Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

Carlos Ulberg Makes a Bold Pick For Who He Wants to Fight For the UFC Light Heavyweight Title

Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

Carlos Ulberg, the relentless New England light heavyweight known as the “Black Jag,” has been on an absolute tear in the UFC, transforming from a promising kickboxer into one of the division’s most dangerous fighters. Since his debut knockout loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu in 2021, Ulberg has rebounded with ferocious precision, racking up eight straight victories that showcased his lethal striking and grappling skills. His recent masterclasses include a unanimous decision grind over former champion Jan Blachowicz in March 2025, firmly cemented his spot as one of the best in the division. At 13-1 overall, Ulberg’s blend of power and poise has him eyeing the elites in the division, with each win building a resume that is getting hard to ignore.

Now headlining UFC Perth against Dominick Reyes on Saturday night, Ulberg stands on the brink of history with a potential ninth consecutive victory that would cement his name as the light heavyweight with the longest active streak.

Even though the light heavyweight division is stacked with a lot of big names and competition, Ulberg has a bold pick for who he wants to face next in a championship showdown.

Ulberg’s Surprising Preference Includes Ankalaev Over Pereira

Alex Pereira’s rivalry with Magomed Ankalaev has already started to escalate ahead of their rematch at UFC 320 on October 4. With multiple contenders all after the light heavyweight champion’s title, the fighter on the biggest win streak recently named that he hopes to face Magomed Ankalaev for the belt instead of Poatan. However, Ulberg is still yet to face many of the top names in the division.

In a recent fight week interview with Submission Radio, Ulberg shared his thoughts on who he hopes comes out on top in that matchup so that he can face them for the belt.

“I’ve always seen (Magomed) Ankalaev as a big threat. So is Poatan. He’s got the power, he’s got the godds. But yeah, I’m sitting on the fence. I’d like Ankalaev to get that win because I know what I can do with him.”

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While some may assume that due to their kickboxing styles, that Alex Pereira would be Ulberg’s first choice but that surprisingly isn’t his first choice.

Is Ulberg Next in Line for the Title Shot?

There’s no guarantee that he will be the next title contender if he wins on Saturday night due to the UFC 320 matchup between Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr., but he’ll certainly be in the conversation. If he gets his hand raised on Saturday night in Perth, Carlos Ulberg will have put together one of the best win streaks in the history of the light heavyweight division at nine consecutive victories.

Just checking off fight week things 📸

Watch @UlbergCarlos in the #UFCPerth main event this Saturday! pic.twitter.com/ae4oTRu1G4
— UFC (@ufc) September 25, 2025

However, this hasn’t earned him a title shot yet because some of his biggest wins have lacked moments that could have fans demanding he’s next. Ulberg needs to either make a statement this weekend, or hope that his winning streak stands for something.

Carlos Ulberg

Magomed Ankalaev

UFC

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