Carlos Ulberg has his eyes on an ambitious and historic UFC record.
Ulberg cemented his status as one of the top light heavyweight contenders on Saturday night, when he extended his winning streak to nine at the expense of a former two-time title challenger.
In the main event of UFC Perth, Ulberg ran through Dominick Reyes in the very first round, putting him out with some brutal shots to stake his claim for a first shot at gold on MMA’s biggest stage.
The result may have put ‘Black Jag’ in line for an opportunity at either Magomed Ankalaev or Alex Pereira in 2026, but the Kiwi star actually wants to put himself in position to challenge for gold in less than one week’s time.
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Carlos Ulberg wants to be the first fighter to challenge for a title one week after their last UFC fight
Ankalaev will defend his title against Pereira in their rematch in the UFC 320 main event. No backup fighter has been announced as of now, but Ulberg revealed he requested the spot to Hunter Campbell in the aftermath of his victory Down Under.
During his post-fight press conference, Ulberg said he’s expecting to be cageside in Las Vegas on October 4, regardless of whether or not he weighs in a day before.
But the New Zealander is keen to put himself in position to make history as the first fighter to challenge for a title one week after their last UFC fight.
“I was speaking to Hunter just after the fight. I asked him to fly me to Vegas (for UFC 320),” Ulberg said.
“I also said then and there, ‘I will be the backup for that fight.’ I am here to break records, man. This is what I want to do.
“I don’t think anybody has, from the top of my head…fought a fight and then also the very next weekend, fought for the title,” Ulberg continued. “That is what I envision, that is what I feel like can happen.
“I’ll get the job done.”
Only one fighter has turned around to compete again after just seven days. Loopy Godinez achieved the feat in 2021 when she beat Silvana Gomez Juarez a week before losing to Luana Carolina.
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Magomed Ankalaev has green-lit Carlos Ulberg as a future challenger
Ulberg’s title hopes received a boost shortly before his UFC Perth outing.
When it comes to securing the next shot, the Kiwi star would appear to have competition from Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree, who will fight on the undercard of the light heavyweight division’s upcoming title fight.
Ankalaev, though, made it clear who he thinks is more deserving.
“To be honest, the fight this week between Reyes and Ulberg is much more interesting to me because (Prochazka and Rountree) fought for the title multiple times – we’ve watched them in title fights,” Ankalaev said during a UFC 320 media scrum.
“But the fight coming up this week is new guys. I mean, yeah, Reyes fought for the title before, but the other guy, (Ulberg) – I’m interested in this fight more than the other fight.”