Carlos Ulberg, also known as the "Black Jag," is making waves in the UFC's light heavyweight division with his impressive 11-1 MMA record. As he continues to rise through the ranks, Ulberg has his sights set firmly on UFC gold, but standing in his way is the current champion, Alex Pereira, who has been on a dominant streak since winning the title. Ulberg, who is set to return to the octagon at UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo on November 23, is facing the tough and experienced Volkan Oezdemir.
This marks Ulberg's first appearance in the octagon since May of this year, during which time Pereira has successfully defended his title twice. In an exclusive interview with Indiatoday.in, Ulberg shared that he has been keeping a close eye on Pereira's rise but emphasized that their eventual clash is inevitable, as anyone aiming for the top will inevitably face the champion.
When asked about his focus on Pereira, Ulberg clarified, "Not necessarily studying him, like watching his every move, but he’s been at the top, and when you’re at the top, everyone wants to be the man. I’ve been keeping an eye on him. He’s done a great job, and I respect what he’s achieved as a champion. Eventually, I know we’ll face each other." His respect for Pereira’s accomplishments is evident, yet Ulberg is confident that his time will come.
Regarding his path to a potential title shot, Ulberg feels that it could happen sooner than expected. "It could happen at any point. If we put on a great show this weekend, and the bosses are happy, things might fall into place," he said. "But I’d say I’m one or two fights away from a title shot. For now, I’m focused on Volkan." Ulberg is not underestimating Oezdemir, calling him a tough, experienced fighter with significant power. He acknowledges the importance of being cautious and strategic in his approach.
The timing of his return is notable, especially given the setbacks he’s faced, including canceled fights against Anthony Smith, Jamahal Hill, and Dominick Reyes due to injuries and other reasons. Despite these delays, Ulberg maintains a steady mindset. "Nothing really changes because anything can happen. I’m preparing for Volkan, but I also keep in mind that an opponent can change at the last minute," he said. His preparation is thorough, focusing on physical conditioning and fine-tuning strategies specific to Oezdemir’s style. Ulberg's discipline and adaptability are key factors in his readiness for the challenge ahead.
As for what comes next in the division, Ulberg is not overlooking the task at hand. While analysts believe that a victory over Oezdemir could push Ulberg closer to a title shot, he is staying grounded. "We’re looking at guys in the top five, which would be great," he said. "Right now, though, I’m focused on Volkan. He’s a veteran and a tough opponent, so I’m not looking past him." Ulberg's respect for his opponents and his focused approach are qualities that show his maturity as a fighter.
Finally, when asked about his prediction for the fight, Ulberg gave a confident and realistic answer: "Who knows? It’s going to be a big fight that the fans will love. I’m looking forward to showcasing some new things." With his sights on the top of the division, Ulberg’s upcoming fight promises to be another thrilling step in his journey towards UFC gold.
If he can secure a win over Volkan Oezdemir, Ulberg will likely find himself closer to a title shot, with a potential showdown against Pereira looming on the horizon. The UFC light heavyweight division is heating up, and Carlos Ulberg is making sure his name is one to watch.
