Carlos Ulberg Views Dominick Reyes as ‘Massive Step Up’ in UFC Career

Carlos Ulberg has emerged as an intriguing talent in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s light heavyweight division.

The 32-year-old Auckland, New Zealand, native earned his fifth consecutive triumph at UFC 293, as he submitted Da Woon Jung 4:49 into Round 3 of their featured bout at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Saturday night. The fight initially made it to the final horn, but after a video review, it was determined that Jung tapped to a rear-naked choke in the waning seconds.

“I felt the tap,” Ulberg said in an interview with the UFC. “I knew he tapped somehow. I heard my coaches yell out that he was tapping. I thought that he went out, but he continued to fight. I’m glad that the fight ended so quickly, and the way that it did was amazing.”

After defeating his previous three opponents by knockout or technical knockout, Ulberg was able to earn his first career submission victory against a veteran opponent.

“I’ve seen how he takes down his opponents, and I did it with his own move and finished him the way I did,” Ulberg said. “That rear-naked choke was just a bonus, that was the icing on the cake.”

After the victory, “Black Jag” called out Dominick Reyes for his next Octagon appearance.

“I went through quite a bit of adversity this whole camp. And to get that win was nice, especially over an opponent like Jung,” Ulberg said. “He’s a complete fighter, and I thought I needed that test. To move forward, I need another test. Someone who’s been five rounds, who’s held the belt. This is a good test for me.”

While Reyes hasn’t actually held a UFC title, he’s fought for the strap on two occasions, falling to Jon Jones and Jan Blachowicz. While “The Devastator” is currently mired in a four-bout losing streak, Ulberg points to Reyes’ highly-competitive fight against Jones as evidence that the Californian will provide the type of test he desires.

“I’m always watching the division,” Ulberg said. “I think with Reyes being the fighter that he is and going the distance with Jon Jones, I think this will be a massive step up for me. I want to be tested every time I hope into the Octagon. I know I will grow every time.”