Dana White Decides on Light Heavyweight Division Future as Carlos Ulberg Tears ACL

UFC CEO Dana White talks about the state and future if the light heavyweight division as champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from injury.

Dana White Decides on Light Heavyweight Division Future as Carlos Ulberg Tears ACL

Dana White's update on Carlos Ulberg (via Instagram)

In Short
  • Dana White faces challenges with injured champions affecting UFC scheduling and title plans.
  • Carlos Ulberg suffered a torn ACL during UFC 327, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery.
  • White does not plan for an interim title fight and expects Ulberg to return post-rehabilitation.

UFC CEO Dana White is facing growing challenges as multiple divisions deal with injured champions and inactivity. This has increased pressure on UFC scheduling and title planning across weight classes. Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg were expected to stabilize the light heavyweight division after UFC 327. However, Ulberg’s injury during his title win has raised doubts about the future of the 205-pound division.

The UFC 327 light heavyweight title fight was a fast-paced contest with both fighters trading momentum. The key moment came when Ulberg suffered a knee injury during an exchange, later confirmed as an ACL tear with joint damage. However, as Prochazka lowered his guard somewhat ‘Black Jag’ capitalized on the moment and caught ‘BJP’ with a left hook to win the undisputed gold.

Medical reports confirmed Ulberg suffered a torn ACL with additional joint damage and bone bruising during his UFC 327 title win. This requires surgery and a long rehabilitation period focused on restoring knee stability and mobility. At the UFC Winnipeg post-fight press conference, White said the UFC is not currently considering an interim title fight and expects Ulberg to return once his recovery is complete.

One of the good things about it is, he was at Power Slap last night, and I was talking to him, and he’s gonna stay in Vegas. He’s got the surgery, and he’s gonna start working at the UFC PI. Apparently, where he lives in Australia, he’s in a remote part of the country, so there isn’t much around him. Now with the PI, that place has saved more fights and helped more athletes prolong their careers. We’ll get him in there, and see how fast he starts to recover. We always figure it out. I mean, Carlos is still getting set up here. But we’ll figure it out.

Dana White via UFC Winnipeg press conference

Since his knockout win over Prochazka at UFC 327, Ulberg has remained very active on social media, sharing updates and celebrating his championship moment with fans. Despite the serious injury, he was seen partying shortly after the win, adding to the unusual aftermath of the fight. According to White, the Kiwi champion was also present at Power Slap 19 in Las Vegas while still recovering from his knee injury.

Following the situation around Ulberg’s UFC 327 injury, popular MMA insider Ariel Helwani has also covered the developing light heavyweight title scenario, adding wider attention to the UFC CEO’s handling of the division. The discussion mainly included input from Ulberg’s manager, Ash Belcastro, who revealed that the newly crowned champion has had surgery but is recovering better than most.

This situation adds to Dana White’s ongoing tension around UFC divisions being slowed by injured or inactive champions, creating uncertainty in title progression. Petr Yan is also dealing with a lumbar injury, while heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains sidelined recovering from an eye injury. With multiple champions unavailable, Carlos Ulberg’s case risks becoming another stalled division if timelines drag on.

Dana White potentially confirms the return of UFC’s biggest superstar

Conor McGregor is one of the most popular stars in UFC history, with global recognition that helped transform the promotion’s commercial reach. His impact goes beyond fighting, as he played a major role in boosting pay-per-view sales and mainstream attention for the UFC. Even though he has not competed in the UFC since 2021, news of his potential return still generates strong excitement across the sport.

Dana White grilled by UFC legend
Dana White grilled by UFC legend (via Bleacher Report)

However, in recent times, his return has become a major talking point, with rumors suggesting a possible comeback during International Fight Week in July. McGregor himself has remained vocal about the situation, frequently hinting at an active return timeline through interviews and social media activity. Dana White has also recently stated that all indications regarding The Notorious One’s comeback are positive.

It’s looking good, Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.

Dana White via UFC Winnipeg press conference

However, McGregor’s return has been a controversial topic in recent times, with many questioning the consistency of his comeback timeline. Fans expected him to return at the UFC White House event, but that did not materialize, reducing confidence in earlier expectations. However, Dana White’s recent confirmation of a more positive outlook has shifted attention toward a more realistic path for McGregor’s comeback.

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