Perth, Australia – September 2025: The UFC light heavyweight division is wide open, and all eyes turn to Western Australia this week as Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes headline UFC Perth in a fight that could determine the next title challenger. With Magomed Ankalaev set to defend his belt against Alex Pereira at UFC 320 in Las Vegas, the winner of this main event may find himself in prime position to challenge for gold in early 2026.
Ulberg’s Rise From Prospect to Contender
Since his UFC debut in November 2020, New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg has steadily evolved into one of the division’s most promising fighters. After a rocky start in his debut against Kennedy Nzechukwu, Ulberg rebounded with an impressive streak, delivering three knockout wins in 2022 that showcased his finishing ability and composure.
His momentum only grew in 2023 and 2024, where he added three more stoppages before stepping into a top-10 clash with former title contender Volkan Oezdemir in Macau. In that fight, Ulberg showed maturity in his game plan, using patience and fight IQ to secure a decision win against a dangerous striker.
The victory propelled him into a marquee matchup with former champion Jan Błachowicz in London earlier this year. Ulberg controlled the action over three rounds, picking up another high-profile decision win. With back-to-back victories over fighters with championship experience, Ulberg now stands on the cusp of his biggest opportunity yet: a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title.
Reyes’ Redemption Story
Few fighters have endured the rollercoaster that Dominick Reyes has. Known as “The Devastator,” Reyes pushed Jon Jones to the brink at UFC 247, losing a razor-close decision many felt he had won. What followed was a devastating skid — three consecutive knockout defeats that put his career at risk.
His resurgence began in 2024, when he knocked out Dustin Jacoby in Louisville, ending a four-year winless drought. The victory reignited his confidence, and six months later, Reyes delivered another knockout, this time against veteran Anthony Smith at UFC 310.
Reyes’ revival continued at UFC 314, where he dispatched Nikita Krylov in the opening round with his trademark counter left hand. With three straight knockout wins in less than 18 months, Reyes has reestablished himself as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. A win in Perth would make his case for a title shot undeniable — a full-circle moment in his journey back to the top.
Styles Make Fights: Power and Patience
Both fighters bring serious finishing power into this main event, with 17 combined knockouts on their records. However, the matchup isn’t just about power; it’s about how they deliver it.
Ulberg, representing City Kickboxing, is a disciplined striker who excels at managing distance and countering with precision. His check left hook is a reliable weapon, and he integrates a heavy kicking game to control range and pace. Fighting off the back foot suits him, and he thrives when opponents overextend.
Reyes, meanwhile, carries one of the best straight left hands in the division. His timing on counters is elite, and he uses his left kick effectively to attack the body and head. Against aggressive strikers, Reyes has historically found opportunities to land his money shot when opponents leave openings.
This clash of counter-fighters could produce a tense opening, resembling a chess match as each waits for the other to commit. But with title stakes in play, there is every chance the fight explodes early.
Experience vs. Opportunity
One key dynamic is experience in championship settings. Ulberg enters his first five-round fight, while Reyes has trained for five rounds on four occasions, including his epic showdown with Jon Jones. While Reyes has only gone the distance once at that level, the familiarity with longer bouts could serve him well if the fight extends past three rounds.
For Ulberg, this is the proving ground. A convincing win over Reyes in a main event atmosphere would cement his status as a legitimate title contender, silencing any doubts about his ability to perform under pressure.
What’s at Stake in Perth
With the light heavyweight belt set to be contested at UFC 320, the timing of this fight is crucial. Both Ulberg and Reyes bring active winning streaks, and both possess the kind of highlight-reel style the UFC loves to showcase in title fights.
If Ulberg wins, it validates his steady rise and positions him as New Zealand’s best chance at another UFC champion, following in the footsteps of teammates like Israel Adesanya. If Reyes wins, it completes one of the UFC’s most inspiring comeback stories and sets up a potential redemption arc where he could fight for the title he once came so close to claiming.
With knockout power on both sides, a backstory rich in resilience and momentum, and a title shot hanging in the balance, UFC Perth is shaping up as one of the most consequential light heavyweight fights of the year.
The Octagon in Western Australia will not only host two elite fighters — it will likely determine the future of a division searching for its next dominant champion.