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The chaotic aftermath of a UFC title fight, where the champion’s celebration led to the unexpected loss of the championship belt.Today in Miami
Just days after shocking the world by becoming the new UFC light heavyweight champion at UFC 327, Carlos Ulberg has lost possession of the title belt. Ulberg revealed that following his title-winning knockout of Jiri Prochazka, the celebrations got out of hand, leading him to misplace the belt at a Miami nightclub afterparty. Ulberg also suffered an ACL tear during the fight, which could keep him out for up to a year and lead to an interim title being created.
Why it matters
Ulberg’s loss of the title belt so soon after winning it is an embarrassing situation for the new champion and the UFC. It highlights the challenges fighters can face in managing the aftermath of a big victory, especially when dealing with injuries. The potential interim title fight also adds uncertainty to the light heavyweight division.
The details
After defeating Jiri Prochazka by knockout at UFC 327 to become the new light heavyweight champion, Ulberg celebrated with family and friends. The celebrations then continued at a Miami nightclub, where Ulberg says he accidentally misplaced the championship belt. Ulberg also revealed he suffered an ACL tear during the fight, which could keep him out for up to a year and lead the UFC to create an interim title.
On April 9, 2026, Ulberg won the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 327.A few days after his title win, Ulberg misplaced the championship belt at a Miami nightclub afterparty.
The players
Carlos Ulberg
The new UFC light heavyweight champion, known as ‘Black Jag’, who won the title at UFC 327 but then misplaced the belt during celebrations in Miami.
Jiri Prochazka
The previous UFC light heavyweight champion, whom Ulberg defeated to win the title.
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What they’re saying
“I’ve lost the belt. I don’t know exactly where it is. Initially, after winning, the plan was to not have a drink. But you know how these things go, right? First, someone gives you a champagne to celebrate. Then one thing leads to another, and you’re doing shots. So it’s, ‘OK, I’ll have another, and another, and another.’”
— Carlos Ulberg, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
“My knee is really swollen, so I’ll stay in the U.S. for scans and then, if I need to go under the knife, I will. I think I’ll fly to Las Vegas in the next few days and see doctors there. Then I can do physio at the UFC Performance Institute and get looked after by the guys there. That’s the plan. Get the knee sorted in Las Vegas and hang around for a few weeks…”
— Carlos Ulberg, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
What’s next
If Ulberg’s knee injury requires surgery, he will remain in the United States to have the procedure and then undergo rehabilitation at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. The UFC will likely create an interim light heavyweight title in Ulberg’s absence to crown a stand-in champion.
The takeaway
Ulberg’s misplacing of the UFC light heavyweight title belt so soon after winning it is an embarrassing situation that highlights the challenges fighters can face in managing the aftermath of a big victory, especially when dealing with injuries. The potential interim title fight also adds uncertainty to the division until Ulberg can return.