UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg has found himself in an unusual predicament, having misplaced the title belt just hours after winning it. In a candid interview with Fox Sports Australia, the 35-year-old mixed martial artist confessed that he is currently unsure of the belt’s whereabouts, which he acquired following his victory over Jiří Procházka on April 11, 2026.
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Ulberg’s revelry in Miami post-fight did not commence as planned. Initially intending to keep his celebrations moderate, the champion admitted to succumbing to the temptations of the night. “I had intended to refrain from drinking after the fight, but you know how it goes,” Ulberg recounted, explaining how a celebratory glass of champagne quickly spiralled into a night of shots and partying.
During the festivities, Ulberg was accompanied by a “big group of boys” who joined him for an afterparty at a nightclub. Following their night out, the group headed back to one of their friends’ apartments, where the celebrations continued. The UFC champion remarked that he did not want to carry his championship belt around while partying and made light of the situation by suggesting that it either remained in the apartment or was being kept by one of his friends who may have “it in bed with him.”
As bizarre as it may sound, the light heavyweight title belt, which signifies Ulberg’s hard-fought victory, has now become a running joke among his friends. “I’ve lost the belt, mate,” he said, nonchalantly announcing his predicament to the media. “I don’t know exactly where it is.”
Despite this comical oversight, Ulberg is determined to prioritise his health. The champion acknowledged that he has yet to seek medical attention for an injury he sustained during the fight, which left his knee in “really swollen” condition. He conveyed his intention to visit doctors in Las Vegas for further evaluations, revealing that his knee “blew out” during the bout. “I’ll stay in the U.S. for scans and then, if I need to go under the knife, I will,” he stated, exhibiting a pragmatic approach toward his recovery.
On a more personal note, Ulberg expressed eagerness to reconnect with his family back in New Zealand, indicating that familial ties hold great importance for him. He commented, “I’m a family guy and I can’t wait to see them,” as he looks forward to spending quality time after the whirlwind of events that have unfolded since his championship win.
Reflecting on the past few days, Ulberg described the experience as a “crazy whirlwind,” but noted that he is simply rolling with the punches. His light-hearted approach to the misplaced belt reflects his overall cheerful demeanor, even amidst the chaos of his recent victory.
In the world of professional sports, such unexpected incidents add a measure of humanity to the athletes. Ulberg’s light-hearted take on the lost belt highlights that, despite the pressures of competition, enjoying life is equally paramount. As he navigates the demands of his career and forthcoming medical evaluations, fans will undoubtedly remain keenly interested in Ulberg’s journey both inside and outside the octagon.
For Ulberg, the focus will soon shift back to the training regimen at the UFC Performance Institute, where he will prepare for what lies ahead in his sporting career. As he takes the time to recover and reconnect with his loved ones, it remains to be seen whether the belt will resurface or if it will become another mystery in the unpredictable life of a UFC champion.