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Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes: UFC Perth Light Heavyweight Main Event Preview & Prediction16 days ago
UFC

UFC Fight Night 260: Ulberg vs. Reyes takes place on September 28, 2025, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The card is headlined by a crucial light heavyweight bout between #3-ranked Carlos Ulberg and #7-ranked Dominick Reyes. Both fighters are in the midst of career resurgences, with the winner moving closer to a title shot in a division currently full of contenders.

Carlos Ulberg

Carlos Ulberg (12–1) has emerged as one of the most dynamic fighters in the UFC light heavyweight division. The New Zealand-born striker is a former professional kickboxer with a background in City Kickboxing alongside Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. Known for his fluid footwork, precision striking, and rapidly improving grappling, Ulberg has turned early UFC growing pains into an eight-fight winning streak.

Since his lone loss in 2021, Ulberg has steadily built momentum with high-profile wins over Alonzo Menifield, Volkan Oezdemir, and former champion Jan Błachowicz. His ability to blend fast combinations, heavy counters, and improved takedown defense has made him one of the toughest puzzles at 205 pounds. Fighting in Australia again will give him a strong regional fan base behind him as he seeks a title eliminator opportunity.

Carlos Ulberg – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Jan Błachowicz – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, March 22, 2025
2. Win vs. Volkan Oezdemir – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, November 23, 2024
3. Win vs. Alonzo Menifield – KO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN, May 11, 2024
4. Win vs. Jung Da-un – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC 293, September 10, 2023
5. Win vs. Ihor Potieria – TKO (Punches) – UFC on ABC, May 13, 2023

Ulberg’s keys to victory will be maintaining distance, punishing Reyes with fast counters, and mixing up his striking with opportunistic clinch work or level changes to keep the American guessing.

Dominick Reyes

Dominick Reyes (15–4) has revitalized his career with three straight knockout wins after a rough stretch against the division’s elite. A former title challenger who many believed beat Jon Jones in 2020, Reyes possesses elite athleticism, crisp southpaw striking, and proven knockout power. His recent run over Dustin Jacoby, Anthony Smith, and Nikita Krylov has restored his status as a top contender.

Reyes’ experience in high-pressure main events, including championship fights, gives him a composure edge against rising opponents. At his best, Reyes uses lateral movement, long straight punches, and sneaky kicks to control range while maintaining knockout threat with his rear hand. Against Ulberg, he will look to test the Kiwi’s durability and push him into striking exchanges where his power can shine.

Dominick Reyes – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Nikita Krylov – KO (Punch) – UFC 314, April 12, 2025
2. Win vs. Anthony Smith – TKO (Elbows and Punches) – UFC 310, December 7, 2024
3. Win vs. Dustin Jacoby – KO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN, June 8, 2024
4. Loss vs. Ryan Spann – KO (Punches) – UFC 281, November 12, 2022
5. Loss vs. Jiří Procházka – KO (Spinning Back Elbow) – UFC on ESPN, May 1, 2021

Reyes’ path to victory is using his footwork to create angles, landing the cleaner left hands early, and forcing Ulberg to fight off the back foot. His experience over five rounds and proven finishing ability make him dangerous at any moment.

Fight Breakdown

This fight is a clash of surging contenders with opposite career arcs. Ulberg brings technical kickboxing, high output, and a long winning streak, while Reyes provides championship-level experience and a proven ability to finish elite opponents. Ulberg has been more consistent recently, but Reyes’ recent resurgence cannot be ignored.

Ulberg will likely aim to establish his jab and leg kicks to slow Reyes’ movement, while Reyes will look to test Ulberg’s chin with his southpaw left hand. If Ulberg can avoid Reyes’ power shots and control the center with volume, he can pull ahead on the scorecards. Conversely, if Reyes finds his timing early, his power can end the fight in one exchange.

Prediction

Expect a competitive striking match early with both men having success. Ulberg’s composure, sharper output, and improved defense may allow him to edge Reyes over five rounds, but Reyes’ power makes him a live underdog.

Prediction: Carlos Ulberg def. Dominick Reyes via Decision (Unanimous)

A win here could position Ulberg as the clear next challenger for the UFC light heavyweight title, while Reyes would regain a top-five ranking and potentially earn his way back into title contention.

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