Quick Read
- Carlos Ulberg scored a first-round KO over Dominick Reyes, likely earning a UFC light heavyweight title shot.
- Seven Australian fighters won on the main card, including Jimmy Crute, Jack Jenkins, and Tom Nolan.
- Controversy struck when Jake Matthews’ initial win was overturned, and he was submitted by Neil Magny.
- Michelle Montague became the first New Zealand woman to win inside the UFC Octagon.
- UFC 320 sets the stage for a potential Ulberg title bout against the winner of Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2.
Carlos Ulberg’s Breakthrough: A Star is Forged in Perth
On a sunlit Sunday at Perth’s RAC Arena, UFC 320 unfolded like a prizefighter’s dream. The air inside crackled with anticipation, but no one expected the night’s thunder to be stolen so decisively by New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg. In a main event that promised fireworks, Ulberg delivered an explosive first-round knockout over Dominick Reyes, sending a clear message: he’s not just knocking on the door of a title shot—he’s kicking it down.
Ulberg, riding an eight-fight win streak, wasted little time asserting his dominance. A crisp left-right combination felled Reyes, and a follow-up ground strike sealed the deal. The crowd erupted as Ulberg, nicknamed “Black Jag,” leapt to his feet and roared, “I’m coming,”—a statement that echoed beyond Perth, reverberating through the light heavyweight division.
This win does more than pad Ulberg’s resume. It positions him as the likely next challenger for the UFC light heavyweight title, with the highly anticipated Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 championship rematch looming next week. As Fox Sports Australia reported, Ulberg has already made plans to be cageside in Las Vegas, his eyes fixed on the gold.
Resurgence and Redemption: The Reyes Story
For Dominick Reyes, the bout was more than just another fight—it was a shot at redemption. Nearly five years ago, Reyes was at the center of one of the most debated decisions in UFC history, narrowly losing to Jon Jones for the title in a fight many felt he won. Since then, his career spiraled through a series of tough losses, only to find hope again with three straight KOs leading into Perth.
But Ulberg’s precision brought that comeback story to a sudden halt. Still, Reyes’ journey remains a testament to the sport’s unforgiving nature—where the climb back is as steep as the fall. As he told Submission Radio, Ulberg was “very dangerous,” yet Reyes questioned whether the Kiwi had the signature wins to justify a title shot. Now, those doubts have been silenced.
Australian MMA Ascendant: Local Heroes Steal the Show
While Ulberg commanded the spotlight, the night belonged just as much to the homegrown Australian talent. Seven local fighters walked away victorious, each fight telling its own story of grit, heart, and perseverance.
Jimmy Crute, once on the brink of retirement after a string of losses, stormed back with a stunning first-round submission over Ivan Erslan. The victory was so unusual that Crute himself admitted, “I dunno, but I f***ing love it,” in the post-fight interview, crediting faith and family for his return to form.
Jack Jenkins, overcoming a terrifying throat injury that nearly ended both his career and his ability to speak, fought back tears after a dominant decision win over Ramon Taveras. “I’ve just been so afraid for so long since the last injury,” he confessed, offering a raw glimpse into the psychological toll of the fight game.
Brisbane’s Tom “Big Train” Nolan, rising from an early knockdown, submitted Charlie Campbell and silenced doubters of his black belt credentials, capping it with a cheeky, “Suck on that motherf***ers.”
Elsewhere, Colby Thicknesse, Jamie Mullarkey, and debutant Brando Pericic—who secured a brutal KO that required immediate medical attention for his opponent—added to the Australian win tally. Each victory was a building block in the region’s growing MMA legacy.
Controversy and Courage: Unforgettable Moments
No fight night is complete without its share of drama, and UFC 320 delivered in spades. The most controversial moment came when Jake Matthews, initially declared the winner by submission over Neil Magny, found himself thrust back into the fray after the referee reversed his call. In the end, Magny submitted Matthews in the third round, leaving fans and fighters alike bewildered by the sequence of events.
On the women’s side, New Zealand’s Michelle Montague etched her name in the history books twice—becoming the first Kiwi woman to fight, and win, inside the Octagon. Despite a nasty cut, she dominated Luna Carolina, showcasing resilience and tactical prowess that hint at a bright future for women’s MMA in Oceania.
Cam Rowston, dubbed the “Battle Giraffe,” made an unforgettable debut by knocking out Andre Petroski and celebrating with John Cena’s signature moves, a nod to both his playful spirit and serious intent. His post-fight proclamation—”Hey middleweights, there’s a new dog in the yard”—captured the mood of a new generation hungry for glory.
What’s Next: The Light Heavyweight Title Picture and Oceanic Momentum
With Ulberg’s emphatic win, all eyes turn to UFC 320’s headliner between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. The stakes are crystal clear: the winner of that bout will likely face Ulberg, whose combination of quiet confidence, knockout power, and championship ambition has electrified the division.
Meanwhile, the broader narrative is unmistakable. Australian and New Zealand fighters are no longer just fan favorites on home cards—they’re becoming fixtures in global title conversations. As UFC.com highlighted, the Perth event was the fourth at RAC Arena, but perhaps the most consequential yet for the Oceanic MMA movement.
From career comebacks to debutant dreams, UFC 320 was a canvas painted with hope, heartbreak, and raw ambition. For Ulberg and his regional peers, the story is just beginning—the world is watching, and the next chapter promises to be even more explosive.
Assessment: UFC 320 was more than just another fight night in Perth—it was a coming-of-age moment for Oceanic MMA. Carlos Ulberg’s star-making performance, coupled with a wave of Australian and Kiwi triumphs, signals a shift in the global landscape. The region is no longer a sideshow but a proving ground for champions. As the title picture crystallizes, the balance of power in the UFC’s light heavyweight division—and perhaps beyond—is tilting towards the Southern Hemisphere.