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UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg is targeting a return to action in early 2027 as he continues rehabilitation from a torn ACL suffered during his title-winning victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327. Ulberg underwent successful surgery on his right knee and has been diligently working through his recovery while remaining present in the gym. Speaking at a news conference in Shanghai ahead of UFC Fight Night 286, Ulberg stressed his priority is getting fully healthy before defending his title rather than rushing back and risking re-injury.


Jiri Prochazka has publicly stated that the UFC offered him a bout against Paulo Costa for October or November, warning Costa to stop mentioning his name if he has no intention of fighting. Costa flatly denied that Prochazka's name has been brought to him, insisting no offer was ever made. The dispute follows both fighters competing at UFC 327, where Prochazka was knocked out by Carlos Ulberg in a vacant light heavyweight title fight and Costa finished Azamat Murzakanov.




Israel Adesanya has departed City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, his longtime training home, following four consecutive losses including a knockout defeat to Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle. Adesanya announced the move on his YouTube channel, citing the need for a change in environment. Teammate Navajo Stirling, preparing for his UFC Belgrade clash with Jan Blachowicz, said the gym wishes Adesanya well and remains in strong health with fighters such as light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg still on the roster.




Paulo Costa has publicly dismissed suggestions that he fight Magomed Ankalaev or Jiri Prochazka, arguing that Ankalaev's recent performance puts him closer to being cut than to a title shot. Costa, who knocked out Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 to break into the light heavyweight top five, insists he deserves a shot at the undisputed title. With champion Carlos Ulberg sidelined until at least 2027, Costa could be the UFC's first call if an interim title is introduced in the division.



Carlos Ulberg has a professional MMA record of 15-1-0 (wins-losses-draws).
Carlos Ulberg does not have a fight currently scheduled.
Carlos Ulberg is 35 years old, born November 7, 1990.
Carlos Ulberg stands 193 cm (6'4") tall, with a 196 cm (77") reach.
Carlos Ulberg is from New Zealand and competes in the Light Heavyweight division.
Carlos Ulberg is the current UFC Light Heavyweight champion.
Carlos Ulberg is known as "Black Jag".
Carlos Ulberg last fought on April 11, 2026 at UFC 327: Prochazka vs. Ulberg, defeating Jiri Prochazka by KO/TKO in round 1.
Carlos Ulberg defeated Jan Blachowicz by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Brady on March 22, 2025. All three judges (Ben Cartlidge, David Lethaby, Vito Paolillo) scored the fight 29-28 in Carlos Ulberg's favor.
Carlos Ulberg defeated Volkan Oezdemir by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo on November 23, 2024. The official scorecards were Mark Christie 30-27, Vito Paolillo 30-27, Evan Field 29-28 (winner's score first).
Carlos Ulberg is the Light Heavyweight champion — a 35-year-old fighter with a 15-1-0 record. Last fought April 2026.