Hello, mixed martial artist fans! If you love following the MMA and admire world-class, Carlos Ulberg is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Carlos Ulberg, the “Black Jag,” is a rising star in UFC’s light heavyweight division, sitting at #3 in the rankings as of early 2026 with a killer record and finishes that turn heads. This New Zealand powerhouse has gone from rugby fields to the octagon, smashing opponents with his kickboxing roots and building serious momentum heading into 2026.
Carlos Ulberg’s Biography
| Detail | Info |
| Full Name | Carlos Sao Murry Ulberg |
| Nickname | Black Jag |
| Born | November 17, 1990, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Age | 35 years |
| College | N/A |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2011 |
| Net Worth | Around $750,000 |
| Salary | UFC base pay varies; recent reported purse $85,000 (show + win) |
| Spouse | not married |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @carlosulberg |
Early Career
Carlos Ulberg kicked off his pro MMA journey in 2011 with a second-round TKO over Kaota Puna at King of the Door in Auckland. He racked up quick wins, like a 2016 TKO against Umed Rakhmatulloyev in China and a 2018 decision over John Martin Fraser at Eternal MMA.
Before MMA, he crushed in kickboxing, winning King in the Ring tournaments in 2017 (100kg) and 2019 (92kg), and even boxed once in 2015. Rugby league toughened him up semi-pro, but by 2020, he eyed the big leagues. Dana White’s Contender Series changed everything—he KO’d Bruno Oliveira in 2:02 for a UFC contract. (78 words)
Professional Career
Ulberg debuted in UFC at UFC 259 in 2021 against Kennedy Nzechukwu, rocking him early but gassing out for a second-round KO loss—still earned Fight of the Night. He bounced back strong at UFC 271 with a unanimous decision over Fabio Cherant, then TKO’d Tafon Nchukwi in 1:15 at UFC on ESPN. Nicolae Negumereanu went down via first-round KO at UFC 281, followed by a Performance of the Night TKO of Ihor Potieria. He subbed Da Un Jung with a rear-naked choke at UFC 293, then obliterated Alonzo Menifield in just 12 seconds at UFC on ESPN 56—third-fastest KO in light heavyweight history, another Performance bonus.
Injuries shuffled some bouts, like pulling from UFC 303, but he decisioned Volkan Oezdemir in November 2024, upset former champ Jan Blachowicz by unanimous decision in March 2025 (close fight, 8/12 media scores), and headlined UFC Perth in September 2025 with a first-round KO of Dominick Reyes for yet another Performance of the Night. That’s an eight-fight win streak, tying for second-longest in division history, landing him at #3 as 2026 kicks off. Training at City Kickboxing with Adesanya and Volkanovski, his striking precision and power shine—no grappling weaknesses exposed yet. He’s eyeing a title shot after Ankalaev-Pereira. (148 words)
Carlos Ulberg’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Carlos Ulberg’s net worth sits around $750,000. This builds from UFC purses totaling near $683,000, including his $85,000 show for the Blachowicz win (plus win bonus), multiple Performance of the Night awards ($50k each), and Fight of the Night cash. Modeling and potential local sponsorships pad it, but no big 2026 jumps reported yet. Expect growth with his ranking and main events.
Fight Purses
| Fight Date/Event | Opponent | Reported Purse (Show + Win est.) | Notes/Bonuses |
| Mar 2025 (UFC FN 255) | Jan Blachowicz | $85,000 | Unanimous decision; highest reported |
| Sep 2025 (UFC FN 260) | Dominick Reyes | Est. $80k-$100k | KO Rd1; Performance of the Night ($50k) |
| Nov 2024 (UFC FN 248) | Volkan Oezdemir | Est. $60k-$80k | Decision |
| May 2024 (UFC on ESPN 56) | Alonzo Menifield | Est. $50k-$70k | KO 0:12; Performance of the Night ($50k) |
| Sep 2023 (UFC 293) | Da Un Jung | Est. $40k-$60k | Sub Rd3 |
| May 2023 (UFC on ABC 4) | Ihor Potieria | Est. $40k | TKO; Performance of the Night ($50k) |
| Nov 2022 (UFC 281) | Nicolae Negumereanu | Est. $30k-$50k | KO Rd1 |
| Mar 2021 (UFC 259) | Kennedy Nzechukwu | Est. $20k-$30k (loss) | KO loss; Fight of the Night ($50k) |
Endorsements
- Musashi – Long-standing ambassador relationship with this leading sports nutrition and supplement brand; provides both product support and financial compensation for brand representation
- Dynasty Sport – Developed the “Carlos Ulberg Black Jag Range” merchandise line featuring branded apparel and fighting gear; generates revenue through product sales and licensing
- Engage Fight – Fitness and apparel company sponsorship providing training equipment, merchandise, and co-marketing opportunities
- Nike – Referenced in interviews as a supporter of Ulberg’s training and equipment needs
- City Kickboxing Merchandise – Affiliated merchandise through his training facility, extending brand reach through team products
Career Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time | Event | Notes |
| Sep 2025 | Dominick Reyes | Win | KO (punches) | 1/4:27 | UFC FN 260 | Perf. of the Night |
| Mar 2025 | Jan Blachowicz | Win | Decision (U) | 3/5:00 | UFC FN 255 | Former champ |
| Nov 2024 | Volkan Oezdemir | Win | Decision (U) | 3/5:00 | UFC FN 248 | Ranked veteran |
| May 2024 | Alonzo Menifield | Win | KO (punches) | 1/0:12 | UFC on ESPN 56 | Perf. of the Night; 3rd fastest LHW KO |
| Sep 2023 | Da Un Jung | Win | Sub (RNC) | 3/4:49 | UFC 293 | 3rd latest LHW sub |
| May 2023 | Ihor Potieria | Win | TKO (punches) | 1/2:09 | UFC on ABC 4 | Perf. of the Night |
| Nov 2022 | Nicolae Negumereanu | Win | KO (punches) | 1/3:44 | UFC 281 | – |
| Jun 2022 | Tafon Nchukwi | Win | TKO (punches) | 1/1:15 | UFC on ESPN | – |
| Feb 2022 | Fabio Cherant | Win | Decision (U) | 3/5:00 | UFC 271 | – |
| Mar 2021 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | Loss | TKO (punches) | 2/3:19 | UFC 259 | Fight of the Night |
| Nov 2020 | Bruno Oliveira | Win | KO (punches) | 1/2:02 | DWCS 34 | UFC contract |
| Dec 2018 | John Martin Fraser | Win | Decision (U) | 3/5:00 | Eternal MMA 40 | – |
| Aug 2016 | Umed Rakhmatulloyev | Win | TKO (punches) | 1/3:03 | World Kings Glory | – |
| Aug 2011 | Kaota Puna | Win | TKO (punches) | 2/N/A | King of the Door | Pro debut |
FAQs
1. Who is Carlos Ulberg?
Carlos Ulberg is a New Zealand professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC light heavyweight division. Known as “Black Jag,” he trains at City Kickboxing and has a background in kickboxing, boxing, and rugby league. Born on November 17, 1990, in Auckland to Samoan, Māori, and German parents, he works part-time as a model.
2. What is Carlos Ulberg’s MMA record?
Carlos Ulberg holds a professional MMA record of 13 wins and 1 loss. He has 8 knockouts, 1 submission, and 4 decisions in victories, with his sole loss by knockout. In the UFC, he is 9-1 with nine straight wins after his debut defeat.
3. What are Carlos Ulberg’s physical stats?
Carlos Ulberg stands at 6’4″ tall with a 77-inch reach and fights at 205 lbs in the light heavyweight division. He fights orthodox and is known for his lanky frame and striking range. At age 35, he maintains elite athleticism from his multi-sport background.
4. How did Carlos Ulberg enter the UFC?
Carlos Ulberg earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in November 2020 with a first-round knockout of Bruno Oliveira. He debuted at UFC 259 against Kennedy Nzechukwu, losing by second-round KO but earning Fight of the Night. Since then, he has won nine consecutive UFC bouts.
5. What is Carlos Ulberg’s UFC win streak?
Carlos Ulberg is on a nine-fight win streak in the UFC since his debut loss. Key victories include submissions, TKOs, KOs, and decisions over top contenders. This ties him for the second-longest active streak in light heavyweight history.
6. What are some of Carlos Ulberg’s notable UFC wins?
Notable wins include a 12-second KO of Alonzo Menifield, third-fastest in division history; unanimous decision over former champion Jan Blachowicz; KO of Dominick Reyes in the main event; and decisions over Volkan Oezdemir. He also submitted Da Woon Jung late in round three.
7. What awards has Carlos Ulberg won in UFC?
Ulberg has earned Performance of the Night three times for wins over Ihor Potieria, Alonzo Menifield, and Dominick Reyes. He also received Fight of the Night for his debut loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu. These bonuses highlight his highlight-reel finishes.
8. What is Carlos Ulberg’s UFC ranking?
As of March 2025, Carlos Ulberg is ranked #3 in the UFC light heavyweight division. His ranking rose after beating Jan Blachowicz, who dropped to #5. He trails top contenders like Jiri Prochazka amid title shot discussions.
9. What is Carlos Ulberg’s kickboxing background?
Ulberg has a 19-2 kickboxing record with 12 TKOs/KOs. He won King in the Ring 100kg III tournament in 2017 and 92kg II in 2019. He competed in EM Legend events in China, showcasing his striking prowess before MMA.
10. Does Carlos Ulberg have a fight scheduled?
A bout with Jiri Prochazka has been rumored for UFC 327 in Miami, but Prochazka stated it’s unconfirmed as of early 2026. Ulberg recently headlined UFC Fight Night 260 against Dominick Reyes in September 2025. Official UFC announcements are pending.