Paulo Costa has cast doubt on Carlos Ulberg’s long-term return plans, arguing that the UFC light heavyweight division is unlikely to stay unchanged if the champion remains out until 2027. His view is that the belt could belong to someone else by the time Ulberg steps back into the Octagon.
The discussion comes after Ulberg, listed at 14-1, reportedly claimed the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. Costa’s warning focuses less on Ulberg’s ability and more on the pace of the division, where contenders continue to emerge and championship momentum can shift quickly.
In that context, Costa is suggesting that a long absence creates real risk for any titleholder. Even a champion coming off a major win can see the landscape change fast if the weight class keeps moving without them.
The debate adds another layer to Ulberg’s future, as attention now turns to how long he plans to stay away and what the light heavyweight title picture might look like if that timeline stretches to 2027. Costa’s stance is clear: waiting that long could open the door for a new champion before Ulberg returns.
