Newly crowned UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Carlos Ulberg is expressing strong confidence in a swift return to the Octagon following his recent ACL surgery. Despite the typical recovery period for such an injury often extending to nine months or more, Ulberg is optimistic about a faster comeback.
Ulberg secured the light heavyweight title at UFC 327 earlier this month with a dramatic first-round knockout over former champion Jiri Prochazka. Although he appeared to be struggling with a knee injury early in the bout, the New Zealander managed to turn the fight around decisively, landing a powerful left hand that led to the stoppage.
It was later revealed that Ulberg had torn his ACL and has since undergone successful surgery. However, he is actively participating in rehabilitation at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas and reports positive progress.
“I’m working with the PI. The staff here have been amazing,” Ulberg stated in a recent interview. “I’m just real positive about the progress and the rehab. It’s an ACL (injury). We went into the surgery thinking this could be between six to eight months or so, longer for some. But, you know, with the progress that we’ve got at the moment, it’s only been a week now and we’re moving pretty good. I think we’ve got a good formula going, and the body is healing really fast.”
Ulberg added that the medical team has been impressed with the pace of his recovery. He believes his mindset and the intensive, twice-daily rehabilitation sessions are contributing to his accelerated healing, allowing him to potentially outpace the standard recovery timeline.
“I think we’re just impressed that the surgery went well. We’ve done it quickly and then got on to the rehab as soon as we could,” he explained. “I think it just comes down to the staff has just been on me about it. We’re doing two a day, and I think we’ll be alright. I think it just comes down to the mentality that I have and the belief that I know that I’m going to get there a lot quicker than anyone else.”
English Translation:
Carlos Ulberg, the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, has set an ambitious timeline for his return to competition following successful ACL surgery. Despite the severity of the knee injury, which typically requires a lengthy rehabilitation period, Ulberg is optimistic about making an earlier comeback than anticipated.
Ulberg clinched the title at UFC 327 with a first-round knockout victory against former champion Jiri Prochazka. Although he appeared to be hampered by a knee issue early in the fight, he managed to rally and secure a decisive finish.
Following the confirmation of his ACL tear and subsequent surgery, Ulberg has begun his recovery process at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. He shared his positive outlook on his rehabilitation:
“I am working with the Performance Institute, and the staff has been incredible,” Ulberg commented. “I’m very positive about my progress and the rehab. It’s an ACL injury, and we initially estimated a recovery time of six to eight months, possibly longer for some. However, given the progress we’re seeing now, just a week in, I’m moving quite well. I believe we have an effective plan in place, and my body is healing remarkably fast.”
He further noted that the medical team has expressed surprise at the rapid pace of his recovery. Ulberg attributes this accelerated healing to his determined mindset and the rigorous rehabilitation regimen, which includes two sessions per day, allowing him to potentially shorten the typical recovery period.
“I think we’re simply impressed that the surgery was successful and that we could start rehab so quickly,” he added. “The staff has been very dedicated to my recovery. We’re doing two sessions daily, and I’m confident it will lead to a positive outcome. My belief and mentality are key; I know I can achieve a much quicker return than others.”
