Dominick Reyes has shared the octagon with Jon Jones. Yet in his eyes, his next opponent, Carlos Ulberg, is the superior athlete.
The former title challenger told Submission Radio that he sees Ulberg as the best athlete he will face in the light heavyweight division – “way more” athletic than Jones.
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“[Ulberg] moves his feet extremely well,” he said.
“He is very quick, he’s very powerful, but it’s just his movement. He can move like me.
“He’s an extremely good athlete, he’s very balanced with everything he does, he’s kind of safe, he fights very safe.
“Kind of fights to not lose as opposed to win as he’s moved up in competition, but he’s a quality opponent.”
Ulberg, ranked number three at 205-pounds, is riding an eight-fight win streak and has beaten former champion Jan Blachowicz.
The New Zealander brings a decorated kickboxing resume, explosive hands, and a knack for calculated pressure.
For Reyes, 35, the fight is another step in an unlikely resurgence.
After pushing Jones to a controversial decision at UFC 247, Reyes suffered three straight losses and many wondered if his career was finished.
Instead, he rebounded with three consecutive stoppages over Dustin Jacoby, Anthony Smith and Nikita Krylov.
This surge has propelled him back into contention – and possibly to a second title shot.
Reyes insists that he’s not feeling the weight of being right on the cusp of another crack at gold.
“It’s just another day in the office, let’s go,” he said.
“Let’s finish the mission.”
The matchup nearly happened twice before. First at UFC 297 in January of 2024, when an Ulberg injury forced a change. Then again two months later, when Reyes withdrew.
Those delays may have been a blessing for the American. By the time they finally meet at UFC Perth, Reyes will have momentum on his side.
Ulberg, 34, has been more methodical in his climb. A City Kickboxing product and teammate of Israel Adesanya, he has knockouts over Alonzo Menifield, Ihor Potieria and Nicolae Negumereanu on his ledger.
His only career loss came in his UFC debut against Kennedy Nzechukwu, a fight where Ulberg emptied his gas tank early.
Since then, he’s shown composure, diverse striking, and improved grappling.
Reyes acknowledges the technical layers in the challenge. Ulberg’s lead hand, kicks, and movement will demand patience – but the Californian also senses opportunity.
“You take out the top three guys, you’re in line for a title shot, especially that will be four finishes in a row for me? It’s exciting,” he said.
The UFC Perth main event offers more than rankings. It’s a meeting of two fighters with championship aspirations – and one who believes that he’s facing the best athlete of his career.
