Carlos Ulberg

Carlos “Black Jag” Ulberg is the most dangerous light heavyweight contender in the UFC, and if that sounds like a bold claim, consider his 13-1 record, his City Kickboxing pedigree, and the trail of unconscious former champions he has left in his wake. Born on November 17, 1990, in Auckland, New Zealand, Ulberg trains alongside Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski at the factory that has produced more UFC-level talent per square metre than any gym on the planet. A former kickboxing champion, his striking precision is surgical and his power is genuinely frightening.

Ulberg’s 2025 was a breakthrough year that announced him as a championship-calibre fighter rather than a promising contender. He outworked former champion Jan Blachowicz over five rounds in March, proving his cardio and fight IQ matched his power, then annihilated former title challenger Dominick Reyes with a first-round knockout in September, earning another Performance of the Night bonus. The trajectory is unmistakable. The number three ranking is a waypoint, not a destination.

With a fight scheduled against former champion Jiri Prochazka on April 11, 2026, Ulberg is one victory away from a title shot and widely tipped as a future UFC champion. His connection to the Australian and New Zealand MMA community through City Kickboxing and his Oceania roots gives him massive support among Australian UFC fans. The combination of kickboxing technique, explosive power, and the kind of ice-cold composure that separates contenders from champions makes Ulberg the most exciting light heavyweight prospect in the division.

Fight Record

Fighter Profile

Carlos Ulberg competes in the Light Heavyweight division with an outstanding 13-1 record and the number three ranking in the world. The Auckland-born City Kickboxing product faces Jiri Prochazka in April 2026, and a victory there would make a title shot unavoidable. The Black Jag is prowling. The rest of the division should be nervous.

VS — Chief sports columnist, australiafootball.com