The UFC light heavyweight division is the main focus in Perth this weekend, as surging contender Carlos Ulberg headlines in a main event against former title challenger Dominick Reyes.
Ulberg (13-1) has quietly pieced together one of the division’s strongest win streaks. Riding eight straight victories, the City Kickboxing product hasn’t lost since his UFC debut more than four years ago.
Reyes’ (15-4) resurgence is one of the better comeback stories in recent UFC memory. After a brutal four-fight skid that had many questioning his future, the former title challenger has rediscovered his confidence. His first-round finish of Dustin Jacoby last June reignited his career, and he’s since followed it with back-to-back stoppages over Anthony Smith and Nikita Krylov.
Carlos Ulberg – Odds 1.37
Record: 13-1
Age: 34
Height: 6ft4
Reach: 77”
Weight: Light-heavyweight
Stance: Orthodox
Dominick Reyes – Odds 3.10
Record: 15-4
Age: 35
Height: 6ft4
Reach: 77”
Weight: Light-heavyweight
Stance: Southpaw
Ulberg has proven far more than just being a fighter with naturally gifted power. In his recent fights, he has been showcasing patience, composure, and the ability to break down opponents systematically. And this weekend, fighting in Perth, could benefit him even further with plenty of Kiwi fans expected to be in attendance and in full voice.
Reyes is a dangerous southpaw striker with a thunderous left hand capable of ending fights instantly. He’s also far more seasoned at the elite level than Ulberg, having gone five hard rounds with Jon Jones and challenged for UFC gold.
It’s still crazy to think that just a few fights ago, many people were calling for Reyes to retire after suffering multiple heavy knockout losses. However, he’s found a way to reset and has since been on a demolition course himself, and with a win on Saturday, he could be next in line for a title shot at 205-pounds.
This fight ultimately comes down to whether Reyes can find his power shots before Ulberg settles into his rhythm. Reyes thrives in chaotic exchanges, while Ulberg prefers a methodical fight and a slower pace. If Ulberg keeps Reyes at the end of his jab and leg kicks, he can frustrate him and potentially find a late finish. On the flip side, Reyes’ ability to land his left hand early could flip the script in seconds.
Reyes has been anything but boring during his comeback run, and the question is whether his recent momentum can carry through against a guy that has not tasted defeat in almost half a decade.
This has the potential to be a bit sleepy, like all Ulberg fights seem to be recently, however, I have full faith that Reyes will step to him and make this an exciting one for the fans. And I think it’s his smart aggression that will ultimately win him the contest.
I’m willing to take Dominick Reyes moneyline at odds of 3.10 as I simply believe this is far more of a 50/50 than what the oddsmakers are suggesting it is.
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