Carlos Ulberg points to a return in early 2027 and reports on Magomed Ankalaev's knockout: 'I saw what I needed to see'

Ulberg poses for a photo at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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UFC Abu Dhabi featured the presence of the light heavyweight champion (up to 92,9 kg), Carlos Ulberg , who quickly analyzed Magomed Ankalaev 's knockout of Bogdan Guskov in the main event, held this Saturday (25). The New Zealander closely followed the Russian's performance and praised the performance shown in the octagon. Even sidelined by injury, the champion revealed that he is closely monitoring his recovery and indicated that he intends to return only at the beginning of 2027.

Ulberg won the light heavyweight title by defeating former champion Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 in April 2026. In a great performance, after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the New Zealander landed a beautiful strike and managed to overcome the dangerous Czech striker, securing the biggest victory of his career and the title of new champion of the division.

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“Congratulations to Ankalaev. I saw what I needed to see. (Regarding the injury) I'm making sure I can do everything I need to and closely monitoring my injury situation. We're aiming for the beginning of next year, that is, 2027, if we play smart,” declared Carlos Ulberg in an interview with UFC Paramount.

Commenting on Ankalaev's performance, Ulberg showed respect for the former title challenger and highlighted that he was able to observe what he needed during the Russian's victory. The champion also updated his physical condition and reiterated that he does not intend to rush the recovery process.

UFC Abu Dhabi results

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov by knockout (punches) 2m39s R5

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Ramazan Temirov defeated Steve Erceg by knockout (punches) at 4:21 of round 1.

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman – fight cancelled

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Magomed Zaynukov defeated Damian Rzepecki by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Rizvan Kuniev defeated Tyrell Fortune by technical knockout (knees) at 1:12 of round 3.

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Abubakar Vagaev defeated Saygid Izagakhmaev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Valter Walker defeated Thomas Petersen by submission (calf lock) at 1:32 of round 1.

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Muhammad Saidov defeated Dustin Jacoby by technical knockout (punches) at 4:48 of round 2.

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sam Patterson defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio by knockout (punch) at 3:06 of round 2.

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Axel Sola defeated Ismael Bonfim by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:44 of round 1.

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Tuchalov defeated Brendson Ribeiro by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Nurullo Aliev defeated Mike Davis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Abdul Hussein defeated Cody Gibson by submission (katagatame) at 3:07 of round 3.

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