UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg has outlined how he believes the promotion should determine his first challenger once he returns from injury, calling for two high-profile matchups to settle the title picture.
Ulberg (14-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC), who is sidelined after suffering a knee injury during his title-winning victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 in April, shared his thoughts on Instagram after watching former champion Magomed Ankalaev defeat Bogdan Guskov in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Rather than immediately naming a No. 1 contender, the New Zealander proposed a four-man bracket featuring Ankalaev, Prochazka, Paulo Costa, and Khalil Rountree Jr.
"After last night's fights, here's My thoughts.
"Ankalaev vs. Jiří.
"Give them both a full camp. It's a fight the division deserves, and stylistically it's one the fans would love to see.
"Costa vs. Rountree.
"That's the wildcard. High risk, high reward. Someone's leaving with serious momentum.
"By the time the dust settles...
"I'll be ready.
"Whoever earns it.
"See you in 2027.
"God is Great."
Ulberg captured the 205-pound title by defeating Prochazka at UFC 327 but was forced to undergo surgery after sustaining a knee injury during the bout. The champion has already indicated he does not expect to return until 2027.
Ankalaev strengthened his case for another title opportunity with a dominant win over Guskov in Abu Dhabi, while Costa and Rountree remain among the division's most recognizable contenders despite both looking to build momentum.
If the UFC follows Ulberg's suggestion, the winners of Ankalaev vs. Prochazka and Costa vs. Rountree would likely meet (or one could emerge as the clear No. 1 contender) to determine who challenges for the light heavyweight championship when the champion is medically cleared to compete next year.
