Carlos Ulberg Flattens Dominick Reyes in First Round at UFC Fight Night 260

The UFC light heavyweight division has a new name making serious waves. Carlos Ulberg delivered a crushing first-round TKO of former title challenger Dominick Reyes in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 260 main event at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

After a measured start, Ulberg (12-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) uncorked a short 1-2 combination late in Round 1. The right hand landed clean, sending Reyes (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) crashing to the canvas. Ulberg followed with two more heavy shots before the referee stepped in with 33 seconds left in the frame. It was the type of emphatic finish that firmly cemented Ulberg’s status as a contender at 205 pounds.

A Rising Force at Light Heavyweight

The win marked Ulberg’s ninth straight victory and added Reyes to an impressive résumé that already includes former UFC champions and contenders like Jan Blachowicz and Volkan Oezdemir.

After the fight, Ulberg didn’t hesitate to declare his intentions. He suggested he could serve as the backup fighter for the UFC 320 title fight on Oct. 4 between reigning champion Magomed Ankalaev and rival Alex Pereira.

“Whether it’s in the cage or on standby, I’ll be in Las Vegas,” Ulberg said.

https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/1972154091003691056

What’s Next for Reyes?

For Reyes, the result ended a three-fight win streak and cast new uncertainty on his future in the division. Once seen as the man who nearly dethroned Jon Jones in 2020, Reyes now finds himself halted just as momentum had started to build again.

The Road Ahead

Ulberg’s latest finish has thrust him directly into the title conversation. With UFC 320 looming, his presence cageside as either backup or potential next challenger seems all but guaranteed.

The light heavyweight division is heating up, and Carlos Ulberg just announced himself as a serious threat to whoever holds the belt after Oct. 4.