UFC Champion Carlos Ulberg Loses Title Belt After Celebrating Win

The light heavyweight titleholder misplaced his championship belt while partying after his victory.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:38am

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An abstract, expressionistic painting in vibrant neon colors depicting a blurred, energetic figure in mid-celebration, representing the excitement and chaos of a UFC fighter's victory celebration.The thrill of victory can sometimes lead to unexpected mishaps, as new UFC champion Carlos Ulberg discovered after misplacing his hard-earned title belt.Today in Miami

UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg says he lost his title belt while celebrating his victory at UFC 327 in Miami. Ulberg defeated Jiri Prochazka by knockout to capture the championship, but misplaced the belt after a night of drinking and revelry. The 35-year-old New Zealander is confident the belt will be found, but faces an uncertain future as he recovers from a knee injury that could sideline him for up to a year.

Why it matters

Losing a championship belt is an embarrassing and unusual situation for a newly crowned UFC titleholder. Ulberg's story highlights the challenges athletes can face balancing the excitement of victory with the responsibilities that come with being a champion.

The details

After defeating Jiri Prochazka in the main event at UFC 327 in Miami, Ulberg said he lost track of his championship belt while celebrating with friends and teammates. The New Zealander told Fox Sports Australia that the initial plan was to avoid drinking, but 'one thing led to another' and he ended up doing shots. Ulberg believes one of his friends may have the belt in their possession, but he is confident it will be recovered before he heads to Las Vegas for a medical evaluation on his injured knee.

  • Ulberg defeated Prochazka by knockout at UFC 327 on April 15, 2026 in Miami.
  • Ulberg spoke about losing the belt in an interview with Fox Sports Australia on April 17, 2026.

The players

Carlos Ulberg

The 35-year-old New Zealander who recently captured the UFC light heavyweight championship by defeating Jiri Prochazka.

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've lost the belt, bro. Initially after winning, the plan was to not have a drink. But you know how these things go, right?'”

— Carlos Ulberg, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

“'First, someone gives you a champagne to celebrate. Then one thing leads to another, and you're doing shots.'”

— Carlos Ulberg, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

What’s next

Ulberg plans to travel to Las Vegas to get further evaluation on his knee injury, which could keep him sidelined for up to a year. The UFC will likely hold an interim title fight in his absence to determine a new champion.

The takeaway

Ulberg's story serves as a cautionary tale for athletes who must balance the excitement of victory with the responsibilities that come with being a champion. While celebrating is understandable, losing track of a hard-earned title belt is an embarrassing and unusual situation that highlights the challenges elite fighters face.