Carlos Ulberg is disappointed he cannot compete, but will not rush his recovery.
The UFC light heavyweight champion from New Zealand has been on the sidelines since winning the title at UFC 327. Ulberg (14-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) tore his ACL in his victory over Jiri Prochazka, making for a bittersweet crowning moment.
After undergoing successful surgery on his right knee, Ulberg has been focused on his recovery. He is currently aiming for a return to action in early 2027.
"It Sucks to Be on the Sidelines"
"It sucks to be on the sidelines watching the guys," Ulberg told reporters during a news conference in Shanghai, China, ahead of UFC Fight Night 286. "I'm still in the gym watching the guys and also doing my rehab. I'd much prefer to be in the gym, having a push and pull with the boys – but I'm a working man, and I'm doing everything to make sure that as the champion, I get myself back on the mats."
Ulberg wants to ensure this time on the sidelines is his only time out of the game. He does not want to rush back and risk re-injuring his surgically repaired knee, which would cause more problems for the light heavyweight title picture.
Staying Sharp Mentally
While he cannot compete physically at the moment, he is keeping his mental game as sharp as possible so that when his body is ready to go again, he will be in the right mindset to defend his title.
"My pure focus is just to get myself healthy, get myself back into the octagon as soon as I can," Ulberg said. "I want to first and foremost be able to be healthy so that when I'm back, I don't re-injure myself. That's the one thing that will hurt.
"If I come back too early, or even now, right now, it's just guarding the ACL, guarding my knee, so that when I come back, everything is in good order. I know myself that when I come back, I'm going to be stronger mentally and physically for sure."
The Champion's Mindset
Ulberg is also focused on being a champion who travels and represents the division while on the sidelines.
"The focus is me getting back in the octagon, healthy, better, and then also being the champion that I am, traveling, doing this stuff as a champion, showing why I'm a good champion for the people," Ulberg said. "Doing that as a working man, but then as well as that is upgrading the software."
