Carlos Ulberg announced himself as the new king of the light heavyweight division with an improbable first-round TKO victory over Jiri Prochazka in the UFC 327 main event.
The win, however, didn’t come without drama.
The 35-year-old Kiwi star seemed to badly injure his knee during the early exchanges, causing his leg to buckle under him several times.
Prochazka seemed to ease off and let Ulberg recover somewhat, before moments later ‘Black Jag’ caught Prochazka on the button with one of his famous left check hooks, sending him crashing to the canvas.
Ulberg jumped on the former champion and finished him with hammer fists to claim the light heavyweight crown.
Prochazka looked devastated while talking to Joe Rogan afterwards, admitting that he showed his opponent mercy in the Octagon – and paid the price.
“F**k, it happened. I felt like mercy, in that fight I felt so sorry for him,” Prochazka said.
“This is one of the biggest lessons in my life.
“That fight was won. I had it. It was in my hand and I just let him because I saw his injury and f**k.
“I will be back. Life is about that, learn and be better. Sorry for tonight.”
Meanwhile, Ulberg explained what happened during the chaotic round.
“It was my knee. I blew out my knee,” Ulberg told Rogan.
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“I never ever counted myself out. I knew that all I needed was that one shot and I ended up getting it.
“I knew that Jiri was hesitant to come forward and as soon as I landed my left hand, he’s going. I’ve got to sort this knee out. But we’re now champion.”
It was a stunning performance from Ulberg, who is now on an incredible ten fight winning streak in the promotion.
“That’s what it’s about,” Ulberg said.
“It’s about getting those moments. We found that one kill shot. He said he could hunt me but you can’t hunt what you can’t kill.
“King Carlos, baby! I told you everything was going to change. Now I’m the king of the division.”
Replays on the big screen showed Ulberg’s knee bending in an awkward manner – possibly tearing his ACL.
Pros watching were stunned by the result, taking to social media to congratulate the new champ and commiserate with Prochazka.
“KO with a tore achilles is crazy!!! And yes that what that look like!!!” posted Jamahal Hill.
“Wow, what a fight!” posted Gilbert Burns.
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“Despite all of his experience Jiri is apparently only now understanding that you can’t let a hurt fighter off the hook during a world championship fight,” posted Kenny Florian.
“What a crazy fight — Jeri had it in his hands. This one goes down in the history books. Congratulations to the new champion, that was insane,” posted Andre Lima.
“Yuri, what in the IQ was that …. !” posted Derek Brunson.
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