Carlos Ulberg is feeling upbeat after surgery on his right knee went ahead as planned.
The UFC light heavyweight champion suffered the injury in the lead-up to his fight with Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327, but still managed to secure a knockout win.
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Initial reports suggested he wouldn’t return until 2027, but Ulberg now believes he’ll be back in action before the end of this year.
Ulberg gave an update on social media, sharing a photo from his hospital bed and telling fans that things are going well.
White made it clear that stripping him was never on the table and reaffirmed his support for the Kiwi fighter after reports suggested Magomed Ankalaev would replace him in a unification title fight against Jamahal Hill.
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
Ulberg is staying in Las Vegas to focus on recovery
Carlos Ulberg has chosen to stay in Las Vegas after UFC 327, prioritising his recovery and taking advantage of the resources available there. The 35-year-old is currently training at the UFC Performance Institute as he works towards regaining full fitness.
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Speaking just six days post-surgery, Ulberg shared an encouraging update on how his rehab is progressing and when he hopes to return.
“I’m working with the PI. The staff have been amazing. Just really positive about the progress and the rehab,” he told the UFC.
“We went into the surgery thinking this could be between six and eight months, longer for some. But with the progress we’ve got at the moment, it’s only been a week, and we are moving pretty good.
“I think we’ve got a good formula going. The body is healing really fast. The doctors are happy, and the staff are happy. It just comes down to the mentality that I have. I know I’m gonna get there quicker than anyone else.”
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Carlos Ulberg’s next opponent
Carlos Ulberg is looking forward to testing himself against a tough opponent when he returns to fighting. With Alex Pereira leaving the division, there isn’t a clear top contender in the light heavyweight ranks at the moment.
The rest of the top six are all coming off losses in their most recent fights, which has only added to the uncertainty about who should get the next shot. Paulo Costa, sitting at #7, is actually the highest-ranked fighter coming off a win.
Pereira responded to questions about a potential third fight with Adesanya by dismissing those suggestions and pointing out that they are now in different weight classes.
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There is no official timeline yet for Adesanya’s comeback, as he’s still focused on his recovery from hand surgery earlier this year. The Brazilian is gearing up for a title defence against Magomed Ankalaev on 30 June at UFC 329 in Australia.
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