Carlos Ulberg’s Ascension in the UFC Light Heavyweight Division

Carlos Ulberg, known as “Black Jag,” has rapidly emerged as a formidable contender in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. With a professional MMA record of 11 wins and 1 loss, including seven knockouts and two submissions, Ulberg’s prowess in the octagon is undeniable.

Early Career and Entry into the UFC

Born on November 17, 1990, in Auckland, New Zealand, Ulberg boasts a diverse heritage of Samoan, Māori, and German descent. His athletic journey began in rugby league, where he played at a semi-professional level. However, a pivotal incident during a match led to his transition into combat sports. Ulberg’s foray into professional fighting commenced with kickboxing, where he achieved notable success, including winning the King in the Ring 100kg and 92kg tournaments in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

Ulberg’s entry into the UFC was marked by a standout performance on Dana White’s Contender Series in November 2020, where he secured a first-round knockout victory over Bruno Oliveira, earning him a UFC contract.

UFC Journey and Notable Fights

Ulberg made his UFC debut on March 6, 2021, at UFC 259 against Kennedy Nzechukwu. Despite a strong start, he suffered a second-round knockout loss, which earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Demonstrating resilience, Ulberg bounced back with a series of victories:

• February 12, 2022: Defeated Fabio Cherant via unanimous decision at UFC 271.
• June 25, 2022: Achieved a first-round TKO against Tafon Nchukwi at UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot.
• November 12, 2022: Secured a first-round knockout over Nicolae Negumereanu at UFC 281.
• May 13, 2023: Earned a first-round TKO victory against Ihor Potieria at UFC on ABC 4, which garnered him the Performance of the Night award.
• September 10, 2023: Submitted Da Un Jung via rear-naked choke in the third round at UFC 293.

A highlight of his career came on May 11, 2024, when Ulberg delivered a 12-second knockout against Alonzo Menifield at UFC St. Louis, marking the third-fastest finish in UFC light heavyweight history.

Upcoming Bout Against Volkan Oezdemir

Ulberg is set to face seasoned veteran Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Fight Night 248 in Macau. Oezdemir, with a record of 20 wins and 7 losses, presents a significant challenge. Analysts anticipate a strategic bout, with Ulberg’s range and athleticism potentially giving him an edge. A victory could propel Ulberg further up the light heavyweight rankings.

Aspirations for a Title Shot

Beyond his upcoming fight, Ulberg has expressed ambitions to challenge UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. He has been studying Pereira’s techniques and believes a matchup is inevitable, regardless of title implications. Ulberg’s confidence and dedication to his craft underscore heaching the pinnacle of the division.

In summary, Carlos Ulberg’s journey from rugby league to the UFC spotlight exemplifies determination and adaptability. As he continues to ascend the light heavyweight ranks, his performances and aspirations signal a promising future in mixed martial arts.

From Pathostheatre