Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg faces an extended absence from the octagon following his victory at UFC 327.
Last weekend, “Black Jag” claimed the vacant 205-pound strap by knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the first round of the main event. Despite facing significant adversity during the fight, Ulberg displayed remarkable resilience.
Ulberg visibly struggled to put weight on his leg and appeared off-balance due to an injured knee early in the bout. However, Prochazka did not capitalize on the opening. Shortly after, Ulberg managed to catch his opponent off guard, secure a knockdown, and finish with ground-and-pound, winning the UFC title on a compromised leg.
Carlos Ulberg underwent knee surgery yesterday, a fact he shared with fans via social media. His manager, Ash Belcastro, confirmed to Ariel Helwani that Ulberg sustained a torn ACL at UFC 327. Belcastro added that the surgery “went really well.”
Due to fighting for several minutes with a torn ACL, Ulberg also suffered tibia damage and bone bruising. However, his manager expressed optimism, stating that Ulberg is dedicated to a swift return to competition.
Carlos Ulberg’s Return Timeline
According to medical advice, a torn ACL typically requires six to nine months to heal. Competitive athletes are often advised to allow even more time for full recovery before resuming their sport.
Considering the severity of his injuries and the need for proper rehabilitation, it is anticipated that Carlos Ulberg, 35, will likely return to action next year. In his absence, the UFC may consider booking an interim light heavyweight title fight to maintain the division’s momentum.
