Ulberg and Reyes went head-to-head in the main event at RAC Arena with both men eyeing victory as a potential springboard to a title shot later this year or early in 2026. And, on a night that called for a big performance, Ulberg delivered in spectacular style.
The bout started in cagey fashion, with Reyes looking to bide his time and look for openings while Ulberg tested his range without ever loading up on his shots.
After a few minutes of range-finding and assessing his opponent’s reaction to feints, Ulberg spotted his moment and unleashed a stunning combination that saw his shots connect flush to knock out Reyes with 33 seconds left in the opening round.
It was a spectacular knockout, and one that sent the perfect message to the UFC brass that Ulberg is ready for a shot at the 205-pound championship.
The light heavyweight title will be contested next weekend at UFC 320, when reigning champion Magomed Ankalaev takes on the man he defeated to win the belt, former champ Alex Pereira.
Also on the card is a battle between two more light heavyweight contenders, as former champion Jiri Prochazka and former title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr go head to head. Both men will hope they can leapfrog Ulberg to earn the next shot at the belt, but after Ulberg’s stunning performance in Perth, it’s going to take something very special to dislodge the Kiwi as the number-one contender to face the winner of UFC 320’s headliner.
UFC Perth: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Carlos Ulberg def. Dominick Reyes via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:27
- Jimmy Crute def. Ivan Erslan via submission (modified rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:19
- Jack Jenkins def. Ramon Taveras via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Neil Magny def. Jake Matthews via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 3, 3:08
- Tom Nolan def. Charlie Campbell via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:08
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Navajo Stirling def. Rodolfo Bellato via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Cameron Rowston def. Andre Petroski via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:41
- Jamie Mullarkey def. Rolando Bedoya via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Colby Thicknesse def. Josias Musasa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Michelle Montague def. Luana Carolina via unanimous decision (29-26, 30-25, 30-26)
- Brando Pericic def. Elisha Ellison via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:55
- Alexia Thainara def. Loma Lookboonmee via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
