Carlos Ulberg’s Injury Sets Stage for New Contenders

The UFC light heavyweight division is currently in a state of rapid turnover following the injury of champion Carlos Ulberg. The 35-year-old champion, who won the title in April by defeating Jiri Prochazka, has been ruled out for the remainder of 2026 after tearing his ACL during the fight.

Ulberg, who is expected to return in 2027, has proposed a pair of title eliminator bouts to determine his next challenger. The first bout would pit Magomed Ankalaev against Jiri Prochazka, while the second would match Paulo Costa against Khalil Rountree Jr.

However, it’s unclear whether the UFC matchmakers agree with Ulberg’s ideas for the future of the division. The champion has been working closely with the UFC Performance Institute to ensure a safe and successful recovery from his injury.

The Favorites

Magomed Ankalaev, the current No. 1-ranked light heavyweight, is widely considered one of the top contenders in the division. The 34-year-old Russian fighter has been dominant in his recent bouts, including a TKO win over Bogdan Guskov at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi.

Ankalaev’s only loss in the past eight years came in his title rematch with Alex Pereira last October, when he was stopped just 80 seconds into the fight. Despite this setback, Ankalaev remains one of the most technical and well-rounded fighters in the division.

Jiri Prochazka, the former champion, is another top contender in the division. The 33-year-old Czech fighter has been on a roll, winning five of his last six bouts, including a TKO victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. in April.

Prochazka’s daredevil style and constant pursuit of a finish have left him vulnerable against technical opponents, but he remains a fan favorite and a leading candidate for an interim title bout should the UFC decide to float a title shot in Ulberg’s absence.

In The Mix

Khalil Rountree Jr. is another contender in the division who could potentially emerge as a title challenger. The 36-year-old American fighter has been on a roll, winning five of his last six bouts, including a TKO victory over Jiri Prochazka in April.

Rountree’s aggressive style and knockout power make him a formidable opponent, but he has also shown a more technical side in recent bouts, including a first-round TKO victory over Azamat Murzakanov in April.

Paulo Costa, the 35-year-old Brazilian fighter, is another contender in the division who could potentially emerge as a title challenger. Costa has been on a roll, winning three of his last four bouts, including a TKO victory over Azamat Murzakanov in April.

Costa’s exciting style and star power make him a fan favorite, but he has also shown a more technical side in recent bouts, including a first-round TKO victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. in April.

Wild Cards

Robert Whittaker, the former middleweight champion, is another contender in the division who could potentially emerge as a title challenger. Whittaker, who made his light heavyweight debut at UFC 329 in early July, has been on a roll, winning two of his last three bouts, including a TKO victory over Nikita Krylov in April.

Whittaker’s compact and muscular physique, combined with his great technique and grit, make him a formidable opponent, but he may be one more big win away from stronger consideration in the division.

Khamzat Chimaev, the 32-year-old Russian fighter, is another contender in the division who could potentially emerge as a title challenger. Chimaev, who has been calling for an immediate rematch with Sean Strickland after losing his middleweight title to the American fighter, has changed his tune of late and is now eyeing a move up to light heavyweight.

Chimaev’s immense popularity and dominant grappling skills make him a formidable opponent, but he will need to prove himself in the light heavyweight division before he can be considered for a title shot.

Dark Horse

Navajo Stirling, the 28-year-old unbeaten prospect from City Kickboxing in New Zealand, is another contender in the division who could potentially emerge as a title challenger. Stirling, who has been impressive in his five UFC wins, including a TKO victory over Azamat Murzakanov in April, has accepted a late-notice opportunity to take on Jan Blachowicz next Saturday in the three-round co-feature at UFC Fight Night in Serbia.

Stirling’s impressive victory over the former champion could change his fortunes quickly and make him a contender in the division.