Carlos Ulberg is disappointed he can't compete, but won't rush his recovery.
The UFC light heavyweight champion has been on the sidelines since winning the ***** le at UFC 327. Ulberg (14-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) tore his ACL in his victory over Jiri Prochazka, making for a bittersweet crowning moment.
After undergoing a successful surgery on his right knee, Ulberg has been focused on his recovery. He is currently aiming for a return to action in early 2027.
"It sucks to be on the sidelines watching the guys," Ulberg told reporters during a news conference in Shanghai, China, ahead of UFC Fight Night 286. "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 ***** le early next year."
Right now, Ulberg wants to ensure this time on the sidelines is his only time out of the game. He doesn't want to rush back and risk re-injuring his surgically repaired knee, which would cause more problems for the light heavyweight ***** le picture.

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