Carlos Ulberg made a strong impression in his first UFC main event, showcasing his skills against Dominick Reyes at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. With this victory, Ulberg extended his winning streak to nine, knocking out the former title challenger Reyes in just the first round.
Ulberg, now 12-1, moved quickly around the Octagon, finding his range while Reyes struggled to connect. In an attempt to close the distance, Reyes got caught by a swift counter from Ulberg, which sent him crashing to the canvas. The referee stepped in to stop the fight a little over four minutes into the round.
This win puts Ulberg in a prime position for a title shot. Next week, UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev will face former champ Alex Pereira at UFC 320, a matchup that many are eager to see. Another key fight on the card includes Jiri Prochazka taking on Khalil Rountree Jr.
Post-fight, Ulberg expressed his intention to attend UFC 320 to secure his opportunity for the title. In contrast, Reyes will need to reassess after losing his momentum. He had recently put together a three-fight winning streak, bouncing back from a tough four-fight skid since his controversial bout with Jon Jones in 2020.
In the co-main event, Australian favorite Jimmy Crute displayed improved grappling skills, submitting Ivan Erslan with a unique neck crank. This victory marked Crute’s second win in a row, his best performance streak in five years.
Overall, it was a successful night for Oceania fighters at UFC Perth, with ten out of eleven emerging victorious. Ulberg, Crute, Tom Nolan, and Brando Pericic each earned $50,000 for their impressive performances.
Interestingly, fan engagement on social media has surged after this event, reflecting growing interest in Ulberg as a potential title contender. Hashtags like #UFCPerth and #UlbergVsReyes trended, highlighting fans’ excitement and support for their local fighters.
In summary, the night showcased not just thrilling fights but also the potential for rising stars in the UFC light heavyweight division. With Ulberg eyeing a title shot and fighters like Crute showing marked improvements, the future looks bright for these athletes.
For complete details on UFC Perth and more, visit ESPN MMA.
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Carlos Ulberg, Dominick Reyes, UFC, Perth, Jimmy Crute
