Brazilian UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has surprisingly vacated the championship title in this category. The decision, announced by the organization on February 28, 2026, paves the way for a fight for the vacant title between former contender Jamahal Hill and Magomed Ankalaev, likely as early as April. Meanwhile, Pereira, a former middleweight and light heavyweight champion, is most likely to turn his attention to the heavyweight division, as confirmed by his recent statements about challenges in the highest weight class.

Surprising Title Vacating

Alex Pereira, who won the UFC light heavyweight championship belt last year, has relinquished the title. The organization confirmed this information, stating that the belt is 'vacated with immediate effect.'

Vacant Title Fight in April

According to reports, UFC plans to organize a bout for the vacant title between Jamahal Hill, a former challenger, and Magomed Ankalaev. The fight is most likely to take place in April, although the official date has not yet been confirmed.

Move to Heavyweight Division

The main reason for Pereira's decision is plans to move to a higher weight class. After several title defenses in light heavyweight, the Brazilian openly spoke about challenges in the heavyweight division, where Jon Jones reigns. However, his first opponent has not yet been confirmed.

Short Championship Reign

Pereira won the light heavyweight belt in July 2025, defeating Jiri Prochazka in a rematch. Thus, he joined the elite group of fighters who have won UFC championships in two different weight classes.

Alex Pereira, the Brazilian UFC light heavyweight champion, has made a surprising career move by vacating his championship title with immediate effect. The official decision was announced on February 28, 2026. The organization confirmed that the belt is now vacant, opening the field for a fight for the vacancy among the top contenders in this division.

Alex Pereira, previously known as a two-time Glory kickboxing champion, transitioned to MMA in 2020. He quickly built a reputation for his knockout power, first winning the UFC middleweight belt in 2022, and then, after losing it, capturing the light heavyweight title in 2025. He is one of the few athletes who have managed to become a champion in two UFC weight classes. The direct consequence of Pereira's decision is a planned UFC fight for the vacant title. According to sports media reports, the bout is set to feature Jamahal Hill, a former title challenger, and Magomed Ankalaev. The fight is likely to take place as early as April, although details, including the exact date and location, are not yet officially known.

The main motive for vacating the title is Pereira's ambitions in a higher weight class. The Brazilian, who has publicly spoken about new challenges in recent months, apparently decided it was time to face the heaviest opponents. „I feel like I've done everything I can in this weight class. It's time to look up, to the heavyweight division, and see what I can do there.” — Alex Pereira – the fighter reportedly said recently. His potential target is the current, undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, although there is no confirmation yet if and when such a fight could take place. Pereira's decision has caused a stir in the MMA community, where vacating an active title by a healthy champion is rare. Many commentators point out that such a career path – winning belts in two categories and attempting to conquer a third – would be an unprecedented event in the history of the sport. Meanwhile, the light heavyweight division, after Pereira's brief reign, is entering a new, open chapter, the first installment of which will be the Hill vs. Ankalaev fight.

Mentioned People

  • Alex Pereira — Brazilian UFC light heavyweight champion who vacated the title.
  • Jamahal Hill — Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, potential participant in the vacant title fight.
  • Magomed Ankalaev — Russian UFC fighter, contender for the light heavyweight title.
  • Jon Jones — American UFC heavyweight champion, potential target for Pereira.
  • Jiri Prochazka — Czech UFC fighter, former title challenger, defeated by Pereira in 2025.