Carlos Ulberg proposes tournament to decide UFC light heavyweight challenger amid injury

UFC light‑heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg suffered a torn ACL and bone bruising in his title‑win over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 in April. Medical experts project a nine‑to‑twelve‑month recovery, putting his return around early 2027. While sidelined, Ulberg attended UFC Abu Dhabi, watched Magomed Ankalaev defeat Bogdan Guskov, and posted an Instagram story outlining a four‑man tournament to select his next challenger. He suggested pairing Ankalaev with Prochazka and Paulo Costa with Khalil Rountree Jr., with the winners earning a shot at the belt when Ulberg returns, rejecting the need for an interim title.

Ankalaev, fresh from his Abu Dhabi victory, echoed the division’s inactivity and called out Paulo Costa for an October stand‑up fight in Abu Dhabi, offering a potential blockbuster while Ulberg rehabs. He also responded to Alex Pereira’s taunt by inviting a trilogy bout, though Pereira has signaled he will stay at heavyweight. UFC commentator Daniel Cormier backed Ankalaev’s claim to a title shot, noting the finish over Guskov solidified his contender status. Meanwhile, UFC CEO Dana White has hinted an interim belt could be considered if Ulberg’s recovery exceeds nine months, keeping the division’s future uncertain.