Paddy Pimblett praises Carlos Ulberg for fighting through injury at UFC 327

Paddy Pimblett has publicly saluted Carlos Ulberg following Ulberg's win over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 on April 11, praising the New Zealander for fighting through a severe knee injury to secure the victory.

Pimblett, a 31-year-old Liverpool native ranked sixth in the lightweight division with a 23-4-0 record, did not hold back in his admiration. He noted that many fighters would have quit in Ulberg's circumstances, but Ulberg did the opposite. The comment underscored the mental and physical resilience Ulberg showed across the bout.

Ulberg, nicknamed "Black Jag," improved to 15-1-0 with the performance and holds the number-three ranking in the light heavyweight division. The 35-year-old City Kickboxing product stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, and his numbers reflect an aggressive, high-output fighter — averaging 6.54 significant strikes landed per minute at 55 percent accuracy. Completing the fight despite a serious knee problem adds significant weight to a résumé already built on standout finishes.

Prochazka, the Czech Republic's 33-year-old veteran and second-ranked light heavyweight, entered the contest at 32-6-1 and brought his own formidable striking output of 5.69 significant strikes per minute. Ranked just one spot above Ulberg, the 191-centimeter former champion carries an 80-inch reach and has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers in the division.

Why it matters

• Ulberg's win over a top-two ranked opponent could push him firmly into title contention at light heavyweight.
• Fighting through a documented knee injury elevates the result beyond a routine victory and draws attention from peers across the roster.
• The matchup between the second and third-ranked light heavyweights reshapes the divisional picture at the top of 205 pounds.