Carlos Ulberg 's greatest career achievement ended up being bittersweet in a way. The cinematic victory against Jiri Prochazka came accompanied by a serious injury to his right knee. Despite the uncertainty about a return, it seems we may see the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) back in the octagon sooner than originally expected.
Invited to the press conference for UFC Shanghai during media day this Thursday (27), the fighter spoke about the recovery process and promised to return in the coming months, at the beginning of 2027.
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“It sucks being on the sidelines watching everyone. I'm still at the gym keeping up with the guys and also doing my rehabilitation. I'd much rather be training hard with them, but I'm a professional and I'm doing everything I can to ensure that, as a champion, I can get back on the mats. I'm ready to recover my health and be able to defend my title at the beginning of next year,” he stated.
Jiri Prochazka vs Carlos Ulberg crowd view💔 pic.twitter.com/mg8HXmds6P
— Blind Bear 🐻🕶️ (@BlindBearMedia) June 10, 2026
With only one loss as a professional, Black Jag is one of the most dominant names in the UFC today. Despite this, he has yet to face some of the top names in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg). In this context, duels with Magomed Ankalaev , Paulo Borrachinha , and even Alex Poatan may be on the horizon.
Carlos Ulberg is in a hurry, but he's not going to take any risks.
Ulberg poses for a photo at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Despite his desire to return to competition, the New Zealander urged caution to avoid aggravating the injury. Given the nature of the injury, a torn anterior cruciate ligament, any excessive exertion could jeopardize his career.
“My total focus is just on regaining my health and getting back into the octagon as soon as possible. As the division champion, you want to make sure you’re healthy and that you’ll return at the right time to defend your title. I want to get back into action and, as I said, it sucks to be sidelined just watching; but above all, I want to be healthy so I don’t suffer another injury when I return. That’s what would really ruin everything,” he concluded.
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