Carlos Sao Murry Ulberg[1] (born 17 November 1990) is a New Zealand professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer. He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of November 26, 2024, he is #7 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.[4]

Carlos Ulberg
BornCarlos Sao Murry Ulberg[1]
(1990-11-17) 17 November 1990 (age 34)
Auckland, New Zealand
NicknameBlack Jag
Height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight206 lb (93 kg; 14 st 10 lb)
DivisionLight Heavyweight
Reach77 in (196 cm)[2]
Fighting out ofAuckland, New Zealand
TeamCity Kickboxing
Years active2011–present
Professional boxing record
Total1
Wins1
Kickboxing record
Total21
Wins19
By knockout12
Losses2
Mixed martial arts record
Total12
Wins11
By knockout7
By submission1
By decision3
Losses1
By knockout1
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

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Ulberg was born in New Zealand to parents of Samoan, Māori and German descent.[5] His father was a boxer who represented Samoa at the Commonwealth Games.[6] He was raised by a foster family in South Auckland from the age of four[7] and attended Hillary College throughout his upbringing.[8] Ulberg began playing rugby league as a child, a sport in which he would later compete at the semi-professional level when he became a Counties-Manukau representative.[9] He was a contestant on the Game Of Bros reality television show in 2018 and was twice offered the opportunity to star in New Zealand's version of The Bachelor.[10]

Ulberg works part-time as a model.[11]

Professional boxing career

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In August 2015, Ulberg fought in his first and only professional boxing fight, with his stable mate Sam Rapira main eventing the card.[12][13] He took on Daniel Meehan.[14] Ulberg won the fight by unanimous decision.

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Ulberg made his MMA debut in 2011 for the King of the Door promotion when he faced Kaota Puna and secured a second round knockout in his first professional fight.

Dana White's Contender Series

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Ulberg competed at Dana White's Contender Series 34 on 4 November 2020 and earned himself a UFC contract via a first round knockout of Bruno Oliveira.[15]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Ulberg made his UFC debut on 6 March 2021 at UFC 259 where he faced Kennedy Nzechukwu. Ulberg had Nzechukwu in trouble early with a flurry of strikes, but quickly became exhausted and ultimately lost the fight via knockout in the second round.[16] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[17]

Ulberg faced Fabio Cherant on 12 February 2022 at UFC 271.[18] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[19]

Ulberg faced Tafon Nchukwi on 25 June 2022, at UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot.[20] He won via TKO in the first round.[21]

Ulberg faced Nicolae Negumereanu on 12 November 2022, at UFC 281.[22] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.[23]

Ulberg faced Ihor Potieria on 13 May 2023, at UFC on ABC 4.[24] He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[25] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[26]

Ulberg faced Da Un Jung on 10 September 2023, at UFC 293.[27] He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in round three.[28]

Ulberg was scheduled to face Dominick Reyes on 20 January 2024, at UFC 297.[29] However, in late December 2023, it was announced that match was off due to an injury sustained by Ulberg.[30] The pair was rescheduled to meet at UFC on ESPN 54 on 30 March 2024.[31] However, on 23 January it was announced that Reyes had withdrawn from the fight and was replaced by Alonzo Menifield.[32] On 20 February 2024 it was reported that the fight against Menifield was rescheduled for UFC on ESPN 56 on 11 May 2024.[33] Ulberg knocked out Menifield 12 seconds into the first round.[34] This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.[35]

Ulberg was scheduled to replace Khalil Rountree Jr., and face former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill on 29 June 2024, at UFC 303.[36] However, Hill withdrew due to injury, and was replaced by Anthony Smith.[37] Subsequently, one week before the event, Ulberg pulled out of the bout due to injury and was replaced by Roman Dolidze.[38]

Ulberg faced Volkan Oezdemir on November 23, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 248.[39] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[40]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts

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Kickboxing

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  • King in the Ring
    • 2017 King in the Ring 100 kg Tournament Champion
    • 2019 King in the Ring 92 kg Tournament Champion[43]

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
12 matches 11 wins 1 loss
By knockout 7 1
By submission 1 0
By decision 3 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 11–1 Volkan Oezdemir Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo November 23, 2024 3 5:00 Macau, SAR, China
Win 10–1 Alonzo Menifield KO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento May 11, 2024 1 0:12 St. Louis, Missouri, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 9–1 Jung Da-un Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 293 September 10, 2023 3 4:49 Sydney, Australia
Win 8–1 Ihor Potieria TKO (punches) UFC on ABC: Rozenstruik vs. Almeida May 13, 2023 1 2:09 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 7–1 Nicolae Negumereanu KO (punches) UFC 281 November 12, 2022 1 3:44 New York City, New York, United States
Win 6–1 Tafon Nchukwi TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot June 25, 2022 1 1:15 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 5–1 Fabio Cherant Decision (unanimous) UFC 271 February 12, 2022 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 4–1 Kennedy Nzechukwu KO (punches) UFC 259 March 6, 2021 2 3:19 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 4–0 Bruno Oliveira KO (punches) Dana White's Contender Series 34 November 4, 2020 1 2:02 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Light Heavyweight.
Win 3–0 John Martin Fraser Decision (unanimous) Eternal MMA 40 December 8, 2018 3 5:00 Perth, Australia Heavyweight debut.
Win 2–0 Umed Rakhmatulloyev TKO (punches and knee) World Kings Glory MMA 3 August 25, 2016 1 3:03 Heilongjiang, China
Win 1–0 Kaota Puna TKO (punches) King of the Door: Submission 2 August 26, 2011 2 N/A Auckland, New Zealand Light Heavyweight debut.

[44]

Kickboxing record (partial)

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Professional Kickboxing Record
19 Wins (12 (T)KO's, 2 Losses
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2019-03-30 Win   Fou Ah-Lam King in the Ring 92 kg II, Final Auckland, New Zealand KO (low kick) 2 1:28
Wins King in the Ring 92 kg II Tournament title.
2019-03-30 Win   Nato La'auli King in the Ring 92 kg II, Semi Final Auckland, New Zealand KO (kick to the body) 3 1:54
2019-03-30 Win   Julius Poananga King in the Ring 92 kg II, Quarter Final Auckland, New Zealand TKO (punches and knees) 3 0:48
2018-07-28 Win   Bruno Susano EM Legend 32 Chengdu, China Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2018-04-21 Win   Oleg Pryimachov EM Legend 30 Emei, China Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2018-01-20 Loss   Oleg Pryimachov EM Legend 27 Kunming, China Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2017-09-29 Win   Stanislav EM Legend 23 Yilong, China TKO (corner stoppage) 2 0:34
2017-06-30 Win   Nato Laauli King in the Ring 100kg III, Final Auckland, New Zealand TKO (punches) 2 0:41
Wins King in the Ring 100 kg III Tournament title.
2017-06-30 Win   Ata Fakalelu King in the Ring 100kg III, Semi Final Auckland, New Zealand Decision (majority) 3 3:00
2017-06-30 Win   Tafa Misipati King in the Ring 100kg III, Quarter Final Auckland, New Zealand KO (front kick) 2 1:52
2017-03-31 Win   Jake Heun EM Legend 17 Emei, China Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2016-12-23 Win   Sherzad Babazhanau EM Legend 15 Emei, China TKO (retirement) 2 2:30
2016-09-23 Loss   Sergej Maslobojev EM Legend 12 Chengdu, China TKO (Low kicks) 3 2:31
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Professional boxing record

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1 fight 1 win 0 losses
By decision 1 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Win 1–0 Daniel Meehan UD 4 (4) 22 Aug 2015 TSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand

[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Carlos Boxrec Page". Boxrec. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  4. ^ "UFC Rankings - The Official UFC App - UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  5. ^ Martin, Dan (20 July 2020). "Bringing Back: Brad Riddell". The Fight Site. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  6. ^ "UFC fighter Carlos Ulberg: 'This is my career, but also my university'". rnz.co.nz. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Carlos Ulberg - Fighting For His Future". YouTube. 19 August 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  8. ^ "City Kickboxing stars support Otara community boxfit". thecoconet.tv. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  9. ^ "King In The Ring: Carlos Ulberg turned down The Bachelor but now wants to fight in UFC". stuff.co.nz. 27 March 2019. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  10. ^ "Bachelor chasing ridiculously good-looking UFC fighter Carlos Ulberg". news.com.au. 5 November 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  11. ^ "Carlos Ulberg out to become NZ's next UFC fighter with Dana White's Contender Series berth". Newshub. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  12. ^ "Taranaki boxing bouts impress IBO vice-president". stuff.co.nz. 19 August 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  13. ^ "Undercard adds spice to Intercontinental title fight bout in New Plymouth". stuff.co.nz. 23 July 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  14. ^ "Rapira eyes Top 100 rank". New Zealand Herald. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  15. ^ "Dana White Contender Series: Carlos Ulberg brutally knocks out Bruno Oliveira to earn UFC contract". stuff.co.nz. 5 November 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  16. ^ Bitter, Shawn (6 March 2021). "UFC 259 Results: Carlos Ulberg Gets Rude Welcome from Kennedy Nzechukwu". Cageside Press. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  17. ^ a b Lee, Alexander K. (7 March 2021). "UFC 259 bonuses: Kennedy Nzechukwu and Carlos Ulberg earn Fight of the Night for back-and-forth scrap". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  18. ^ DNA, MMA (10 November 2021). "Carlos Ulberg en Fabio Cherant vechten voor eerste UFC overwinning tijdens UFC 271". MMA DNA. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  19. ^ Miller, Timothy (12 February 2022). "UFC 271: Fabio Cherant Struggles to Get Offense Going, Carlos Ulberg Wins Decision". Cageside Press. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  20. ^ "UFC adds Tafon Nchukwi vs. Carlos Ulberg to June 25 event". MMA Junkie. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  21. ^ Anderson, Jay (25 June 2022). "UFC Vegas 57: Carlos Ulberg Rocks, Drops, Stops Tafon Nchukwi". Cageside Press. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  22. ^ "Carlos Ulberg vs. Nicolae Negumereanu agregado a UFC 281 - MMA.uno, #1 En noticias de Artes Marciales Mixtas (MMA) en Español". mma.uno (in Spanish). 25 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  23. ^ Val Dewar (12 November 2022). "UFC 281: Carlos Ulberg Sleeps Nicolae Negumereanu In First Round". Cageside Press. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  24. ^ Tristen Critchfield (28 March 2023). "Tim Means vs. Alex Morono, Carlos Ulberg vs. Ihor Potieria set for May 13 UFC event". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  25. ^ Martin, Damon (13 May 2023). "UFC Charlotte video: Carlos Ulberg drops Ihor Potieria with nasty punch, finishes with TKO". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  26. ^ a b Matt Erickson (13 May 2023). "UFC on ABC 4 bonuses: An all-time record holder, plus $50,000 despite a weight miss". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  27. ^ "Carlos Ulberg added to UFC 293 lineup, meets Da-un Jung in Sydney". MMA Junkie. 14 June 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  28. ^ Anderson, Jay (9 September 2023). "UFC 293: Carlos Ulberg Claims Submission Win After Replay Shows Da Un Jung Tap". Cageside Press. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  29. ^ "Dominick Reyes' Return Booked For UFC 297, Opponent Revealed". mmanews.com. 12 November 2023.
  30. ^ Mike Bohn (30 December 2023). "'Frustrated' Dominick Reyes says Carlos Ulberg out of UFC 297 due to injury". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  31. ^ "Dominick Reyes vs. Carlos Ulberg rebooked for UFC Atlantic City in March". MMA Junkie. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  32. ^ MMA Junkie Staff (23 January 2024). "Dominick Reyes out, Carlos Ulberg now faces Alonzo Menifield at UFC Atlantic City". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  33. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (20 February 2024). "Carlos Ulberg vs Alonzo Menifield off UFC Atlantic City, rescheduled for May". FIGHTMAG.
  34. ^ Dewar, Val (12 May 2024). "UFC St. Louis: Carlos Ulberg KOs Bullrushing Menifield in Twelve Seconds". Cageside Press. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  35. ^ a b Chris Taylor (11 May 2024). "UFC St. Louis Bonus Report: Diego Ferreira one of four fighters to take home $50k". bjpenn.com. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  36. ^ "With Khalil Rountree out, Carlos Ulberg steps in to face Jamahal Hill at UFC 303". MMA Junkie. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  37. ^ "UFC 303: Diego Lopes vs. Brian Ortega added, Anthony Smith replaces Jamahal Hill vs. Carlos Ulberg". sports.yahoo.com. 14 June 2024.
  38. ^ Harkness, Ryan (21 June 2024). "Ulberg out, middleweight in against Smith in as UFC 303 switch-ups continue". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  39. ^ "UFC Macau adds Yan Xiaonan vs. Tabatha Ricci, Volkan Oezdemir vs. Carlos Ulberg, return of Wang Cong". MMA Junkie. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  40. ^ Brett Cagle (23 November 2024). "UFC Macau: Carlos Ulberg's Win Streak Continues with Decision Over Volkan Oezdemir". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  41. ^ UFC Stats (11 May 2024). "UFC Light Heavyweight - Fight Stats". UFC.com. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  42. ^ UFC.com (24 November 2024). "UFC Stats - Light Heavyweight Division". ufc.com.
  43. ^ "King Carlos wins second King in the Ring title". teaomaori.news. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  44. ^ Sherdog.com. "Carlos". Sherdog. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
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