Carlos Ulberg stepped into his first UFC main event and left the world stunned. At UFC Fight Night 260 in Perth, Australia, New Zealand's rising star put on a masterful performance, knocking out former title challenger Dominick Reyes in the opening round.
Ranked third in the UFC light heavyweight division, Ulberg (12-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) extended his winning streak to nine straight bouts, six of them by stoppage, cementing his status as one of the division's most dangerous contenders. His opponent, seventh-ranked Dominick Reyes (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC), never saw it coming.
The fight was over just minutes in. Ulberg, nicknamed “Black Jag,” landed a crisp jab followed by a thunderous right hand that sent Reyes crashing to the canvas. He didn't let up, following Reyes to the mat and landing two more decisive strikes, prompting the referee to step in at 4:27 of Round 1.
After the fight, Ulberg made his intentions clear: he's eyeing the next big challenge. “That's exactly what we wanted,” he said. “I just spoke to Hunter [Campbell], and we're going to be talking about something. Fly me to Vegas so I can watch those guys fight.” He's setting his sights on whoever emerges victorious between Magomed Ankalaev and Pereira on October 4.
With this dominant victory, Ulberg is proving not just that he belongs in the conversation for UFC gold, but that he's a force to be reckoned with. Watching Pasifika athletes like Ulberg rise and shine on the global stage? That's a win for all of us.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, October 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 10).
October 2025 · Digital Magazine
