UFC champion Carlos Ulberg optimistic about injury recovery: “The body’s healing really fast”

Carlos Ulberg believes he will be able to return to the Octagon sooner than many are fearing.

Ulberg suffered  a torn ACL in the biggest fight of his pro MMA career up to this point. “Black Jag” planted his foot awkwardly and injured his knee in the main event of UFC 327. Despite the significant injury, Ulberg was able to drop Jiri Prochazka with a hook and finished the fight to capture the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

In a video update posted by UFC, Ulberg revealed the time frame for a potential return. The 205-pound champion is optimistic about how his recovery is going early on.

“I’m really positive about the progress and the rehab,” Ulberg said. “It’s an ACL. We went into the surgery thinking that this could be between six to eight months or so. Longer for some, but with the progress that we’ve got at the moment, it’s only been a week now and we’re moving pretty good. I think we’ve got a good formula going. The body’s healing really fast. The doctors are happy. The staff are happy. It’s really nice to able to work closely with the PI and get the treatment that I need to.”

UFC CEO Dana White told reporters that he was in no rush to decide whether or not an interim light heavyweight title fight is needed. The likes of former champion Magomed Ankalaev, and an emerging Paulo Costa are looking for their opportunities. One can’t rule out Prochazka keeping himself in the mix as well.

Regardless, Ulberg will be fully focused on his rehab so that he can return to the Octagon at full health.

Do you think there will be an interim light heavyweight title fight before Carlos Ulberg returns from injury? If that is the case, then who would you book in the interim championship bout? Join in on the conversation in the comments below.