Carlos Ulberg: The Rising Star

Carlos “Black Jag” Ulberg is one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. With a background in kickboxing, explosive striking, and a rapidly evolving MMA skill set, Ulberg has quickly made a name for himself as a fighter to watch. In this article, we’ll explore his journey, fighting style, career highlights, and what makes him a potential future champion in the UFC.

Early Life and Background

Carlos Ulberg was born on November 17, 1990, in Auckland, New Zealand. Of Māori and Samoan descent, Ulberg grew up surrounded by a rich combat sports culture. He initially pursued a career in rugby before transitioning to kickboxing, where he found his true calling. Ulberg’s striking prowess quickly earned him recognition, and he eventually made the move to mixed martial arts, training at the renowned City Kickboxing gym alongside UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

Fighting Style

Carlos Ulberg is a dynamic and versatile fighter with a skill set that combines striking, athleticism, and fight IQ. Here’s a breakdown of his fighting style:

Striking

Kickboxing Background: Ulberg’s striking is his greatest asset. With a professional kickboxing record of 30 wins and 6 losses, he brings a high level of technical striking to the octagon.
Precision and Power: Ulberg is known for his crisp combinations, sharp jabs, and devastating kicks. His ability to pick apart opponents with precision and power makes him a dangerous striker.
Footwork and Movement: Ulberg’s footwork allows him to control the distance and avoid damage while setting up his own strikes.

Grappling

Evolving Ground Game: While striking is his primary weapon, Ulberg has been working diligently to improve his grappling and wrestling. Training at City Kickboxing, he has access to world-class coaches and training partners to round out his skill set.
Takedown Defense: Ulberg’s athleticism and awareness make him difficult to take down, allowing him to keep fights standing where he is most effective.

Athleticism and Conditioning

Explosiveness: Ulberg’s athleticism is a key factor in his success. His speed, agility, and explosiveness make him a threat in every exchange.
Cardio: Ulberg’s conditioning allows him to maintain a high pace throughout the fight, ensuring he can deliver his best performance in every round.

Career Highlights

Carlos Ulberg’s career is still in its early stages, but he has already achieved significant milestones and showcased his potential as a future contender.

Early Career

Professional Debut: Ulberg made his professional MMA debut in 2011, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent in the regional circuit.
City Kickboxing: Training alongside elite fighters like Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, Ulberg honed his skills and prepared for the highest level of competition.

UFC Career

Dana White’s Contender Series (2021): Ulberg earned his UFC contract with a dominant performance on Dana White’s Contender Series, showcasing his striking and finishing ability.
UFC Debut: Ulberg made his UFC debut in 2021, and while he faced some early setbacks, he quickly adapted to the level of competition in the promotion.
Notable Wins: Ulberg has secured impressive victories over fighters like Tafon Nchukwi and Nicolae Negumereanu, demonstrating his ability to compete with established UFC talent.

Wins by Knockout

Carlos Ulberg is known for his explosive striking and knockout power, which he honed during his successful kickboxing career. Here are some of his most notable knockout victories:

Tafon Nchukwi (UFC Fight Night, June 2022)
Ulberg delivered a devastating first-round knockout against Tafon Nchukwi, showcasing his precision and power. A perfectly timed left hook sent Nchukwi crashing to the canvas, earning Ulberg a Performance of the Night bonus.
Fabio Cherant (UFC Fight Night, March 2023)
Ulberg secured another impressive knockout victory, this time in the second round. His ability to mix up his strikes and land clean shots proved too much for Cherant.
Regional Circuit Knockouts
Before joining the UFC, Ulberg had several knockout victories on the regional circuit, where he established himself as a dangerous striker with fight-ending power.

Wins by Submission

While Ulberg is primarily known for his striking, he has also shown the ability to finish fights on the ground. Here are some of his submission victories:

Regional Circuit Submissions
Early in his MMA career, Ulberg secured submission victories, demonstrating his evolving grappling skills. While most of his finishes have come via strikes, he has proven that he can adapt and finish fights in multiple ways.

First-Round Finishes

Carlos Ulberg has a knack for ending fights early, often overwhelming his opponents with his speed, power, and precision. Here are some of his most impressive first-round finishes:

Tafon Nchukwi (UFC Fight Night, June 2022)
As mentioned earlier, Ulberg knocked out Nchukwi in the first round, showcasing his ability to finish fights quickly.
Regional Circuit First-Round Finishes
Before joining the UFC, Ulberg had several first-round finishes on the regional circuit, where he established himself as a dominant force.

what’s Next for Carlos Ulberg?

As of 2023, Carlos Ulberg is on the rise in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. His upcoming fight against Jan Błachowicz at UFC Fight Night on March 22, 2025, at The O2 Arena in London is a pivotal moment in his career. A win over a former champion like Błachowicz would catapult Ulberg into the upper echelon of the division and establish him as a legitimate title contender.

Why Carlos Ulberg is a Fighter to Watch

Explosive Striking: Ulberg’s striking is among the best in the division, making him a constant threat to finish fights.
High Ceiling: At 34 years old, Ulberg is still improving and has the potential to become a future champion.
Training Camp: Training at City Kickboxing with some of the best fighters in the world gives Ulberg access to world-class coaching and sparring partners.
Fan-Friendly Style: Ulberg’s exciting fighting style and knockout power make him a fan favorite.

Conclusion

Carlos Ulberg is a rising star in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, with the skills, athleticism, and determination to become a future champion. His explosive striking and evolving skill set make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. As he continues to climb the ranks, fans can expect more thrilling performances from the “Black Jag.”

Don’t miss his next fight, as he looks to take another step toward UFC gold and cement his place among the elite in the light heavyweight division.