‘Can’t let a hurt fighter off the hook’: Pros react to Carlos Ulberg’s knockout of Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 11: Carlos Ulberg of New Zealand celebrates after his victory via knockout over Jiri Prochazka of Czechia, not pictured, in a light heavyweight title bout during UFC 327 at the Kaseya Center on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Carlos Ulberg wowed the fighting world with one of the most surprising knockouts in UFC history.

Somehow, despite clearly being compromised by a leg injury of indeterminate severity, Ulberg landed a knockout punch that floored Jiri Prochazka to end their UFC 327 main event contest and snatch the vacant light heavyweight title. It was an incredible conclusion to Ulberg’s five-year rise to the top of the division and his peers were absolutely blown away by his accomplishment.

Former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill speculated it was an achilles injury, writing on Twitter, “KO with a torn achilles is crazy! And yes, that’s what that looks like!” Others assumed Ulberg suffered some sort of knee injury, including commentators Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier who suggested it was a torn ACL, a costly injury for any athlete.

Belal Muhammad asked, “Man, wonder if he’ll need surgery on the knee and the title will be vacant.”

The title was already vacant after champion Alex Pereira exited the division to move up to heavyweight, so this would be a blow to the UFC if Ulberg is shelved for a considerable amount of time. But for now, Ulberg and his team can celebrate a truly surreal title fight win.

See more fighter reactions from social media below.

Ko with a tore achilles is crazy!!! And yes that what that look like!!!

— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) April 12, 2026

Man wonder if he’ll need surgery on the knee and the title will be vacant

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 12, 2026

Yuri , what in the IQ was that …. ! 😂😂😂😂 #UFC327

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 12, 2026

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. 🤦🏻‍♂️

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) April 12, 2026

If God wants you to win, there's nothing and no one that can stop you. Congrats to Ulberg—what a way to become champion!

— Aiemann Zahabi (@Aiemannzahabi) April 12, 2026

Never done two separate 180s on fighters like I did tonight

What the fuck is Josh Hokit doing?

What the fuck is Jiri Prochazka doing?

— “Filthy” Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) April 12, 2026

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.”#ufc#ufcmiami

— Andre “Mascote” lima (@Andremascote) April 12, 2026

💔

— Mairon "The Legend" Santos (@Maironsantoss) April 12, 2026

Poor Jiri!

— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) April 12, 2026

THE CHECK HOOK DID IT. 🎯💥 #UFC327

— PEARL GONZALEZ (@PearlGonzalez) April 12, 2026

Wow that was wild can’t say I’ve ever seen that, most likely a torn ACL but Ulberg still catches him and get the KO, insane

— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) April 12, 2026

😳😳😳😳😳@ufc

— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) April 12, 2026

HOLY SHIT! Congrats @UlbergCarlos#UFC327

— Dustin Jacoby 🇺🇸 (@thehanyakdj) April 12, 2026