Potential matchups after UFC 327

Carlos Ulberg fights the interim champion

Ulberg sustained a visible leg injury during his bout with Jiri Prochazka. It’s too early to know a timetable for his return, but there’s a good chance there will need to be an interim title while he recovers. 

A fun interim fight could be No. 1 contender and former champ Magomed Ankalaev and Paulo Costa. Costa had a gutsy win over the undefeated No. 6 contender, Azamat Murzakanov. With many fighters in the light heavyweight division coming off of losses, this fight makes the most sense. 

Jiri Prochazka faces the winner of Jan Blachowicz and Bogdan Guskov

With Prochazka losing three of his four fights for the title, he’s kind of in a no-man’s land in the division right now. If an interim title fight is needed, it seems Prochazka may be skipped over. 

Blachowicz and Guskov are set to rematch at UFC 328 after their first bout at UFC 323 ended in a draw. They are both top 10 in the division at No. 5 and No. 8, respectively. Facing and beating either of these guys would be a respectable win for Prochazka. For Blachowicz and Guskov, a win over Prochazka would put them in serious contention for a shot at the title. 

Azamat Murzakanov faces Jamahal Hill

Murzakanov was handed his first loss at UFC 327 and now must work his way back up to title contention.

Hill is still the No. 7 contender despite being on a three-fight losing streak. 

This fight makes a ton of sense for both fighters to prove their worth in the top 10 of the division. This fight could be a ton of fun. Both fighters have one-punch knockout power. It could be reminiscent of the legendary scrap between Prochazka and Hill at UFC 311.

Curtis Blaydes fights the loser of Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Blaydes put on an instant classic scrap with Josh Hokit. Blaydes took a ton of damage and will certainly need time to heal up. Blaydes is not the top contender he once was, but still has what it takes to be in the top 10.

Volkov and Cortes-Acosta are set to face each other on the main card of UFC 328. The winner of this fight will be very close to a title shot. The loser will need to prove themselves and Blaydes would be the perfect test. 

Volkov has lost to Blaydes before and would have the chance to even the score. Cortes-Acosta would have the chance to show his skills against a heavy grappler like Blaydes. This fight would make sense for all parties. 

Mateusz Gamrot rematches Dan Hooker 

Gamrot looked great against Esteban Ribovics. Being able to submit Ribovics shows Gamrot is still deserving of his No. 8 spot in the lightweight division. 

Hooker is coming off of two losses to Arman Tsarukyan and Benoit Saint Denis since fighting Gamrot. Hooker got the nod in a close split decision with Gamrot at UFC 305. 

This would be a fun rematch to see and it makes sense for both fighters. Neither are particularly close to the title, but both always put on great fights. This would be a great rematch to see for fans.