Carlos Ulberg sets sights on first title defense in early 2027
The UFC light heavyweight champion is recovering from an ACL injury and hopes to return to the Octagon early next year.
Last April, Carlos Ulberg defeated Jiri Prochazka to win the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. However, that victory came at a high cost, as the New Zealander tore the ACL in his right knee during the first round of the fight. After undergoing surgery in Las Vegas, the champion is now focused on his recovery and is targeting an early 2027 return to make his first title defense.
Carlos Ulberg Targets Early 2027 Return
At 35 years old, Ulberg is dealing with the most serious injury of his career. Following knee surgery, the New Zealander has been undergoing rehabilitation while gradually returning to training as he works toward a comeback.
Speaking during a news conference in Shanghai, China, ahead of UFC Fight Night 286, the champion admitted that watching other fighters compete while he remains sidelined has been difficult, but said his goal is to return early next year.
"It sucks to be on the sidelines watching the guys," Ulberg said. "I'm still in the gym watching the guys and also doing my rehab. I'd much prefer to be in the gym, having a push and pull with the boys – but I'm a working man, and I'm doing everything to make sure that as the champion, I get myself back on the mats. I'm ready to get myself healthy again so that I can come and defend my title early next year."
Ulberg, however, has no intention of rushing the recovery process. The champion's priority is to make sure his knee is fully healed before returning to competition, as coming back too soon could put him at risk of another injury.
Currently riding a 10-fight winning streak, Ulberg will now focus on preparing for the first title defense of his UFC career. If his recovery continues as planned, the New Zealander hopes to return to the Octagon early next year and continue the run that carried him to the top of the light heavyweight division.
