UFC 327: Carlos Ulberg knocks Jiri Prochazka out to win UFC light heavyweight title
Given his first opportunity at a UFC championship, Carlos Ulberg knew he only needed one shot.
Turns out, he only needed one good leg, too.
The Kiwi light heavyweight had his coronation as king of the division in Miami on Sunday, knocking former champion Jiri Prochazka out in the first round to claim the vacant belt at UFC 327.
As he has done so often in his professional mixed martial arts career, Ulberg got the job done with a powerful left hook, which sent Prochazka to the canvas.
But the moments leading up to it looked anything but good for the Kiwi fighter, as he suffered a knee injury early in the contest.
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.
“After the first fall, I thought, okay, maybe it’ll pop back in. But then after the second, third, fourth, it was like, ‘ah, damn, how am I going to have to deal with this?’” he said.
“I just had to push through. I knew that nothing was going to stop me from getting that win.”
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.
Now, 11 assignments later, he is at the top of the class on a 10-fight winning streak – the second-longest in the history of the UFC light heavyweight division – holds wins over four former title holders or challengers and leaves Miami with a shiny new piece of carry-on luggage.
Ulberg had made a good start to the bout, working the Czech’s lead leg with strong kicks.
About two minutes into the bout, however, Prochazka’s lead knee collided with that of Ulberg, which sent the Kiwi sprawling backwards.
Prochazka proceeded to attack the knee with kicks, which were clearly impacting Ulberg every time.
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.
The 35-year-old never stopped fighting, though. Every time Prochazka would try to engage, Ulberg had something for him.
“At some point, I thought that if he was going to come forward and throw some hands, I’d have to throw some hands too, otherwise I’d just be a sitting duck,” Ulberg said.
But after biting on a feint with about 90s remaining in round one, Ulberg hobbled backwards to the cage and showed a tight guard.
While Prochazka indicated after the bout that he was hesitant to fully take advantage of Ulberg’s injury, the Kiwi did not miss his chance when it was presented.
The moment Prochazka stepped in to attack with Ulberg against the cage, the Kiwi sent a powerful left hook that landed flush on Prochazka’s chin.
That sent the former champion to the canvas, and Ulberg left no doubt with heavy follow-up strikes to secure his first UFC championship.
“It means everything,” Ulberg said of winning the title.
“I 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’re just going to enjoy it with the team and go to the afterparty and celebrate the win.”
Christopher Reive
Christopher Reive
What a win for the Black Jag, who now holds a 10-fight winning streak.
You can read more on that below. But that will do it for the blog today. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday afternoon.
Christopher Reive
"Life is about that: learn and be better"
Christopher Reive
"I don't know what happened... that fight was won," Prochazka said.
The Czech fighter suggests he felt bad attacking a wounded fighter and held back.
Christopher Reive
It was a counter left hook that got it done for Ulberg. He guarded up against the fence and as Prochazka came forward, he let that left hook fly.
Prochazka hit the deck, and Ulberg didn't give him a chance to recover.
Christopher Reive
"I blew out my knee but I never, ever counted myself out," Ulberg tells Joe Rogan.
"I knew all I needed was one shot."
Christopher Reive
Carlos Ulberg wasn't going to go down without a fight and when Jiri Prochazka gave him an opening he didn't miss.
Ulberg, on one leg, found his shot and put Jiri Prochazka to sleep.
New Zealand, we have a new UFC champion.
IT'S OVER - CARLOS ULBERG IS THE UFC CHAMPION
Christopher Reive
Boy, that escalated quickly.
Ulberg is in all sorts
Christopher Reive
He does not look comfortable on those legs and Prochazka keeps attacking.
Ulberg staying in the fight though.
Christopher Reive
Ulberg is going to have to brawl by the look of things.
Ulberg is in trouble here
Christopher Reive
Leg kicks looked to have Ulberg injured.
Christopher Reive
Leg kick for Prochazka
Christopher Reive
Leg kicks having a good impact early for Ulberg.
Christopher Reive
Prochazka blitzes in. Ulberg evades.
Christopher Reive
A lot of movement for Prochazka. Another leg kick for Ulberg.
Christopher Reive
Leg kick for Ulberg to open it up.
They touch gloves - Round one: FIGHT
Christopher Reive
Very different approaches pre-fight here
Christopher Reive
Ulberg is pacing. Prochazka is standing there staring at him.
The Kiwi certainly hasn't had the crowd on his side this week, but I think that's more because Prochazka's wild-man style has won him a lot of fans over the years. Never a dull moment.
Tale of the tape
Christopher Reive
Ulberg is taller by an inch, however Prochazka has a three-inch reach advantage.
Prochazka follows suit
Christopher Reive
This isn't new territory for the Czech fighter. It's his fourth UFC title fight.
Ulberg makes the walk first
Christopher Reive
Big moment for the Kiwi. When I spoke to him earlier this week he said he wouldn't be overwhelmed by th emoment and he looks confident as he walks out.
Carlos Ulberg v Jiri Prochazka is next
Christopher Reive
This should be a good one. The two will have five rounds to work with, but don't expect a decision here.
Real clash of styles with Ulberg's clean, clinical approach against Prochazka's chaotic pressure. The Czech fighter often leaves himself open to strikes, but generally gives better than he gets and tends to do his best work as the fight goes on.
Both men have knockout power and know how to set themselves up.
Paulo Costa with the statement!
Christopher Reive
The Brazilian takes the undefeated record of Murzakanov and - most likely - his top-10 spot in the light heavyweight rankings.
He celebrates the win by jumping the cage to have a chat with US president Donald Trump, who is in Miami cageside.
Road to the title
Christopher Reive
Carlos Ulberg is on a nine-fight winning streak and holds a 9-1 UFC record with six wins by stoppage. He's beaten three former title holders or challengers in his three most recent outings.
Jiri Prochazka is much more experienced, having joined the UFC after a decorated career in other promotions. Of his 38 MMA bouts, only eight have been in the UFC. He's 6-2 with his only losses being to former division champion Alex Pereira.
In 38 pro bouts, Prochazka has only gone to the judges twice.
Christopher Reive
One fight to go
Christopher Reive
We're at the co-main event now, which is also a light heavyweight clash.
No 6 Azamat Murzakanov (16-0) puts his spot in the rankings on the line against former middleweight title contender Paulo Costa (15-4).
Kiwis fighting for UFC titles
Christopher Reive
Carlos Ulberg becomes the fifth New Zealand fighter to compete for a UFC title.
Mark Hunt unsuccessfully challenged for the interim heavyweight title in 2014.
Robert Whittaker (yes, I know he's Australian but Auckland-born so we're counting him) won the interim middleweight belt in 2017 and was later promoted to undisputed champion.
He lost that belt to Israel Adesanya, who had a long run as the division's champion. He's the only two-time UFC middleweight champion.
Kai Kara-France unsuccessfully challenged for the interim flyweight belt in 2022. He then earned his way back into contention, but was unsuccessful in challenging for the undisputed title in 2025.
Christopher Reive
Hello and welcome
Christopher Reive
Today, Kiwi Carlos Ulberg will fight for the UFC light heavyweight title in the main event at UFC 327 in Miami. Christopher Reive here at NZME Towers to bring you the action.
I caught up with Carlos earlier this week to talk about his road to the title shot, which you can read here:
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.