Speaking to the Herald from Miami, Ulberg said he had a quick medical check on the injury after the bout but would have to get it properly assessed in the coming days.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter the first fall, I thought, okay, maybe it\u2019ll pop back in. But then after the second, third, fourth, it was like, \u2018ah, damn, how am I going to have to deal with this?\u2019\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just had to push through. I knew that nothing was going to stop me from getting that win.\u201d<\/p>\n
Five years ago, Ulberg was signed to the UFC as a relative newcomer to mixed martial arts with just four professional bouts to his name. He said at the time it would be a case of him learning on the job as he worked his way through the division.<\/p>\n
Now, 11 assignments later, he is at the top of the class on a 10-fight winning streak \u2013 the second-longest in the history of the UFC light heavyweight division \u2013 holds wins over four former title holders or challengers and leaves Miami with a shiny new piece of carry-on luggage.<\/p>\n
Ulberg had made a good start to the bout, working the Czech\u2019s lead leg with strong kicks. <\/p>\n
About two minutes into the bout, however, Prochazka\u2019s lead knee collided with that of Ulberg, which sent the Kiwi sprawling backwards.<\/p>\n
Prochazka proceeded to attack the knee with kicks, which were clearly impacting Ulberg every time.<\/p>\n
That saw the Kiwi have to move away from his usual game plan of staying tidy on the outside and picking his shots, as his movement was drastically compromised.<\/p>\n
The 35-year-old never stopped fighting, though. Every time Prochazka would try to engage, Ulberg had something for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt some point, I thought that if he was going to come forward and throw some hands, I\u2019d have to throw some hands too, otherwise I\u2019d just be a sitting duck,\u201d Ulberg said.<\/p>\n
But after biting on a feint with about 90s remaining in round one, Ulberg hobbled backwards to the cage and showed a tight guard.<\/p>\n
While Prochazka indicated after the bout that he was hesitant to fully take advantage of Ulberg\u2019s injury, the Kiwi did not miss his chance when it was presented. <\/p>\n
The moment Prochazka stepped in to attack with Ulberg against the cage, the Kiwi sent a powerful left hook that landed flush on Prochazka\u2019s chin.<\/p>\n
That sent the former champion to the canvas, and Ulberg left no doubt with heavy follow-up strikes to secure his first UFC championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means everything,\u201d Ulberg said of winning the title.<\/p>\n
\u201cI probably need some time really just to sit back on my own and let it all sink in and enjoy the moment. But right now, we\u2019re just going to enjoy it with the team and go to the afterparty and celebrate the win.\u201d<\/p>\n