Carlos Ulberg, the newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion, faces a significant recovery period and will not be competing in the octagon for an extended time.
Last weekend, Ulberg, also known as “Black Jag,” secured the championship title by knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the first round of the UFC 327 main event. The vacant 205-pound belt was on the line in this highly anticipated bout.
Despite enduring severe adversity during the fight, Ulberg demonstrated remarkable determination. He struggled to put weight on his leg and was visibly off-balance due to an injured knee, which Prochazka had attacked. However, the Czech fighter did not capitalize on the opportunity to finish the fight. Shortly after, Ulberg surprised Prochazka, knocked him down, and delivered a series of powerful ground-and-pound strikes to claim the UFC title while significantly compromised.
Carlos Ulberg underwent knee surgery yesterday, and he shared this update with his fans on social media.
Ulberg’s manager, Ash Belcastro, confirmed to Ariel Helwani that “Black Jag” sustained a torn ACL during UFC 327. The surgery, performed yesterday, was reported to have “went really well.”
Belcastro also revealed that Ulberg’s decision to continue fighting for several minutes with a torn ACL resulted in tibia damage and bone bruising. Despite these injuries, the outlook is now more positive, and according to his manager, Ulberg is committed to a swift return to competition.
When Will Carlos Ulberg Return?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a torn ACL typically requires six to nine months to heal. However, competitive athletes are generally advised to allow additional time before resuming strenuous activity.
Considering Ulberg’s situation, even with top-tier medical care and a comprehensive rehabilitation process, it is highly probable that the 35-year-old fighter will not be back in action until next year. In the interim, the UFC might consider scheduling an interim light heavyweight title bout to maintain momentum in the division.
