Former UFC Champ Expects Ulberg to Be Out 9+ Months After Knee Surgery

Rafael dos Anjos shares insights on recovery process from similar ACL injury.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion and force of a UFC fighter's knee strike, rendered in a cubist style with sharp, overlapping planes of deep blue, red, and black.A cubist interpretation of the explosive power and technical precision required in a UFC fighter's knee strike, reflecting the challenges of recovering from a major knee injury.Austin Today

Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, who recently underwent his own knee surgery, expects newly crowned light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg to be sidelined for 9 months to a year after suffering a major knee injury in his title-winning fight. Dos Anjos, who has faced numerous setbacks in his own recovery, provided details on the typical timeline for returning to action after ACL surgery and the importance of proper medical care.

Why it matters

Knee injuries are common in combat sports, and the recovery process can significantly impact a fighter's career trajectory. Ulberg's injury and recovery will be closely watched, as he looks to defend his newly won title against the top contenders in the light heavyweight division.

The details

Ulberg suffered a serious knee injury, likely a ligament rupture, during his title fight against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327. Despite the injury, Ulberg managed to knock out Prochazka to claim the vacant light heavyweight championship. Dos Anjos, who ruptured his ACL in his last fight in 2024, provided insight into the typical recovery timeline, stating that Ulberg will likely be cleared to start training again in around 9 months, with a full return to competition taking up to a year.

  • Ulberg suffered the knee injury during his title fight at UFC 327.
  • Dos Anjos ruptured his ACL in his fight against Geoff Neal at UFC 308 in October 2024.
  • Dos Anjos underwent multiple surgeries and setbacks in his recovery process, which has kept him out of action for nearly 18 months.
  • Dos Anjos plans to return to the Octagon in July or August of this year.

The players

Carlos Ulberg

The newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion who suffered a major knee injury in his title-winning fight.

Rafael dos Anjos

A former UFC lightweight champion who recently underwent his own knee surgery and is sharing insights on the recovery process.

Jiri Prochazka

The fighter Ulberg defeated to claim the vacant UFC light heavyweight title.

Geoff Neal

The fighter dos Anjos was competing against when he suffered his knee injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If everything goes well with Ulberg, he'll be back in nine months to a year. After ACL surgery, you only can start doing some activity after six months. Being cleared to start training around nine months, until he gets in shape and can fight, takes a year. But thank God, Ulberg is in a great scenario to recover. After all, with the belt around his waist, everything is easier.”

— Rafael dos Anjos, Former UFC Lightweight Champion

“In October 2024, when I kicked Neal, I tore my cruciate ligament and meniscus. I went to Brazil, had the surgery on my ACL ligament, and my doctor made the unfortunate decision to suture my meniscus, something that is normally only advisable for children and young people, not for a 40-year-old professional athlete. I went back to training, and in May 2025, my knee started to lock up and the suture tore.”

— Rafael dos Anjos, Former UFC Lightweight Champion

“I still have four fights on my contract and I would like to do at least two more, because I still have the desire to fight and I'm missing the Octagon.”

— Rafael dos Anjos, Former UFC Lightweight Champion

What’s next

Ulberg will undergo rehabilitation and recovery from his knee surgery, with the goal of returning to the Octagon within 9 months to a year. Dos Anjos, who has faced numerous setbacks in his own recovery, plans to return to competition in July or August of this year.

The takeaway

Knee injuries are a common challenge for fighters, and the recovery process can be complex and unpredictable. Ulberg's case highlights the importance of proper medical care and the support system needed to navigate a successful return to competition. Dos Anjos' experience provides valuable insights for Ulberg and other fighters facing similar injuries.