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Important update on 1476AMUlberg overcomes injury to capture UFC light heavyweight world title
Stephen Foote • April 12th, 2026 4:14 pm
Carlos Ulberg believes he can back up again if called upon to fight in Las Vegas next weekend | Photo: James Worsfold/AAP
Carlos Ulberg has won the UFC light heavyweight world title in dramatic fashion, overcoming injury to earn a first-round TKO of Jiří Procházka in their main event clash at UFC 327 in Miami on Sunday (NZ time).
The City Kickboxing product sustained a serious injury to his right-knee that left him significantly compromised and in danger of becoming an easy target for the dangerous Czech.
But as the round wound to a close, Ulberg found Procházka's chin with a precision check left-hook that instantly crumpled his opponent, swooping in for a flurry of follow up shots to force referee Marc Goddard to wave off the fight.
Ulberg becomes the second New Zealander to capture UFC gold, after Israel Adesanya, and the first NZ-born champion. He's also the first of Samoan heritage.
"It was knee. I blew out my knee," Ulberg said after his win.
"I never ever counted myself out. I knew that all I needed was that one shot and I ended up getting it. I knew that Jiří was hesitant to come forward and as soon as I landed my left hand, he’s going. I’ve got to sort this knee out. But we’re champion."
"That’s what it’s about. It’s about getting those moments. We found that one kill shot. He said he could hunt me, but you can’t hunt what you can’t kill."
The result leaves the Aucklander with a 10-fight win streak, putting him in clear second for all-time light heavyweight runs.
'The Black Jag' established his own leg kicks early in the fight, looking sharp in his exchanges with the former champ.
But Procházka returned fire with a leg attack of his own, leading to an awkward buckling of Ulberg's rear leg resulting in his injury.
Sensing the kill, Procházka advanced haphazardly and wound up paying for his brash approach, as he was caught flush by Ulberg's left hand and felled en route to defeat.
"King Carlos, baby! I told you everything was going to change. Now I’m the king of the division."
Speaking after the fight, Procházka rued his grave mistake.
"I felt like mercy, in that fight I felt so sorry for him," Procházka said. "This is one of the biggest lessons in my life.
"That fight was won. I had it. It was in my hand and I just let him because I saw his injury.
"I will be back. Life is about that, learn and be better. Sorry for tonight.”
Having suffered an apparent ACL injury, Ulberg may be out of action for an extended period while he rehabilitates.
Carlos 'Black Jag' Ulberg is ready for the main event at UFC 327 | betcha x Sport Nation
