Carlos Ulberg opens up on preferred rival after UFC 327 title win
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC Carlos Ulberg shocked the MMA world at UFC 327 by knocking out Jiri Prochazka to claim the light heavyweight title last Saturday. The New Zealander achieved the feat despite suffering a visible knee injury early in the fight, leaving many expecting Prochazka to exploit the situation. Instead, Ulberg found a finish before that could happen, but his condition now raises questions about how soon he can defend his belt.
Carlos Ulberg names Magomed Ankalaev as preferred opponent and rules out Jiri Prochazka rematch Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Ulberg outlined who he believes should be next in line for a title shot once he is ready to return. The New Zealander said: “Well, I don’t know. You’ve got [Magomed] Ankalaev, who has been one of the best there and I think that’s the only guy that I need to test myself with.
I think he’s deserving. ” “But, again, I think it’s just leaving it for the UFC, they know what they’re up to. But definitely not a rematch for Jiri.
” In spite of Ulberg’s words, any plans remain dependent on his recovery, with the possibility that an ACL injury could keep him out for over a year before a title defence. Magomed Ankalaev waits for opportunity after time away from action Magomed Ankalaev has not fought since losing the belt in a rematch against Alex Pereira in October 2025. There were suggestions he could soon face Robert Whittaker, although that fight was later dismissed.
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