Quick Read
- Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes headline UFC Perth on September 28 at RAC Arena.
- Justin Tafa withdrew from his scheduled fight due to illness, causing last-minute card changes.
- Ramon Taveras missed featherweight limit by one pound, affecting his bout against Jack Jenkins.
- UFC executives deny reports of poor ticket sales; event features many local fighters.
- Main card starts at 10 am local time; Ulberg vs Reyes expected around 1 pm.
Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes: The New Face of UFC Perth
On September 28, 2025, the RAC Arena in Perth pulses with anticipation. Carlos Ulberg, the charismatic New Zealander, stands across the Octagon from Dominick Reyes, a former title challenger from the United States. This isn’t just another fight—it’s a pivotal moment, headlining a UFC event that’s seen more twists than a thriller novel.
Weigh-ins on Friday set the stage. Reyes, cool and focused, steps on the scale first, making the light heavyweight limit with the allowed one-pound buffer—206 pounds. Moments later, Ulberg matches the championship mark at 205 pounds, confirming that the main event is officially on. For Ulberg, this bout isn’t just about rankings. It’s a chance to cement his status as a top contender and ignite the Australian crowd, many of whom are seeing the UFC’s rising stars live for the first time.
Fight Card Turbulence: Last-Minute Withdrawals and Weight Drama
Yet UFC Perth’s journey to fight night hasn’t been smooth. Just hours before the main event, the card took a hit: Justin Tafa, scheduled for a heavyweight clash with Louie Sutherland, withdrew due to illness. Tafa never made it to the scale, leaving Sutherland—who weighed in at 259 pounds—without an opponent. It was the second bout lost to illness that week, following Oban Elliott’s earlier exit from his welterweight match against Jonathan Micallef.
Weight issues compounded the chaos. Ramon Taveras, aiming for a featherweight showdown with local favorite Jack Jenkins, missed the 146-pound limit by a single pound. His slip not only jeopardized performance bonuses but also cast uncertainty over one of the night’s most anticipated fights. Jenkins, however, made weight, ready to defend home turf.
Other fighters, including Jimmy Crute and Ivan Erslan in the light heavyweight division, and Jake Matthews vs Neil Magny at welterweight, hit their marks without drama. The preliminary card, often a showcase for regional talent, unfolded with fewer hiccups, as most athletes met their contracted weights.
Local Heroes and Regional Strategy: UFC’s Australian Commitment
Beyond the headlines, UFC Perth is a statement of intent. UFC’s Senior Vice President for International Operations, Dave Shaw, addressed media speculation about ticket sales. Local outlet 7News Australia suggested lackluster attendance and discounted seats, but Shaw pushed back, declaring the event healthy and the UFC’s future in Australia bright.
TicketTek, the official distributor, reported seat prices between $75 and $100—reasonable for an international sporting spectacle. The numbers, according to Shaw, don’t lie: Australia remains one of UFC’s top annual markets. The organization’s roots here run deep, dating back to UFC 110 in 2010. Historic moments, like Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm in Melbourne and Alexander Volkanovski’s Fight of the Year clash with Islam Makhachev in 2023, have made Australia a cornerstone of UFC’s global ambitions.
This year’s card is packed with Australian and New Zealand athletes, more than ever before. It’s a deliberate strategy to develop local stars and foster lasting regional interest. The doors to RAC Arena opened early—6 am local time—to accommodate prime-time American broadcasts, a move that speaks to UFC’s balancing act between local loyalty and global reach.
Main Card Rundown: Action, Expectations, and What’s at Stake
The main card, despite its setbacks, boasts compelling matchups. Ulberg vs Reyes headlines, but every bout tells its own story:
- Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes: A battle for light heavyweight supremacy, with Ulberg looking to break into the division’s elite and Reyes fighting to reclaim his momentum.
- Jack Jenkins vs Ramon Taveras: Featherweight tension, as Jenkins carries local hopes and Taveras grapples with the consequences of his weight miss.
- Jimmy Crute vs Ivan Erslan: Two heavy-handed light heavyweights, each seeking a defining win.
- Jake Matthews vs Neil Magny: Welterweight veterans, both with international experience and a point to prove.
- Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato: Light heavyweight prospects eager to climb the ladder.
- Tom Nolan vs Evan Elder: Lightweight action, with youth and speed at the forefront.
Prelim fights feature strawweights Loma Lookboonmee vs Alexia Thainara, and other rising talents from Australia and beyond. Despite the reshuffles, the card remains stacked, promising fireworks and fresh narratives.
The Bigger Picture: UFC, Perth, and the Future of MMA Down Under
UFC Perth isn’t just about one night of combat. It’s a showcase for the region’s growing influence in mixed martial arts—a sport once considered niche, now on the verge of mainstream stardom in Australia. The UFC’s commitment is clear: more local fighters, more marquee events, and a strategy aimed at making MMA a fixture in the country’s sporting calendar.
For Carlos Ulberg, the stakes are personal and professional. A win over Reyes could propel him into title contention, solidifying his status as New Zealand’s next big star. For Reyes, it’s a chance to silence doubters and reclaim his spot among the light heavyweight elite.
As the lights shine on RAC Arena and the world tunes in—whether from Perth’s early morning stands or America’s prime-time screens—the UFC’s gamble on Australia continues. The event’s twists and uncertainties only add to the drama, reminding fans that in MMA, the only certainty is unpredictability.
UFC Perth’s turbulent build-up and star-powered main event encapsulate both the challenges and potential of expanding MMA in Australia. As Carlos Ulberg steps into the Octagon, he carries not just personal ambition, but the hopes of a region eager to cement its place in the global fight game. The night’s outcome will echo far beyond the final bell, shaping the future of UFC’s international strategy and local fan engagement.