New UFC Champ Ulberg Loses Title Belt After Celebration

The newly crowned light heavyweight champion misplaced his belt hours after his big win.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:39am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the frenetic movement and emotion of a UFC fighter, with the championship belt itself dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.The new UFC light heavyweight champion's joyous celebration is marred by the unexpected loss of his hard-won title belt.Today in Miami

Carlos Ulberg, a 35-year-old fighter from New Zealand, defeated Jiri Prochazka in the main event at UFC 327 in Miami to become the new light heavyweight champion. However, Ulberg says he lost his title belt just hours after the victory while celebrating the win.

Why it matters

Losing a championship belt is an embarrassing and unusual situation for a newly crowned UFC titleholder. It raises questions about security protocols and the champion's responsibility for properly safeguarding the belt after a big win.

The details

Ulberg fought through an injured right knee to capture the light heavyweight title at UFC 327. But he says he misplaced the championship belt just hours later while celebrating the victory.

  • Ulberg defeated Prochazka by knockout to win the title at UFC 327 this past weekend in Miami.
  • Ulberg reported losing the belt just hours after his title-winning fight.

The players

Carlos Ulberg

A 35-year-old fighter from New Zealand who recently won the UFC light heavyweight championship.

Jiri Prochazka

The previous UFC light heavyweight champion who lost his title to Ulberg at UFC 327.

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What they’re saying

“I fought hard to win that belt and I'm devastated to have lost it so soon after. I take full responsibility and will work with the UFC to get it back.”

— Carlos Ulberg, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

What’s next

The UFC will likely investigate the incident and work with Ulberg to locate the missing championship belt.

The takeaway

This embarrassing situation for the new UFC light heavyweight champion underscores the importance of properly securing and safeguarding championship belts, even in the midst of celebratory revelry after a big win.