Carlos Ulberg targets early 2027 return from ACL injury

UFC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg will not rush back from the ACL injury that has sidelined him since his title-winning knockout of Jiri Prochazka earlier this year.

The New Zealand fighter told UFC's Charly Arnolt at the recent Abu Dhabi card that he plans to return in early 2027, per Sherdog. Ulberg said he is working with the UFC Performance Institute to ensure the rehab is handled properly. "We're looking at early next year, so 2027 if we're being smart, so we don't come in too early and re-injure ourselves," he said.

Ulberg proposes title eliminator bouts at heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight

Ulberg was cageside when former champion Magomed Ankalaev beat Bogdan Guskov in the main event. He congratulated Ankalaev afterward and called the division "a little shaky" with no dominant contender. "I've always seen Ankalaev as a top contender. So, he's definitely one of the guys that will be up next as well," Ulberg said.

The champion later posted on social media suggesting two eliminator fights: Ankalaev against Prochazka, and Paulo Costa facing Khalil Rountree. Those matchups would sort out who gets the first title shot when Ulberg returns.

No timeline has been announced for the title defence, but Ulberg's camp expects him healthy and ready by the first quarter of 2027.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Carlos Ulberg targets 2027 return after ACL injury