UFC Champ Carlos Ulberg Reveals Torn ACL from Title Win

Ulberg had surgery after winning the light heavyweight title on a severely injured leg.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:56am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intense action of the UFC light heavyweight title fight, with the combatants' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic UFC title fight that saw Carlos Ulberg claim the light heavyweight belt despite a severe knee injury.Las Vegas Today

UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg revealed he tore his ACL during his title-winning fight against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327. Despite the severe injury, Ulberg was still able to land the knockout punch to claim the belt. He underwent successful surgery the following day, but faces a lengthy recovery process.

Why it matters

Ulberg's victory on a torn ACL is an incredible feat of determination and toughness, but it also raises concerns about his ability to defend the title in the near future. ACL injuries typically require extensive rehabilitation, putting his reign as champion in jeopardy.

The details

According to Ulberg's manager Ash Belcastro, the new UFC light heavyweight champion tore his ACL during the fight with Prochazka. Despite the severe injury, Ulberg was still able to land the decisive knockout blow to win the title. Ulberg underwent successful surgery the day after the fight, but also suffered bone bruising and tibia damage from competing on the injured leg.

  • During his fight with Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327, Ulberg tore his ACL.
  • Ulberg had surgery on his injured knee the day after winning the title.

The players

Carlos Ulberg

The new UFC light heavyweight champion who won the title despite suffering a torn ACL during the fight.

Ash Belcastro

Ulberg's manager, who confirmed the extent of the champion's injury.

Jiri Prochazka

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

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What they’re saying

“New UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg did in fact tear his ACL en route to winning the belt last Saturday.”

— Ash Belcastro, Ulberg's manager

“He snapped it.”

— Ash Belcastro, Ulberg's manager

What’s next

Ulberg is dedicated to getting back as soon as he can, but ACL injuries typically require extensive rehabilitation, putting his reign as champion in jeopardy.

The takeaway

Ulberg's victory on a torn ACL is an incredible feat of determination, but it also raises concerns about his ability to defend the title in the near future as he faces a lengthy recovery process.