Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes closed out UFC Perth at the RAC Arena, one of a trio of light heavyweight fights adorning the card.
Ulberg carried an eight-fight win streak into the headlining bout, while Reyes, resurgent after a rough patch, had won three straight.
Early on, Reyes worked from the outside, firing low kicks while Ulberg walked him down, occasionally lunging in. Very back-and-forth, with minimal action through the first couple of minutes. Reyes fanned on a high kick about two minutes in, which still drew a gasp from the crowd in Perth. A brief exchange came shortly thereafter, but the feeling out continued, neither man opening up. Ulberg would target the body, landing once or twice, while Reyes appeared to have landed little at all.
The lack of action, the chess match, ended moments later. Carlos Ulberg connected, first with a jab, then hard with a right hand, rocking Reyes and sending him toppling over to the mat. If there was any hope of Dominick Reyes recovering, it was quashed when “Black Jag” added a few follow-up strikes, removing any question as the ref came in to make the save.
A statement victory for City Kickboxing’s Carlos Ulberg, who is almost certainly the lead candidate to face the winner of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2. Following the win, he revealed that UFC exec Hunter Campbell had suggested they’d take him out to the title fight. As for a message to whoever is champ next month, “I’m coming!” bellowed Ulberg.
Official Result: Carlos Ulberg def. Dominick Reyes by KO, Round 1, 4:27
