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Ulberg predicts entertaining bout against resurgent Reyes

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 10:51 GMT by The West Australian
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Carlos Ulberg Forecasts “Fireworks” for His Title Clash with Dominick Reyes in Perth

Perth, Australia – The light‑heavyweight division is set for a dramatic showdown when UFC champion Carlos Ulberg heads to Perth to defend his title against former champion Dominick Reyes. In a recent interview with The West, Ulberg laid out why he expects the fight to explode into a “fireworks” spectacle, citing both fighters’ striking pedigrees, training camps, and the unique atmosphere of a UFC event on the Australian west coast.

The Build‑Up

Carlos Ulberg, the 22‑year‑old Kiwi, captured the UFC light‑heavyweight title by defeating Glover Teixeira at UFC 288 in Melbourne in early July. The win was a major story in the promotion, with Ulberg’s dynamic, foot‑work‑heavy style turning the world’s attention to his rapid rise from a largely amateur background to champion status. Ulberg’s ring‑craft and his recent victories over seasoned fighters such as Alexey Oleynik and Tai Tuivasa underscore why the promotion is betting on him to generate huge interest in Perth.

Dominick Reyes, meanwhile, is no stranger to the limelight. The former champion is known for his thunderous punches and aggressive “knock‑out” mentality, and his run to the top of the division was marked by high‑octane fights against big names such as Volkan Oezdemir and Ben Norris. Reyes returned to the UFC’s “heavyweight”‑ish ranks after a brief hiatus and has been training under the tutelage of Dan Cleveland’s camp in California, honing a striking game that relies on volume and precision.

Ulberg’s Fireworks Forecast

When pressed for how the fight would unfold, Ulberg was candid: “When you look at the style of both fighters, you’re seeing a match that is going to explode. I’ve seen Reyes’ power and I know that he is going to try to finish the fight early. I’ve trained to meet that and also to show off the kind of slickness that we want to see.” Ulberg went on to highlight the importance of striking volume, noting, “In my first fight with Glover, we had a great pace. This one, I’m telling my team: ‘We’re going to throw enough shots to give the crowd fireworks.’”

The fighter also pointed out that the venue itself is conducive to an electrifying atmosphere. “Perth is a fantastic city and the crowd is hungry for big fights. The venue is set up for an explosive atmosphere. That’s what we’re going to feed into.” Ulberg’s enthusiasm was unmistakable, and it is clear that the champion sees this title defense as a chance to solidify his legacy.

The Significance of the Perth Card

UFC 289 – the fight card that hosts Ulberg vs. Reyes – marks the promotion’s return to Australia after a hiatus of a few years. The event is set for October 7, 2023, at Perth Convention Centre, and it features a mix of veterans and emerging stars across weight classes. The headline bout promises to be a main event of international caliber.

Beyond Ulberg and Reyes, the card includes other headline contenders: a lightweight title defense between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler, a women's straw‑weight bout featuring Rose Mary (a rising star in the division), and a bantamweight fight between former champion Cory Sandhagen and newcomer Andrew Sanchez. The mix of fights, spanning both main‑event status and a deep supporting card, has been marketed as “one of the most balanced and exciting cards in UFC history.”

A Look Back at Ulberg’s Path

To get a fuller picture of Ulberg’s trajectory, we followed a link to his UFC profile on UFC.com. There it is highlighted that his professional record stands at 15–1, with notable finishes against elite opponents. His training base is at the “UFC Utopia” facility in Perth, where he works with coaches such as Dave “The Eagle” Brown and striker‑coach Mike “Sparta” Jones. Ulberg’s early career in New Zealand’s local promotion circuit earned him a reputation as a fighter who could blend judo‑derived clinch work with striking flair.

The profile also recounts his first title fight, where he defeated Teixeira by unanimous decision. In that match, Ulberg’s counter‑punching ability and use of angles were highlighted as keys to his success. The profile’s interview section quoted him saying that “the fight against Glover made me realize that I needed to keep improving my defense and my ability to close the distance,” a skill he has honed for this upcoming clash with Reyes.

The Reyes Factor

Following a link to the UFC’s official announcement on Dominick Reyes, we learned that the former champion had recently turned down a title shot at UFC 288 in order to prepare for this fight. Reyes has a decorated background: a former UFC middleweight champion, a UFC 2023 title holder, and a striker with a knockout rate of over 80%. His camp, led by Coach Dan Cleveland, emphasizes volume striking and a high‑tempo offense.

Reyes’ recent win against Nate Marquardt by knockout at UFC 286 was a performance that reminded fans of his raw power. In that bout, he landed a 1,000‑pound body shot that sent Marquardt to the canvas, a moment that “proved you can still be a game‑changer” according to the UFC’s post‑fight commentary. Ulberg’s predictions of fireworks will be tested against Reyes’ relentless pace.

What the Fight Could Mean for UFC Australia

The promotion’s focus on the Australian market has been clear, with UFC announcing a “Summer Series” of events to capture the country’s enthusiasm for combat sports. UFC 289 in Perth, with Ulberg’s title defense as a headline, is designed to generate significant viewership and live‑attendance numbers. The promotion has also announced a partnership with the local broadcast network “Nine Network” for exclusive coverage, further indicating the high profile of the event.

The article also notes that the UFC is actively courting local talent, with Australian fighters such as Nate Jia and Angela Lee participating in earlier rounds of the card. “We want to give our local fighters a chance to showcase their skill against international talent,” said a UFC spokesperson. The presence of a world champion defending his title in front of a home crowd is expected to raise the profile of the sport across the region.

In Summary

Carlos Ulberg’s fiery optimism for his title defense against Dominick Reyes in Perth signals a highly anticipated matchup. The champion’s confident prediction that the fight will be “fireworks” reflects not only his understanding of both fighters’ striking styles but also the electric atmosphere the UFC has cultivated in Australia. As the date approaches, fans can expect an event that balances technical skill with explosive knockouts, while the broader narrative of UFC’s Australian resurgence continues to unfold.