A title contender was born at UFC Perth.
Carlos Ulberg, the #3-ranked UFC Light Heavyweight in the world, made an absolute statement with his performance in the headliner of UFC Perth this weekend.
Coming off back-to-back victories over former champ Jan Blachowicz and former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir, Ulberg pulled off a flawless knockout of Dominick Reyes in the opening round.
The result comes a week before the next light heavyweight title fight between champion Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, who rematch in the main event of UFC 320 in Las Vegas.
Post-fight, Ulberg says he’s got next.
Carlos Ulberg calls out winner of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2
In his post-fight interview, Ulberg confirmed he had talked to the UFC’s chief business officer Hunter Campbell about going to watch Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 live from cageside.
“That’s exactly what we wanted,” Ulberg said of his knockout performance.
“I just spoke to Hunter, and we’re gonna be talking about something. Fly me to Vegas so I can go there and witness those guys fight.
“All the best for them, but I’m gonna be there in the flesh,” Ulberg added.
When asked to give a message to the UFC 320 main event featuring Ankalaev and Pereira, Ulberg took a page of Jiri Prochazka’s book.
“I’m coming!” said Ulberg, similar to the former champ from the Czech Republic.
On the UFC Perth post-fight show, Ulberg revealed he’d rather fight Ankalaev than Pereira.
“I can take him out,” Ulberg said.
“Nobody’s been able to beat him other than Paul Craig,” Ulberg added.
Carlos Ulberg willing to be back-up fighter for UFC 320
Ulberg absorbed only five strikes from Reyes in their four-minute fight.
Coming out of the fight relatively unscathed, the 34-year-old Ulberg says he’s interested in being the official back-up fighter for next Saturday’s title rematch, willing to fill in as a short notice replacement if anybody withdraws.
“Keep my weight at a minimum and I’ll be there,” Ulberg mentioned his plans for UFC 320.
With the win, Ulberg improves to 13-1 as a pro. The City Kickboxing product is now riding a nine-fight win streak.