The Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes clash at UFC Fight Night in Perth didn’t last long, but it sent shockwaves across the light heavyweight division. Ulberg, nicknamed “Black Jag,” dismantled Reyes with precision and power, finishing the fight at 4:27 of the first round. It was his ninth consecutive victory and a statement that he belongs in the conversation for the UFC light heavyweight title.
Ulberg’s rise from prospect to contender
Carlos Ulberg (13-1 MMA) has been on a meteoric rise since signing with the UFC. The New Zealander, a teammate of Israel Adesanya at City Kickboxing, once carried the label of “kickboxing specialist with potential.” Fast forward to 2025, and he’s evolved into a well-rounded mixed martial artist with sharp striking, improved grappling defense, and the confidence of a future champion.
This win over Reyes isn’t just another notch in his belt — it’s the validation of his hype. Ulberg is now on a nine-fight winning streak, a run few in the division can match.
How the fight unfolded
The fight began with Reyes trying to establish his jab and keep Ulberg at range, but the Kiwi immediately pressed forward. Ulberg’s stalking pressure forced Reyes onto the back foot, a position he has historically struggled in.
A stiff left hand wobbled Reyes midway through the round, and from that point, the momentum was one-sided. With less than a minute left, Ulberg uncorked a devastating right hook that sent Reyes crashing to the canvas. The referee had no choice but to step in, awarding Ulberg a first-round knockout.
Ulberg’s post-fight comments were short but direct:
“I’m coming [for the belt].”
What went wrong for Dominick Reyes?
Dominick Reyes (15-4 MMA) is no stranger to high stakes. He once pushed Jon Jones to the brink in a controversial decision loss back in 2020. But since then, his career has been turbulent, marked by knockout defeats and rebuilding phases.
Against Ulberg, Reyes looked hesitant. While he had moments of success with counterpunching, he struggled to match the Kiwi’s speed and explosiveness. The loss snapped Reyes’s three-fight winning streak and raises fresh questions about his future in a stacked division.
Fight stats highlight Ulberg’s dominance
- Strikes landed: Ulberg 23, Reyes 8
- Significant strikes: Ulberg 18, Reyes 5
- Knockdowns: Ulberg 1
- Fight time: 4:27 (Round 1)
The numbers tell the story — Reyes barely had time to get going before Ulberg overwhelmed him with efficiency and accuracy.
Co-main and other highlights from UFC Fight Night Perth
The Perth card wasn’t just about Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes. Fans were treated to a string of memorable performances:
- Jimmy Crute (14-4-2) thrilled the home crowd with a first-round rear-naked choke victory over Croatia’s Ivan Erslan.
- Jack Jenkins (14-4) earned a hard-fought unanimous decision against Ramon Taveras, showcasing relentless forward pressure.
- Neil Magny, a UFC veteran, added to his resume with a slick D’arce choke against Jake Matthews, silencing the Australian faithful.
Ulberg’s title path: What’s next?
Ulberg’s callout was clear — he will be cage-side in Las Vegas next weekend for UFC 320: Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex Pereira 2. That fight will determine the next light heavyweight champion, and Ulberg wants the winner.
With his current streak and highlight-reel finishes, Ulberg has a strong case. He might not leapfrog into a title shot immediately, but a top contender bout against the likes of Jan Błachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, or Jamahal Hill seems inevitable.
Why this fight matters in the bigger UFC picture
The UFC light heavyweight division has been in flux since Jon Jones vacated the belt. A carousel of champions — Błachowicz, Prochazka, Hill, Pereira — has kept the division unpredictable. Ulberg’s emergence adds fresh energy and global appeal, especially as a representative of New Zealand’s City Kickboxing, already a powerhouse gym with champions and stars.
For Reyes, the fight might represent a turning point. Once seen as “the man who beat Jon Jones but didn’t get the decision,” his record now shows multiple knockout losses. A move down the rankings — or even to another weight class — might be on the horizon.
Fan reaction and social buzz
Social media lit up after the fight, with fans hailing Ulberg as “the next big thing” in the light heavyweight division. Memes of his KO punch went viral, and many compared his rise to that of Adesanya’s early UFC career.
Reyes, meanwhile, received sympathy from longtime fans who remember his peak years. Some even called for him to consider retirement, though others argued he still has the skills to compete at a high level.
External perspectives
- ESPN MMA highlighted Ulberg’s composure: “This wasn’t just power — it was controlled violence.”
- MMA Fighting noted: “Ulberg is now firmly on the short list of title contenders. The light heavyweight division just got a new problem.”
- Sherdog emphasized the symbolic nature: “Reyes once represented the old guard of 205. Ulberg is the new blood.”
Final take
The Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes fight was short but defining. Ulberg proved he’s not just a prospect but a legitimate threat to the light heavyweight elite. For Reyes, it was a painful reminder of how quickly the MMA landscape shifts.
Ulberg’s journey from kickboxer to potential UFC champion is one of the most exciting stories in combat sports today. And if his words after the fight are anything to go by, he’s not just aiming for the belt — he’s coming to dominate.
