The UFC’s trip to Perth, Australia, was filled with fireworks, but few moments had the crowd buzzing like Carlos Ulberg’s stunning knockout of Dominick Reyes.  In a light heavyweight fight with major implications, Ulberg stamped his authority with a brutal finish that sent shockwaves not only through the arena but also throughout the MMA community.  Almost immediately, fighters and analysts took to social media to respond, and the consensus was clear: the New Zealand powerhouse had arrived.

A Fight That Lived Up to the Hype

Before the fight, Ulberg was regarded as a rising star in the UFC’s 205-pound division.  Ulberg, a protégé of City Kickboxing, the same camp that produced Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, had gained momentum with a string of victories that demonstrated his crisp kickboxing and growing confidence inside the Octagon.

 Reyes, on the other hand, entered the fight with his back to the wall.  Reyes, once considered the man who nearly dethroned Jon Jones, had endured a brutal losing streak marked by highlight-reel finishes against Jan Błachowicz, Jiří Procházka, and Ryan Spann.  UFC Perth was viewed as an opportunity for him to turn things around.

But Ulberg had other ideas.

The Knockout

Ulberg set the tone early on with feints, measured striking, and an obvious speed advantage.  Reyes attempted to advance, but his moves were met with sharp counters.  Late in the first round, Ulberg unleashed a devastating right hand that caught Reyes flush.  The shot knocked Reyes to the ground, and a follow-up strike sealed the victory.

 The referee intervened as Ulberg walked away, arms raised, as the Australian crowd roared.  Reyes suffered another devastating defeat, but Ulberg finally got the signature win he had been looking for.

Pros React on Social Media

The MMA world lit up after the finish, with fighters, coaches, and analysts sharing their thoughts:

Israel Adesanya, Ulberg’s teammate, praised him for delivering under the bright lights: “That’s how you do it! Big bad Carlos!”

Dan Hooker, also of City Kickboxing, kept it simple: “205 beware. Ulberg’s time is now.”

Aljamain Sterling, former bantamweight champion, tweeted: “Reyes is tough, but man… Ulberg has scary power. That was clean.”

Michael Bisping, UFC Hall of Famer and commentator, remarked: “That’s a statement win for Ulberg. Legit contender at light heavyweight now.”

Fans joined in too, with many noting how Ulberg’s calm composure mirrored that of his teammate Adesanya, while others expressed sadness at seeing Reyes take yet another heavy knockout loss.

What’s Next for Ulberg?

Ulberg’s victory likely propels him into the top ten of the light heavyweight rankings.  The division has been looking for new talent, and Ulberg’s combination of striking precision and finishing ability makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Potential opponents include Anthony Smith, Volkan Oezdemir, and even Aleksandar Rakić.  Each of these names would put Ulberg’s skill set to the test, pushing him closer to title contention.

For Reyes, the future is less certain.  After suffering multiple consecutive knockout defeats, questions about his health and long-term career are unavoidable.  Many in the MMA community hope he takes some time off to recover and reassess before making any decisions.

The Bigger Picture

UFC Perth was already a showcase for Oceania fighters, and Ulberg’s victory solidified City Kickboxing’s position as one of the world’s top MMA gyms.  With established names like Adesanya, Volkanovski, and Kai Kara-France, Ulberg’s breakthrough adds another dangerous contender to their roster.

 The professionals’ reactions show how much respect he has earned.  Knockouts always draw attention, but when they come up against a former title challenger like Reyes, they carry extra significance.

Conclusion

Carlos Ulberg’s knockout of Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth was more than just a highlight—it was a statement.  He demonstrated his place among the elite at 205 pounds, sparking speculation about his potential path to a title shot.  The MMA community, from fighters to fans, took notice, and Ulberg’s popularity has never been higher.

For Reyes, it was another difficult night in a career that once appeared destined for championship glory.  For Ulberg, however, it could be the start of something special.