“We’ll see what happens”: Dana White addresses interim light heavyweight title as Carlos Ulberg remains sidelined

UFC light heavyweight division used to be the most active and exciting in the UFC, with Alex Pereira as its king. He reclaimed the title, dethroning Magomed Ankalaev in a rematch at 320 in October last year and eventually vacated it to move up in the division in pursuit of a third belt. 

Then, for the vacant light heavyweight title, Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka fought, where Ulberg suffered a significant knee injury and was barely able to move; despite that, he knocked out Prochazka at 3:45 in the first round to capture the belt at UFC 327. The injury will keep him away from the octagon for the rest of the year. 

That led to speculation about introducing an interim 205-pound belt, and now UFC CEO Dana White has answered whether the promotion is looking to introduce an interim title.

Dana White hints at major light heavyweight decision 

UFC CEO Dana White, in the post-presser for Dana White's Contender Series last night, was asked about the state of the light heavyweight division, with Ulberg unavailable and several of the top-ranked contenders yet to be booked.

White acknowledged that the UFC is still working on its plans for the division and noted that the division could be heavily active in the final months of this year. He suggested that a decision regarding the championship situation will be revealed once those plans come together.

“We’ll see what happens,” White said.

The UFC CEO added that the promotion will announce its plans once everything has been finalized.

“As we put stuff together, we will announce what we’re doing,” White added. 

Check out Dana White's comments below:

Meanwhile, Paulo Costa had said he wanted to face Magomed Ankalaev for the interim 205-pound title, but UFC didn’t show interest in introducing the belt. 

With the promotion choosing not to create an interim title, fans can expect Ulberg’s return soon. However, he shared that he won’t be back this year.  

Carlos Ulberg targets early 2027 return 

Ulberg was in attendance at the UFC Shanghai card, where he revealed that he is in the gym and doing his rehab. He is still training while recovering from his injuries and is doing everything possible to return to the mats. Ulberg stressed that his goal is to get healthy and defend his light heavyweight title early next year.

"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 said.