UPDATE: UFC Perth delivered electrifying moments as Carlos Ulberg knocked out Dominick Reyes in a stunning first-round finish, putting the light heavyweight division on high alert. The event, held at RAC Arena on October 14, 2023, showcased a thrilling night for local fighters, with 10 out of 11 competitors from Australia and New Zealand emerging victorious.
Ulberg, the No. 3 ranked light heavyweight, faced intense scrutiny leading up to his fight. Critics questioned his potential title shot after recent performances, but he silenced them with a devastating knockout of Reyes, who failed to register a single punch. Ulberg’s control of the cage and precision struck a chord, leaving the audience in awe.
“Your move, Dana,” he declared, signaling his readiness for a title shot. With an unbeaten streak stretching over years, Ulberg is poised to solidify his status among the light heavyweight elite. The race to contend for the title intensifies next week with Magomed Ankalaev facing Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka taking on Khalil Roundtree.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Crute captured hearts with his inspiring return to the octagon following a two-year hiatus. Once hailed as a top prospect, Crute faced setbacks against seasoned opponents. However, a spiritual transformation and determination led him back to the UFC, where he secured a decisive victory against Ivan Erslan. The crowd erupted as Crute showcased relentless grappling skills, earning a submission win and solidifying his comeback.
A significant highlight of UFC Perth was the performance of local fighters. Out of the initial 14 fighters on the card, only 11 entered the octagon due to last-minute withdrawals. Notably, Jake Matthews was the sole local to suffer defeat, but all others triumphed. The event served as a testament to the depth and talent of the ANZ MMA scene, with fighters like Brando Pericic delivering a spectacular first-round knockout and Michelle Montague, the first Kiwi woman in the UFC, celebrating a victory.
The atmosphere was charged as MMA royalty, including Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Aldo Tuivasa, watched from the sidelines. Dave Shaw, UFC’s international chief, remarked on the event’s impact, stating,
“A card like this one puts a lot of new names into contention.”
As fans and fighters reflect on the exhilarating night, the future looks bright for the ANZ MMA community. With Ulberg and Crute leading the charge, UFC Perth has set the stage for thrilling developments in the light heavyweight division and beyond. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming fights and the evolving landscape of MMA.