Former champion shares UFC 327 main event prediction

A new light heavyweight champion will be crowned at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida on Saturday. The vacant title is on the line in the UFC 327 main event between former titleholder Jiri Prochazka and the streaking Carlos Ulberg.

Alex Pereira vacated the 205-pound championship to move up to the heavyweight division in a quest to become the first fighter to ever win three UFC divisional championships. His departure left a vacancy at the top of the division.

Former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad gave his breakdown of the UFC 327 main event matchup and provided a prediction for the outcome.

"I think for Ulberg, you've got to keep it at range. I think you've got to stay in kickboxing range, stay long, and you've got to be very patient. If you're clean, you're disciplined with your defense, you do not get into a fire fight, you do not get wild, I think if you keep it at a slow pace, you could do well," Muhammad said on his YouTube channel.

"For Jiri, you've got to create chaos. You got to go wild. You've got to do what Jiri does. You're the most unorthodox fighter. You've got a crazy chin," Muhammad continued.

"For Jiri, I think you've got to get in close range. I know he's been knocking out a lot of guys, but you're very good at feinting your way in, getting him against the fence. He leans back a lot with that hook, so keep your head up there, I think the way you move your head, you will be able to swoop out one of the ways, or fall back one way and the come back with a punch, come back with a strike and - You flourish in chaos. You got to make it chaotic. Grab him. Grab his head. He's a model. He's a pretty boy, so let's dirty him. Let's get him bloody. See how he reacts. We know how you are in those fights. We know how you are in this wars. You're not afraid to be in those. I want to put him in those wars."

Seeing paths to victory for both men, Muhammad ultimately picked the former champion to become a two-time titleholder on Saturday.

"My pick, I'm going with Jiri. He always figures out a way to win," said Muhammad. "He has a crazy chin. He has a crazy style and mentality. I like Jiri here and I think he's going to be the champion."