Ulberg vs Reyes: The Focused Kiwi, Leaves the Title Aside

Carlos Ulberg: The New Light Heavyweight Star Aims to Shine in Perth

The presence of Carlos Ulberg radiates a particular energy. The New Zealand fighter, currently ranked number 3 in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, arrives in Perth for his fight against Dominick Reyes with an attitude that captivates everyone. The excitement is palpable. Upon sitting down, Ulberg’s attention focuses on a detail: “Ulberg vs. Reyes”. The excitement is genuine. “This is incredible,” Ulberg comments, “I love this, this is what you work hard for. It’s beautiful.”

The main event in Australia is a significant step up from his UFC debut in March 2021, where he suffered a defeat. Since then, Ulberg has patiently rebuilt his career, amassing an eight-fight winning streak, culminating in a decision victory over former champion Jan Blachowicz in London. This secured him a place in the elite of the UFC light heavyweight division. The next step for Ulberg is to headline an event in the southern hemisphere against an experienced and dangerous rival like Reyes, taking on the responsibility of being the main event.

I’m trying to enjoy the week and absorb as much as I can. But I definitely want to finish this fight so I can get back to the drawing board and see what else is coming. I want to stay active.

Ulberg

The victory over Blachowicz was a key moment for Ulberg, an opportunity for the division to see his potential. While some questioned the style of the decision victory, for Ulberg, the important thing was to get the win.

Ulberg acknowledges the quality of his opponents: “At this level, these guys know what they’re doing. You have to raise your game. I’ve learned to adapt, and most importantly, I know, I think, that I am here and that I should be here.” In Reyes, Ulberg faces a new challenge. Reyes, 35, and ranked number 7, has a three-fight winning streak, after a career that has seen him face big names in the light heavyweight division.

It’s dangerous, and I hope he comes out with everything. He’s smart. He knows what he’s doing. He can use the cage, use his reach well, and he’s precise. He knows how to use that left hand. He also has a good right hook, so you have to be very careful with him.

Ulberg

For Reyes, this is an opportunity to consolidate his position in the title race. A losing streak seemed to have relegated him, but his recent resurgence gives him confidence.

Reyes highlights his experience: “I’m a pretty well-known guy in the division, right? I’m a big name. It’s funny, because everyone says: ‘Oh, you’re fighting the contender’, but he’s ranked higher than me.” “I think we’re almost a mirror image of each other, in terms of, we have the exact same stats across the board, size, weight, reach, even the striking differences, the defense, it’s almost all the same. I think the biggest difference will be my experience. My experience is going to be and being in five-round fights before. He’s never been in a five-round fight. He’s never been in a main event. You know, this is my fourth or fifth.” If Reyes has an advantage in experience, Ulberg will have the support of the fans, as Perth has become a home for New Zealand fighters.

I remember the few times I’ve been here at RAC Arena, and it was electric, man. I remember it would light up when some of the guys had fought. And the fans here are incredible. You can tell they love the sport, they’re very, very good sports fans, very loyal sports fans. So the reception we’ve been getting from everyone here has been incredible.

Ulberg

What about the belt? While Ulberg and Reyes face off in Perth, next week Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Perreira will face each other for the title, with another possible eliminator between Procházka and Khalil Roundtree. Will a victory in Perth make a title fight inevitable for Ulberg? The fighter remains focused.

I’m focused solely on Dominick Reyes. He’s a very skilled opponent, so my focus is on Dominick and then, we’ll let the UFC do its thing. I’m tired of asking for that title shot. You know what? It will come, I’m sure it will come, and in due time, I think it’s there, and I can already see it. It will simply happen in due time.

Ulberg