UFC Delays Interim Title Amid Uncertainty Over Injured Champion Carlos Ulberg's Return

Dana White says the promotion is in no rush to crown an interim light heavyweight champion as Ulberg recovers from an ACL tear.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:25am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a UFC light heavyweight title fight, with the action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The UFC light heavyweight division remains in flux as champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from injury, with the promotion taking a measured approach to determining his next challenger.Today in Miami

The UFC's light heavyweight division has been thrown into uncertainty following an injury to champion Carlos Ulberg, who is expected to be sidelined for an extended period. UFC President Dana White says the promotion is in no rush to create an interim title, preferring to let the top contenders fight it out and establish a clear top-two challenger before potentially booking an interim title fight.

Why it matters

The light heavyweight division has lacked clear contenders since Ulberg's title win, with several top fighters like Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill suffering recent losses. The UFC wants to let the division sort itself out before potentially creating an interim title, which could lead to fresh matchups and a clearer picture of who deserves the next shot at the undisputed championship.

The details

Ulberg suffered an ACL tear at UFC 327 and is expected to be out for a significant portion of 2026. The UFC wants Ulberg to remain in Las Vegas to undergo rehabilitation at the UFC Performance Institute, rather than return to his native New Zealand where access to proper medical care and physical therapy may be more limited. Top contender Paulo Costa has expressed interest in fighting for an interim title, but Dana White says the UFC has no immediate plans to create one, preferring to let the division's top fighters compete to establish a clear next challenger for Ulberg.

  • Ulberg suffered the ACL tear at UFC 327.
  • Ulberg is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, potentially all of 2026.

The players

Carlos Ulberg

The current UFC light heavyweight champion who suffered a serious knee injury and is expected to be out for an extended period.

Dana White

The president of the UFC who is overseeing the light heavyweight division during Ulberg's recovery.

Paulo Costa

A top light heavyweight contender who has expressed interest in fighting for an interim title while Ulberg is out.

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What they’re saying

“We have not. Yeah. I mean, Carlos is still getting set up there. But we will figure it out.”

— Dana White, UFC President

“My guess is going to be they don't create an interim because there's not really a clear picture of who you would put in it. I think they probably let those guys fight it out and figure out who the clear top-two guys are, then if he still needs more time, they'll create an interim. I don't think they'll do it right away.”

— Anthony Smith, Former UFC light heavyweight fighter

What’s next

The UFC will allow the light heavyweight division to sort itself out over the coming months, with top contenders like Paulo Costa, Magomed Ankalaev, and others competing to establish themselves as the clear next challenger for Ulberg's title once he returns from injury.

The takeaway

The UFC is taking a patient approach with the light heavyweight division during champion Carlos Ulberg's extended recovery, preferring to let the top contenders compete and establish a clear next challenger rather than rushing to crown an interim title holder. This approach could lead to fresh matchups and a more definitive picture of who deserves the next shot at the undisputed championship.