Carlos Ulberg reveals corner considered stopping UFC 327 fight due to injury

Carlos Ulberg has revealed that his coaching team at City Kickboxing was on the verge of stopping his UFC 327 bout between rounds after he sustained an injury during the fight on April 11.

The New Zealand light heavyweight, who competes out of the renowned City Kickboxing gym in Auckland, said that knowing his corner was weighing up whether to pull him from the contest drove him to chase a finish from the opening bell. He acknowledged he deliberately increased his power output beyond his usual levels, targeting a first-round knockout to take the decision out of his corner's hands. He was ultimately successful, securing the stoppage win in round one. The specific nature of the injury was not disclosed in his post-fight comments.

Ranked third in the light heavyweight division at 35 years old, Ulberg now holds a record of 15 wins and one loss. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence in the 205-pound weight class, and his numbers reflect a high-output striking game — he lands 6.54 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate, figures that rank among the more efficient in the division.

Why it matters

• Ulberg's willingness to absorb and fight through injury while targeting an early finish underlines his finishing instincts and mental fortitude.
• At ranked third in the light heavyweight division, the victory keeps him firmly in contention for a title shot, and a dominant first-round knockout only strengthens that case.
• The undisclosed injury may become relevant in the coming weeks depending on its severity and how it affects his availability for future bouts.