Carlos Ulberg extended his win streak to eight in a row with a win at UFC London on March 22, 2025, where he faced off against former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. This bout, held at The O2 Arena in London, marked Blachowicz’s return to the Octagon after two years, during which he sought redemption following a split decision loss to Alex Pereira in his previous match.
Ulberg, a rising star in the light heavyweight division, entered this fight riding a wave of momentum, having not lost since 2021. Fans had come to appreciate Ulberg not just for his fighting prowess but for his eccentric lifestyle that has attracted a dedicated following. As the fight commenced, both fighters were cautious, aware of the other’s knockout power.
During the first round, both combatants were tentative. Blachowicz, 42, utilized his jabbing technique and footwork to pressure Ulberg, while the younger fighter, 34, responded with deft leg kicks and hooks from a distance. The round showcased a meticulous dance, with neither fighter willing to risk an early finish.
Round two also played out similarly, as Blachowicz aimed to find his rhythm with aggressive strikes. He responded to Ulberg's pressure with leg kicks, hoping to slow down his opponent. Ulberg remained composed, using his own leg kicks and maintaining his defensive posture while throwing less than he could. As the round progressed, it looked increasingly competitive but still lacked decisive moments.
Going into the third round, observers hoped both fighters would come alive, and while they both pressed the action a bit more, the fight still lacked significant urgency. Blachowicz attempted to up the ante, pushing forward with pressure but faced consistent counterstrikes from Ulberg every time he engaged. The intensity increased slightly toward the end, as both exchanged heavy shots, showcasing the technical skill and conditioning of both fighters.
Ultimately, after a cautious 15 minutes, the judges scored the bout unanimously 29-28 in favor of Ulberg. The result further solidifies Ulberg's position in the light heavyweight rankings, extending his win streak while leaving Blachowicz at a critical juncture in his career, now 1-3-1 in his last five fights.
Post-fight, Ulberg expressed his desire for a title shot against newly crowned champion Magomed Ankalaev, who dethroned Alex Pereira. In his post-fight interview, Ulberg stated, "The longest win streak in the light heavyweight division so the only thing that’s left for me is a title shot and that’s all there is," demonstrating his ambition to compete at the highest level.
However, Ankalaev quickly shot down this potential title fight in a statement, suggesting that Pereira deserved a rematch instead: "Good win for Carlos but Alex is next. He deserves it more than anyone." This response illustrates the complexities of title contention in the light heavyweight division, where Ulberg hopes to secure his chance but faces competition from a well-established fighter in Pereira.
While the match against Blachowicz was significant for Ulberg, it also placed him firmly in the spotlight, marking him as a legitimate contender. Many had anticipated more thrilling exchanges, given the fighters’ reputations, yet the tactical nature of their bout indicated a strategic chess match rather than an all-out brawl.
For Blachowicz, this fight serves as a reminder of the challenges of returning to elite competition after a long absence due to injury. Having previously held the light heavyweight title, he now must evaluate his next steps in a sport that continues to evolve without him during his time away.
Both fighters left the Octagon with more questions than answers, as Ulberg endeavors for that prized title shot while Blachowicz reassesses his path in a division filled with emerging fighters. The implications of Ulberg's victory reverberate through the light heavyweight ranks, highlighting the need for fresh challenges and the continual shift in the competitive landscape of the UFC.
