In the main event of UFC Perth , Carlos Ulberg confirmed his status as favorite. At the event held this Saturday (27), in Australia, the athlete faced the experienced Dominick Reyes and impressed by knocking him out in the first round. In this way, the New Zealander consolidates himself in the elite of the light heavyweights (up to 93 kg) of the company.
In fact, Ulberg, who secured his ninth consecutive victory, is now dreaming of a possible title fight, especially if Alex Poatan beats champion Magomed Ankalaev in the rematch next Saturday (4). Aware of the great moment he is experiencing in his career, Israel Adesanya 's friend and training partner asked the UFC to be the number one contender in the category. On the other hand, Reyes, who was riding a three-fight winning streak, all by knockout, failed to take a shortcut to the top-5 of the division.
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Ulberg shines with a technical show
The fight began with a study session between the athletes. Gradually, Ulberg loosened up and landed a solid sequence of punches on the American. Confident, the New Zealander threatened again with a powerful jab to Reyes' face. Ulberg continued to press forward and landed two clean punches to the opponent's waistline.
At the end of the first round, Ulberg, already the superior fighter, put the finishing touches on the fight. The New Zealander rocked Reyes with a straight right hand and, on the ground, pummeled him until the referee stopped the fight.
With authority, Crute finishes off rival
Crute won at UFC Perth . Photo: Reproduction/X/UFCNews
Jimmy Crute was not messing around in the octagon. More technically skilled, the Australian quickly took down Ivan Erslan and then finished him with a rear-naked choke.
This was the athlete's second consecutive victory, both by submission. This brings 'The Brute' closer to returning to the top 15 in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg).
Australian ignores rival's 'advantage' and wins uninspiring fight
Jenkins won at UFC Perth . Photo: Reproduction/X/UFCNews
Jack Jenkins took advantage of home-court advantage to return to winning ways in the UFC. Even facing Ramon Taveras , who didn't make the featherweight limit (up to 65,8 kg), the Australian, confident in his abilities and with the support of the crowd, wasn't intimidated by Taveras' size and proved superior. The fight wasn't exciting, however, the athlete did enough to control the American and win by unanimous decision.
Veteran overcomes mess and eliminates home athlete
Magny finished Matthews at UFC Perth . Photo: Reproduction/X/UFCNews
Without a doubt, Neil Magny was one of the stars of UFC Perth . In the final seconds of the first round, Jake Matthews applied a guillotine choke to the veteran, who defended as best he could. However, the referee thought Magny had passed out and even stopped the fight, favoring the Australian. As could be expected, 'The Haitian Sensation' immediately protested. Admitting his mistake, the referee authorized the fight to be restarted.
As the fight continued, Magny, 38, ignored the home fighter's pressure, defended himself against his submission attempts, and when he had the chance, he seized it. In the third and final round, the experienced fighter had the last laugh, submitting Matthews with a d'arce choke. The veteran now has two straight wins and, who knows, could even return to the UFC's top 15 welterweight (up to 77,1 kg).
Australian extends his good run and approaches the top 15 in the lightweight division
Nolan celebrated his victory and delighted the crowd at UFC Perth . Photo: Reproduction/X/UFCNews
In the opening bout of the main card, Tom Nolan delighted the local fans. In the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), the Australian secured his fourth consecutive UFC victory by submitting Charlie Campbell at the end of the first round.
It's true that the athlete suffered a knockdown early in the fight, but he recovered from the scare, ending the American's unbeaten streak in the company. With another UFC triumph, Big Train now dreams of a spot in the top 15 of the division.
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