 19-year career spanning the UFC and WEC, Cub Swanson is finally hanging up the gloves - and he's going out with a banger of a matchup against Nate "The Train" Landwehr. Neither of these guys knows how to be in a boring fight, and neither man's heart or toughness has ever been questioned. Landwehr will give it all he's got, but you know I'm not picking against Killer Cub in his retirement fight.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=f103c1c1-6ebe-4586-a586-a4f3d2db930b&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=7&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg%2Fevent%2F138db6f4-5187-420b-ae4d-bb546c1d43d7&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Swanson, split decision</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/582583/cropped_GettyImages-1244069238.jpg?ts=1687890091" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/582583/w220xh124_GettyImages-1244069238.jpg?ts=1687890091 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/582583/w320xh180_GettyImages-1244069238.jpg?ts=1687890091 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/582583/w640xh360_GettyImages-1244069238.jpg?ts=1687890091 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/582583/w768xh432_GettyImages-1244069238.jpg?ts=1687890091 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/582583/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1244069238.jpg?ts=1687890091 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure><blockquote>👊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Bet on UFC 327 with theScore Bet here</a></blockquote><h3>Rapid-fire bets</h3>Best overall bet: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=227ee62c-81ba-4209-8c11-cc52d2c9d23c&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=5&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=3&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Tatiana Suarez (-150) def. Loopy Godinez</a>While some may still have a sour taste in their mouths from Suarez's lopsided loss to Zhang Weili in February 2025, as the second- or third-best strawweight in the UFC, she should be a bigger favorite against Godinez than she is.Best underdog bet: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=ed168ed2-5bc3-445d-a436-09e6b9ba48c7&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=5&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (+240) def. Aaron Pico</a>It's hard to know how Pico will look after suffering the worst knockout loss of his career against Lerone Murphy last summer. He's the rightful favorite in this honorary Bellator featherweight title fight, but this wouldn't be the first time Freire pulled off an upset.Best prop bet: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=cb8b3c11-2102-4803-812b-c58e4dcdf248&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=12&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=7&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-327-prochazka-vs-ulberg%2Fevent%2F5858f066-9224-493f-b32b-7658c210ec86&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3519384">Kevin Holland vs. Randy Brown over 2.5 rounds (-140)</a>Holland and Brown are very evenly matched, making it unlikely we see a quick finish.US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.

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UFC 327 predictions: Will Prochazka or Ulberg become the new champ?

UFC 327 is upon us.  In Saturday's main event, Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg square off for th...

UFC 327 is upon us.In Saturday's main event, Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg square off for the vacant light heavyweight title. In the co-headliner, Azamat Murzakanov welcomes Paulo Costa to 205 pounds.Here are three key storylines ahead of the UFC's return to Kaseya Center in Miami.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>A Prochazka title reign is exactly what the UFC needs right now</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816953/cropped_GettyImages-2239285341.jpg?ts=1767978829" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816953/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239285341.jpg?ts=1767978829 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816953/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239285341.jpg?ts=1767978829 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816953/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239285341.jpg?ts=1767978829 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816953/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239285341.jpg?ts=1767978829 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816953/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239285341.jpg?ts=1767978829 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>It's no secret the UFC has faced increased scrutiny over event quality and matchmaking in recent months. Too many cards have lacked star power, and the promotion has struggled to deliver meaningful, quality fights from top to bottom.What would inject some life back into the sport? Prochazka with the belt around his waist.Prochazka, who already held the light heavyweight title for a brief period in 2022, is one of the most entertaining fighters in MMA. Throughout his six-year UFC career, the 33-year-old Czech has produced a Fight of the Year candidate, some of the most vicious knockouts you'll ever see, and a handful of epic comebacks. Thirty-one of his 32 professional wins are finishes, and he's never gone the distance in the Octagon.Having a fan favorite like Prochazka as champion again would do only good for Dana White and Co.<h3>Will Murzakanov get his due if he beats Costa?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/cropped_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>Speaking of the light heavyweight division, one rising contender who has flown completely under the radar is Murzakanov, an undefeated Russian who's 6-0 in the UFC with five knockouts.Ranked No. 6 in the weight class, Murzakanov hasn't garnered much buzz throughout his Octagon tenure so far - even a first-round finish of Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 321 last October wasn't enough to get the MMA fanbase talking about him. But make no mistake: in what has become one of the shallowest divisions in the UFC, Murzakanov is one of the few bright spots.Should he get past Costa, a former middleweight title challenger who is moving up to 205 pounds, Murzakanov will start to get his flowers - and be on everybody's radar as a title contender.<h3>Can Hokit save the heavyweight division?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818958/cropped_GettyImages-2258016341.jpg?ts=1769298826" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818958/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258016341.jpg?ts=1769298826 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818958/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258016341.jpg?ts=1769298826 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818958/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258016341.jpg?ts=1769298826 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818958/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258016341.jpg?ts=1769298826 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818958/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258016341.jpg?ts=1769298826 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>Heavyweight prospect Josh Hokit is getting a massive step up in competition this weekend against perennial contender Curtis Blaydes.Hokit has made headlines for his Colby Covington- and Chael Sonnen-esque shtick, but the 28-year-old American has also delivered impressive results in the cage, winning two in a row since debuting in the UFC last November. Heavyweight is also one of the weakest divisions in the promotion, and Hokit might be here to save the day.But in order to do that, he'll have to take out Blaydes, who has only ever lost to Francis Ngannou, Derrick Lewis, Sergei Pavlovich, and current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Blaydes has consistently been one of the best fighters in the division over the last decade.If Hokit beats Blaydes - which won't be an easy task - he'll skyrocket into title contention, and the heavyweight division will finally have the fresh blood it desperately needs.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic enters the Octagon in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC 320 event at T-Mobile Arena on October 04, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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3 biggest storylines ahead of UFC 327

Lightweight Renato Moicano is back in the win column after submitting Chris Duncan with a rear-na...

Lightweight Renato Moicano is back in the win column after submitting Chris Duncan with a rear-naked choke in the UFC Fight Night main event Saturday at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.The finish came at the 3:14 mark of the second round.Moicano, ranked No. 10 in the 155-pound division, showed there are levels to the sport with an electric performance against Duncan, briefly dropping him with a punch before battering him on the ground and sinking in a choke. With the victory, the 36-year-old Brazilian snapped a two-fight losing streak.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In 2025, Moicano suffered back-to-back losses to then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush. This was his first victory since a TKO finish over Benoit Saint Denis in September 2024.Duncan, unranked heading into his first UFC main event, saw his four-fight winning streak end. The 32-year-old Scottish fighter fell to 6-2 in the Octagon overall.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 04: Renato Moicano of Brazil works for a submission against Chris Duncan of Scotland in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on April 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Moicano rebounds with submission of Duncan in UFC main event

Flyweight champion Joshua Van's first title defense against Tatsuro Taira will now take place at ...

Flyweight champion Joshua Van's first title defense against Tatsuro Taira will now take place at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, the promotion announced Saturday.The fight was originally scheduled for UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami, but it was postponed after Van suffered an injury.Van (16-2) captured the flyweight title in December when Alexandre Pantoja sustained an arm injury just 26 seconds into their UFC 323 bout. The 24-year-old is riding a six-fight win streak, which includes victories over Bruno Silva and Brandon Royval across a three-week span.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Taira (18-1) will fight for the 125-pound title for the first time in his career after scoring a second-round TKO versus former champion Brandon Moreno in December.With Van-Taira off UFC 327, a light heavyweight bout between Azamat Murzakanov and Paulo Costa has been elevated to the co-main event. The card will be headlined by a meeting between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight championship.Meanwhile, UFC 328 will feature a middleweight title fight between champion Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland. Van-Taira will serve as the co-main event.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 06:Joshua Van of Myanmar reacts to his TKO win in the UFC flyweight championship fight during the UFC 323 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Van-Taira title bout pushed back to UFC 328

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier wants to see former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya keep h...

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier wants to see former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya keep his career going despite another loss at UFC Seattle.Adesanya returned from a 13-month layoff against Joe Pyfer on Saturday night, suffering a second-round TKO defeat. The result extended his losing streak to four.Cormier, who served as a color commentator at the event, believes Adesanya still has some gas left in the tank.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"People were wondering whether or not - if Adesanya didn't get the job done tonight - if it would be it, if we had seen the last of 'The Stylebender,'" Cormier <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mudmse2nNkU">said</a> in a video on his YouTube channel. "To me, it did not sound like he is almost remotely done with his UFC career. And honestly, the way that he was fighting, I would encourage him to keep going. Because he was fighting really well."Adesanya impressed in the early moments of the main event, outlanding Pyfer 37-9 in the first round and wobbling him with a punch early in the second. But Adesanya got overaggressive and began brawling with Pyfer, later giving up a takedown and eventually succumbing to a ground-and-pound finish."I will question - and I think Izzy will question when he gets back to watching this fight - why he chose the path that he did in Round 2," Cormier said. "Because he was fighting really well. He fought well in Round 1. He was fighting well in Round 2. But then for some reason, he decided to kind of say, 'You know what? Shield in the middle. Let's stand on it and let's trade.' When in reality, that was probably the best way for Pyfer to get a victory."Adesanya, 36, said in his postfight interview that he doesn't plan to retire. The Nigerian-born New Zealander hasn't won a fight since an April 2023 rematch against Alex Pereira.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 28: (L-R) Israel Adesanya of Nigeria punches Joe Pyfer in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Climate Pledge Arena on March 28, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.

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Cormier encourages Adesanya not to retire after UFC Seattle loss

Joe Pyfer earned the biggest win of his career, stopping former middleweight champion Israel Ades...

Joe Pyfer earned the biggest win of his career, stopping former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya via TKO in the UFC Seattle main event Saturday night at Climate Pledge Arena.The finish came at the 4:18 mark of the second round.After trading blows with Adesanya, Pyfer got on top of his opponent midway through the frame and began seeking a finish. He eventually flattened Adesanya out and landed a flurry of ground-and-pound that forced referee Herb Dean to intervene.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>For U.S. viewers:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JOE PYFER STOPS ISRAEL ADESANYA IN THE 2ND ROUND!!! 📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paramountplus</a> <a href="https://t.co/otC4FeUopF">pic.twitter.com/otC4FeUopF</a>— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) <a href="https://twitter.com/UFConParamount/status/2038085066220360165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>For Canadian viewers:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1466398071518284%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></figure>"We knew I had the bigger firepower, so we were just gonna keep that pressure on him," Pyfer said in his postfight interview.Adesanya had a promising start to the fight, outlanding Pyfer 37-9 in the first round. He battered Pyfer with calf kicks, landed a nice knee to the head, and attacked the body.The two middleweights exchanged heavy punches on the feet to open the second round. Eventually, Adesanya got a bit too aggressive and Pyfer capitalized, wobbling "The Last Stylebender" before dragging him to the mat and setting up the finishing sequence."I was super sloppy yet again, getting my leg beat up," Pyfer said. "But I just kind of had this mentality that I don't care, I'm gonna search and destroy, and you better put me out because I'm not stopping."With the victory, Pyfer, who's been one of the most promising up-and-comers in the middleweight division over the last few years, officially enters the title conversation. Adesanya and Pyfer were ranked Nos. 4 and 14, respectively, coming in.Pyfer, 29, extended his winning streak to four and climbed to 7-1 in the Octagon overall.Adesanya, a former two-time champion, stepped into the cage for the first time since February 2025. He's now riding a four-fight losing streak and has lost five of his last six appearances. The 36-year-old New Zealander hasn't won a fight since knocking out Alex Pereira to regain the 185-pound title in April 2023.Adesanya said he has no plans to walk away from the sport after his latest loss."You keep going - again and again and again and again and again," Adesanya said in his postfight interview. "I'm not f------g leaving. You will never stop me. I might get beaten, but I will always remain undefeated."

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 28: (R-L) Joe Pyfer punches Israel Adesanya of Nigeria in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Climate Pledge Arena on March 28, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.

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Pyfer TKOs Adesanya in 2nd round of UFC Seattle main event

Former women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso scored a highlight-reel finish of Maycee Barber in...

Former women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso scored a highlight-reel finish of Maycee Barber in the UFC Seattle co-main event.Grasso dropped Barber with a left hand and then immediately pounced on a rear-naked choke, officially scoring a knockout finish at the 2:42 mark of the first round Saturday night.Barber laid motionless on the ground for several moments after the stoppage.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>For U.S. viewers:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
OH MY GOODNESS ALEXA GRASSO FINISHES MAYCEE BARBER!! 📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paramountplus</a> <a href="https://t.co/dMNRIKuLEt">pic.twitter.com/dMNRIKuLEt</a>— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) <a href="https://twitter.com/UFConParamount/status/2038075889829728277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>For Canadian viewers:<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1268638258733757%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></figure>With the victory, Grasso snapped a three-fight winless streak. It was her first triumph since she submitted Valentina Shevchenko to capture the 125-pound title in March 2023.The win lifted the 32-year-old Mexican's professional record to 17-5-1.Meanwhile, Barber saw her seven-fight winning streak end. It was her first loss since facing Grasso for the first time in February 2021.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 28: (R-L) Alexa Grasso of Mexico secures a rear choke submission against Maycee Barber in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Climate Pledge Arena on March 28, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.

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Watch: Grasso runs through Barber, scores violent finish at UFC Seattle

Former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summ...

Former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer as part of the 2026 class, the promotion announced Saturday night.Johnson was cageside at UFC Seattle and received a huge round of applause from the crowd when play-by-play commentator Brendan Fitzgerald revealed the news.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TAKING HIS RIGHTFUL PLACE 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/MightyMouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MightyMouse</a> becomes the newest athlete to join the UFC Hall of Fame! <a href="https://t.co/bRkwiW31fS">pic.twitter.com/bRkwiW31fS</a>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2038059186249244803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Johnson, 39, is widely considered the greatest flyweight and one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. He held the 125-pound title from 2012-18 and recorded the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history (11), beating the likes of Joseph Benavidez, John Dodson, Henry Cejudo, and Kyoji Horiguchi.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Additionally, "Mighty Mouse" has the third-most wins in UFC title fights (12), the fifth-longest unbeaten streak in promotion history (14), the second-most wins in UFC flyweight history (13), and the most submissions in UFC title fights (five).Johnson left the UFC in 2018 after losing the title to Cejudo and signed with Asia-based promotion ONE Championship, where he had the final six fights of his career. Johnson went on to win the ONE 135-pound championship before officially retiring from the sport in September 2024.The Washington state native ended his career with a 25-4-1 professional record.

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 07: UFC featherweight champion Demetrious Johnson poses for a picture during the UFC 216 event inside TMobile Arena on October 7, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Demetrious Johnson to be inducted into UFC Hall of Fame

The New York Mets informed veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel that he won't make the team's Opening D...

The New York Mets informed veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1378">Craig Kimbrel</a> that he won't make the team's Opening Day roster, manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/MaxTGoodman/status/2035735261917725158?s=20">NJ.com's Max Goodman</a>.Mendoza <a href="https://x.com/MaxTGoodman/status/2035737458407526894">added</a> that Kimbrel is "leaning" toward staying with the organization despite falling short of the cut.Kimbrel, 37, signed a minor-league deal with the Mets in January. He pitched in six spring training games, striking out five batters and allowing four hits and three runs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Last season, Kimbrel posted a 2.25 ERA in a combined 14 appearances with the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros. He struck out 17 batters and allowed 10 hits and seven walks.Mets outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4992">Mike Tauchman</a> will also miss the Opening Day festivities, as he has a torn meniscus that requires surgery, Mendoza said. Tauchman left Saturday's game against the Astros with left knee soreness."Unfortunately, he's gonna be down for a while," Mendoza said, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/2035735040735285670">SNY TV</a>.Tauchman, 35, was in contention for a starting spot in right field, which opens the door for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19109">Carson Benge</a> to make the roster instead. This spring, Tauchman hit .241 with one home run, six RBIs, and an .819 OPS.The Mets open the season with a home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday at Citi Field.

JUPITER, FL - MARCH 06: New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) throws the ball from the mound during a MLB spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 6, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida.

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Kimbrel won't make Mets' Opening Day roster

Movsar Evloev went into enemy territory and defeated England's Lerone Murphy via majority decisio...

Movsar Evloev went into enemy territory and defeated England's Lerone Murphy via majority decision (48-46, 48-46, 47-47) in the UFC London main event Saturday at The O2 Arena.Evloev, the No. 1-ranked featherweight contender, relied on his wrestling in the final three rounds to secure the judges' nod, completing nine of 10 takedowns and amassing just under four minutes of control time. However, Murphy, who's ranked No. 3 in the division, outlanded Evloev 89-86 in significant strikes.With the victory, Evloev kept his undefeated record intact, improving to 20-0 as a professional. Afterward, he called for the next title shot against champion Alexander Volkanovski.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"UFC, there is no excuses to don't let me fight for the title," Evloev said in his postfight interview. "I have nothing to say."Murphy, who suffered his first career loss and fell to 17-1-1, also campaigned for Evloev to challenge Volkanovski next.Evloev stepped into the Octagon for the first time since December 2024 when he earned a unanimous decision win over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310. The 32-year-old Russian is now riding a 10-fight winning streak in the Octagon, the second-longest active streak behind welterweight titleholder Islam Makhachev (16).Murphy had won nine in a row entering Saturday, with the only blemish on his record being a split draw in his UFC debut in 2019. The 34-year-old Manchester native was coming off a Knockout of the Year candidate against Aaron Pico last summer.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: (L-R) Movsar Evloev of Russia punches Lerone Murphy of England in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at The O2 on March 21, 2026 in London, England.

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Evloev ekes out decision vs. Murphy in UFC London main event

Charles Oliveira delivered a masterclass in his long-awaited rematch with Max Holloway.  Oliveira...

Charles Oliveira delivered a masterclass in his long-awaited rematch with Max Holloway.Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, defeated Holloway via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) to capture the BMF title in the UFC 326 main event Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.Oliveira used his Brazilian jiu-jitsu to suffocate Holloway on the ground in all five rounds, completing 5-of-13 takedowns and amassing over 20 minutes of control time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Max is the toughest guy I've ever fought against," Oliveira said through an interpreter in his postfight interview. "It couldn't be any other way. I had to come here and dominate."Oliveira officially attempted four submissions and landed damaging blows on the canvas throughout the fight, topping Holloway 50-26 in significant strikes and 110-73 in total strikes. Holloway showed immense heart by fending off Oliveira's submission attempts and making it to the end of the fight, but he was unable to overcome the gap in skill in the grappling department."They came with a better game plan," Holloway said. "You gotta give it up for Oliveira. A hell of a fighter, a true BMF. Wouldn't have it any other way."With the victory, Oliveira is riding his first winning streak since he held the 155-pound title in 2022. The 36-year-old Brazilian was coming off a submission win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio de Janeiro last October in which he rebounded from a knockout loss to current champion Ilia Topuria.Holloway, also a former featherweight champion, was defending the BMF title for the second time. The 34-year-old Hawaiian beat Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision in his first defense at UFC 318 last July. This was his first loss since a third-round knockout to Topuria in a 145-pound title bout at UFC 308 in October 2024."I'm gonna come back, whoop somebody's ass, and be right in title contention again," Holloway said when asked what's next for him. "I ain't done yet. I ain't done yet. I'm gonna see Mr. Oliveira again, bro, that's for sure."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: (R-L) Joe Rogan interviews Charles Oliveira of Brazil following the BMF Championship fight during the UFC 326 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Oliveira smothers Holloway to win BMF title at UFC 326

UFC 326 took place Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In the main event, Charles Oliv...

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Charles Oliveira of Brazil strikes Max Holloway of the United States during their BMF title bout at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 results, analysis

The UFC has unveiled the entire slate of fights set for its monumental event at the White House l...

The UFC has unveiled the entire slate of fights set for its monumental event at the White House later this year.Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria will defend his title against interim champ Justin Gaethje in the June 14 main event, the promotion announced Saturday.In the co-main event, Alex Pereira will face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here's a look at the full card.<ul>
<li>Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje</li>
<li>Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane</li>
<li>Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi</li>
<li>Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler</li>
<li>Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus</li>
<li>Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia</li>
</ul>Topuria will return to the Octagon for the first time in 12 months after taking a hiatus due to personal issues. A former featherweight champion, Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317 last June to win the vacant lightweight title and become a two-division champ. The 29-year-old Georgian-Spaniard is undefeated as a professional, boasting a 17-0 record with 15 finishes.Gaethje captured the interim 155-pound title with a unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in January. The 37-year-old is riding a two-fight winning streak and hasn't lost since falling to Max Holloway in a historic last-second knockout at UFC 300 in April 2024.The UFC booked Pereira-Gane for the interim heavyweight title on account of champion Tom Aspinall being sidelined for the foreseeable future due to an eye injury.Pereira is vacating the light heavyweight title and moving up to the heavyweight division to challenge for a belt in a third weight class; the 38-year-old Brazilian is also a former middleweight champion. He's coming off a knockout win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in October and is 6-1 in his past seven Octagon appearances.Gane, a former interim heavyweight champion, fought Aspinall for the undisputed belt at UFC 321 in October, but the matchup was ruled a no-contest after Gane poked Aspinall in both eyes during the first round. Gane, a 35-year-old Frenchman, is riding a three-fight unbeaten streak. He hasn't lost since facing Jon Jones in a vacant heavyweight title bout in March 2023.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Ilia Topuria of Spain reacts to his win over Charles Oliveira of Brazil in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Topuria-Gaethje, Pereira-Gane set for UFC White House card June 14

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 326 in Las Vegas.  BMF championsh...

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 326 in Las Vegas.<h3>BMF championship</h3>Max Holloway (27-8) vs. Charles Oliveira (36-11, 1 NC)Eleven years after headlining UFC Saskatoon as two young up-and-comers, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira are running it back with the BMF title on the line.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>While their first meeting ended prematurely when Oliveira suffered an injury in the first round, this rematch has all the makings of a Fight of the Year candidate. Holloway and Oliveira have produced some of the most entertaining and memorable fights of this era - toss them in the Octagon together and it'll be magic 10 out of 10 times.<blockquote>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Check out all of the UFC 326 markets available on theScore Bet here</a></blockquote>There are several ways Saturday's main event could play out, but Holloway has the edge on paper. The 34-year-old Hawaiian seems to have more gas left in the tank than his 36-year-old opponent, having won four of his last five, including a unanimous decision over Dustin Poirier and an iconic knockout of Justin Gaethje. Oliveira, meanwhile, has alternated wins and losses in his last seven appearances and hasn't won consecutive bouts since 2022.Oliveira could use his world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu to pull off the upset, but Holloway doesn't give up takedowns easily. I expect Holloway to have the upper hand in the stand-up department and to test Oliveira's chin late.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=953e9e1b-94f7-438e-800e-956d3e9eb8a1&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2F883dd8c9-1152-4caf-98e1-764ea888e124&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Holloway, fifth-round TKO</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/cropped_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Middleweight bout</h3>Caio Borralho (17-2, 1 NC) vs. Reinier de Ridder (21-3)Caio Borralho and Reinier de Ridder are both eager to get back on track after recent losses to Brendan Allen and Nassourdine Imavov, respectively, halted their momentum at 185 pounds. De Ridder didn't look like himself when he gassed out and retired on the stool against Allen at UFC Vancouver in October, and he's since <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2026/03/05/ufc-326-reinier-de-ridder-severe-medical-issue-first-ufc-loss/88986754007/">revealed</a> that a health issue might be the cause of his puzzling performance. He won't have an easy time against Borralho, who has superior grappling and is a more technical fighter overall. But if the Dutchman uses all his weapons and pressures Borralho on the feet, he can eke out a decision.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=c11b054b-d0dd-424b-8f32-a1d7011cc887&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=11&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2F48fed45b-f932-42e6-8536-a69f5b0b725a&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">De Ridder, unanimous decision</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/cropped_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Josh Hedges / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Bantamweight bout</h3>Rob Font (22-9) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (11-1)We're about to find out just how legit Raul Rosas Jr. is. This fight against Rob Font is the 21-year-old's first genuine test since he lost to Christian Rodriguez in 2023, and it's a great measuring stick as he looks to start facing the division's best. I think it'll be a good night at the office for Rosas, who should be able to use his grappling to nullify Font's advantage in the striking department.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=a7e03aab-4ed3-43c2-982e-6f46cfa1d4a0&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2F6a98db72-2cb4-41c9-a2b6-4dafbc7db199&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Rosas, third-round submission</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/cropped_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w220xh124_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w320xh180_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w640xh360_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w768xh432_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Lightweight bout</h3>Drew Dober (28-15, 1 NC) vs. Michael Johnson (24-19)This is a coin-flip fight if I've ever seen one. Drew Dober and Michael Johnson each have a lot of wins and a lot of losses. Both can knock people out, and both can get knocked out. I'll take Johnson, who's won three in a row and still has quick hands at the age of 39.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=08d3bbed-80c3-49f2-ac86-310f740d8b7f&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=10&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2F9e66d98b-be09-4c7d-a08b-8d1aca6f1dab&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Johnson, second-round TKO</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/cropped_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w220xh124_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w320xh180_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w640xh360_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w768xh432_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Middleweight bout</h3>Gregory Rodrigues (18-6) vs. Brunno Ferreira (15-2)This is another tough fight to call. Gregory Rodrigues and Brunno Ferreira squared off in the Octagon in January 2023, with Ferreira winning by first-round knockout. Rodrigues is the betting favorite this time, but in the end, history repeats itself.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=1fe2bbea-334e-4a79-8265-e3093c9753db&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2Fde784c3a-d958-41b9-81c8-8b07cdb62bbe&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Ferreira, second-round knockout</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/cropped_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w220xh124_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w320xh180_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w640xh360_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w768xh432_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Rapid-fire bets</h3>👊 Best overall bet: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=cf4cda1c-ce54-411d-80ef-0a3a40582c5a&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=31&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=21&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Max Holloway (-210) def. Charles Oliveira</a>Holloway is arguably one of the 15 greatest fighters in UFC history. And he showed in his last fight against Dustin Poirier that he isn't slowing down anytime soon.👊 Bet underdog bet: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=4bd0a081-d70d-4c76-bb90-bc7dd58601a6&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=3&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Reinier de Ridder (+200) def. Caio Borralho</a>De Ridder is a bit undervalued here after a poor performance against Allen late last year. If the guy who beat Robert Whittaker and Bo Nickal shows up against Borralho, he has a good chance of pulling off the upset.👊 Best prop bet: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=2443c9e3-3d99-4e69-901c-99ab4eaf0e07&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=27&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=17&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2Fde784c3a-d958-41b9-81c8-8b07cdb62bbe&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira ends in KO/TKO/DQ (-170)</a>Seven of Rodrigues' last nine fights ended in a knockout, while half of Ferreira's UFC bouts saw the same result. These two middleweights are going to slug it out until someone hits the canvas.US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call <a href="tel:1-800-GAMBLER">1-800-GAMBLER</a>; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:(800)-327-5050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:1-866-531-2600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca">www.connexontario.ca</a>.

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UFC 326 predictions: Can Oliveira pull off upset vs. Holloway?

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/nick-baldwin/content_cards

Nick Baldwin

News Editor

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