Ulberg details severe knee injury following UFC 327 victory

Carlos Ulberg has opened up about the serious knee injury he suffered during his knockout win over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 on April 11, revealing that the damage was significant enough to leave him barely able to stand in the aftermath of the fight.

Ulberg, known as "Black Jag," described his knee swelling severely and shifting in and out of the joint during the bout, causing unbearable pain that prevented him from bearing weight on the leg. That he was able to push through and finish the fight under those conditions makes the victory all the more remarkable. The 35-year-old New Zealander, who trains out of City Kickboxing, improved his record to 15-1-0 with the win and holds the number three ranking in the light heavyweight division. He averages an impressive 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him one of the more prolific volume strikers in the 205-pound class.

Prochazka, the Czech striker ranked second at light heavyweight, entered UFC 327 with a record of 32-6-1. The 33-year-old out of Jetsaam Gym Brno is one of the most aggressive fighters in the division, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute with a reach of 80 inches. The loss snaps what had been a high-profile run for Prochazka, who remains a fixture near the top of the divisional ladder.

Ulberg said further medical evaluation is still needed to determine the full scope of the injury and a recovery timeline.

Why it matters

• Ulberg's win over the number two ranked Prochazka strengthens his case for a title shot at light heavyweight
• The severity of the knee injury could sideline Ulberg for an extended period, complicating any near-term championship plans
• A fighter-ranked second losing to one ranked third tightens an already competitive 205-pound division