Carlos Ulberg makes his decision and chooses the former champion as his first challenger in the UFC.

Carlos Ulberg won Volkan oezdemir By unanimous decision. Photo: Instagram/UFC.

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Carlos Ulberg He has already decided who he wants to face in his first title defense in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The New Zealander entered the UFC 327, held last Saturday (11), and won the light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg) by knock off Jiri Prochazka Heroically, even after suffering a knee injury during the fight. Now, the City Kickboxing athlete is aiming for a duel against Magomed Ankalayev as your next step.

In an interview with journalist Ariel Helwani, Ulberg highlighted Ankalaev as one of the top names in the division and indicated that he sees the Russian as the ideal opponent to test his level, in addition to considering him deserving of a title shot.

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"You have Magomed Ankalayev"I think he's probably one of the best there. I think he's the only guy I need to test myself against. I think he deserves it," he said. Carlos Ulberg.
Paulo borrachinha gains momentum in the race for the belt

While Carlos Ulberg have a preference for facing Magomed Ankalayev, Paulo borrachinha He emerges as an alternative contender in the title race. The Brazilian also fought at UFC 327 and knocked out his opponent. Azamat Murzakanov In his debut in the light heavyweight division, a result that placed him seventh in the rankings.

Even outside the top 5, Borrachinha gains strength as a possible challenger due to a relevant factor: he is, alongside Alex Poatán, one of the few fighters in the division coming off a recent victory. With Poatan's move up to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg), the Brazilian now occupies a strategic position in the title race.

Sports doctor explains Carlos Ulberg's injury.

According to sports physician and content creator Brian Sutterer, Ulberg's injury is consistent with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The specialist explained that the forward movement of the tibia at the moment of the twist, followed by the abrupt return of the bone, evidenced by the calf muscle's undulation, is a classic indication of this type of injury.

"The tibia shifts forward when the ACL is torn, then the calf rippling is when the tibia shifts back," wrote Brian Sutterer.

Tibia shifts forward from ACL being torn, then the calf rippling is when the tibia shifts back https://t.co/mC3KXMS02Q pic.twitter.com/MsfjbZ6peJ

— Brian Sutterer MD (@BrianSuttererMD) April 12, 2026

What is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most frequent orthopedic injuries, especially among athletes. Responsible for stabilizing the knee, the ligament prevents excessive displacement of the tibia relative to the femur and helps control the rotational movements of the joint.

In most cases, the injury occurs without direct contact, being caused by sudden movements, such as abrupt changes of direction with the foot fixed on the ground, rapid decelerations, improper landings after jumps, or even hyperextension of the knee. At the moment of rupture, it is common to hear a popping sound, followed by intense pain, rapid swelling, and a feeling of instability, as if the knee were giving way.

Treatment varies according to the severity and the patient's profile: it can be conservative, with physiotherapy focused on muscle strengthening, or surgical, indicated mainly for athletes, with ligament reconstruction through grafting. Complete recovery, in surgical cases, can take between nine and twelve months.