This bout is a classic veteran-versus-prospect showdown. Oezdemir brings a wealth of experience and knockout power, while Ulberg offers athleticism and technical precision. Key factors include Oezdemir’s ability to close the distance and neutralize Ulberg’s striking range. Ulberg, meanwhile, will aim to maintain distance and use his speed and versatility to outpoint or finish Oezdemir.
Volkan Oezdemir: "No Time" (#8 Light Heavyweight)
Volkan Oezdemir (20-7-0), fighting out of Fight Move Academy, is a dangerous striker with extensive experience at the highest levels of MMA. Known for his nickname "No Time," Oezdemir has an impressive 65% knockout rate, with 13 of his 20 victories coming by KO/TKO. He is coming off two consecutive wins, including a spectacular first-round KO against Johnny Walker in June 2024. However, Oezdemir has faced some of the division's elite, with losses to names like Magomed Ankalaev and Jiri Prochazka. While durable and well-rounded, he has been vulnerable to submissions and decisions, accounting for the majority of his seven career losses. At 6'1" and 206 lbs, Oezdemir’s power and experience will be key factors in this fight.
Last Five Fights:
1. Win: Johnny Walker – KO (Punch), UFC on ABC 6, June 22, 2024.
2. Win: Bogdan Guskov – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), UFC Fight Night 226, September 2, 2023.
3. Loss: Nikita Krylov – Decision (Unanimous), UFC 280, October 22, 2022.
4. Win: Paul Craig – Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night 208, July 23, 2022.
5. Loss: Magomed Ankalaev – Decision (Unanimous), UFC 267, October 30, 2021.
Carlos Ulberg: "Black Jag" (#10 Light Heavyweight)
Carlos Ulberg (10-1-0), representing City Kickboxing, is a rapidly rising talent in the light heavyweight division. With a 70% knockout rate, he has secured 7 of his 10 wins via KO/TKO. Ulberg’s striking prowess was on full display in his 12-second KO victory over Alonzo Menifield in May 2024. Known for his athleticism and technical striking, the 6'4" fighter leverages his height and reach to dominate opponents from range. Despite an early setback against Kennedy Nzechukwu in 2021, Ulberg has been on a six-fight win streak, showcasing his evolution as a mixed martial artist.
Last Five Fights:
1. Win: Alonzo Menifield – KO (Punches), UFC on ESPN 56, May 11, 2024.
2. Win: Da Woon Jung – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), UFC 293, September 9, 2023.
3. Win: Ihor Potieria – TKO (Punches), UFC on ABC 4, May 13, 2023.
4. Win: Nicolae Negumereanu – KO (Punches), UFC 281, November 12, 2022.
5. Win: Tafon Nchukwi – TKO (Punches), UFC on ESPN 38, June 25, 2022.
Prediction
Carlos Ulberg via TKO in Round 3. His striking versatility and recent momentum give him an edge, but Oezdemir's power and grit cannot be overlooked.
