Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after completely tearing his ACL during his title-winning performance at UFC 327 in Miami.
Ulberg captured the light heavyweight belt by knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the main event, but the victory came at a steep cost. In addition to the torn ACL, his decision to keep fighting resulted in bone bruising and tibia damage.
The typical best-case recovery time for Ulberg's procedure is listed as nine to twelve months from the date of his surgery, putting the division on hold while the new champion recovers.
With Ulberg expected to be out for an extended period, there is already discussion of a possible interim light heavyweight title. The light heavyweight division is described as currently thin in terms of contenders, adding extra intrigue to how the UFC might move forward.
In the wider picture, there is also speculation about Alex Pereira potentially returning to light heavyweight after a fight with Ciryl Gane at an event referred to as UFC White House in June, a development that could further shape the division while Ulberg heals.
