LONDON – Carlos Ulberg expects to emerge as No. 1 contender with a win at UFC Fight Night 255.
Ulberg (12-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) faces former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz (29-10-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) in Saturday’s co-main event (ESPN+) at The O2 in London.
With the division light on clear-cut contenders, it appears the UFC will book an immediate rematch between champion Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. However, the streaking Ulberg thinks a win over Blachowicz warrants a title shot.
“When you look at it, you’ve got someone who’s on a seven-fight win streak, the most in the light heavyweight division so far,” Ulberg told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC Fight Night 255 media day. “So, very exciting, and I think everyone would be merited for a title shot after this.”
Ulberg knows he’s up against a stern test in Blachowicz, who went the distance with both Ankalaev and Pereira.
“Jan is a very well established and experienced fighter,” Ulberg said. “We got to make sure we go in there and get the job done. That’s all that matters.”
The City Kickboxing fighter was then asked who he’d rather fight with a win over Blachowicz: Ankalaev or Pereira?
“Pereira is obviously a very dominant fighter and a champion as he’s been, and that would be a massive fight,” Ulberg said. “I’ve always said that a fight between myself and Pereira would be massive, just two cultured warriors to go up against each other. Also with that said notably, Ankalaev, he is dominant. He is someone that a lot of fighters would dodge. So, a win against Ankalaev would definitely shoot me past anyone. Either one would be great for me.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.
