Khamzat Chimaev Eyes Light Heavyweight Glory: Potential Fight with Jiří Procházka at UFC 327
The UFC world is buzzing with reports that middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is being targeted to challenge former light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. The potential main event is slated for UFC 327 on April 11th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The initial report surfaced from MMA content creator @realkevink on social media, though the UFC has yet to officially confirm the matchup.
This move would see Chimaev (15-0) potentially vacate his current middleweight title, a belt he convincingly won against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August. Instead of defending his title, ‘Borz’ is setting his sights on becoming a two-division champion.
Chimaev’s Ambition: A Two-Division Champion
During an appearance on the JAXXON Podcast, Chimaev explicitly stated his desire to conquer a second weight class. “I want to become double champion,” Chimaev declared. “I am not like these guys who try to take their retirement from UFC undefeated. I just want to make big fights.”
A move to 205 pounds would represent Chimaev’s third weight class in the UFC, having previously competed in both welterweight and middleweight divisions. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman recently suggested on his Pound 4 Pound podcast that Chimaev may have simply outgrown the 185-pound limit, with reports indicating his walking weight consistently falls between 225 and 230 pounds.
Procházka’s Resurgence and Potential Opponents
Jiří Procházka (32-5-1) has been on a strong run in the light heavyweight division, securing back-to-back stoppage victories against Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 (January 2025) and Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320 (October 2025). His only losses in the UFC have come against Alex Pereira, who is widely anticipated to move up to the heavyweight division, leaving the light heavyweight title vacant.
Conflicting Reports and UFC 327 Card
It’s worth noting that this report clashes with earlier rumors from Brazilian outlet MMA Hoje, which suggested a potential fight between Procházka and Carlos Ulberg for the vacant title at UFC 327. Whether the Chimaev matchup has superseded that plan, or if these are simply competing reports, remains to be seen.
The UFC 327 card is already shaping up to be a compelling event. A confirmed co-main event will feature flyweight champion Joshua Van defending his title against Tatsuro Taira. Additional bouts include Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker, Kevin Holland vs. Randy Brown, and Paulo Costa’s light heavyweight debut against Azamat Murzakanov.
Stay tuned to MMA News for the latest updates on this developing story and comprehensive coverage of UFC, Bellator, boxing, and fight results. You can find more information on the official UFC website.
