From Carlos Ulberg’s brutal first-round KO that put the light heavyweight division on notice, to Jimmy Crute’s redemption story, UFC Perth delivered everything fans could have hoped for. Almost every local fighter sent the RAC Arena crowd into raptures, showcasing the vibrant talent pool from Australia and New Zealand.
Ulberg Is That Guy
Carlos Ulberg entered UFC Perth with a weight of expectations. As the No. 3 ranked light heavyweight, questions loomed large: Was he the next contender for the title? Did he need to shake off the label of being “too safe” in his fights? On this night, Ulberg answered all doubters with a decisive statement—one that echoed through the hollowed halls of the RAC Arena.
With a stunning first-round knockout of Dominick Reyes, Ulberg conducted a masterclass in striking. He dismantled Reyes with an agility and precision that left fans and analysts alike in awe. Reyes, a fighter known for his resilience, was never able to land a punch, a testament to Ulberg’s skill and control of the octagon. As he left no questions unanswered, the light heavyweight division now eagerly anticipates his next move, especially with significant matchups on the horizon.
Crute’s Redemption Arc Continues
Jimmy Crute’s journey has been nothing short of tumultuous. Once touted as a promising prospect by ESPN in 2019, his trajectory took a dive following losses to established contenders like Anthony Smith and Jamahal Hill. After a disheartening defeat against Alonzo Menifield in Las Vegas, Crute stepped away from the sport for almost two years.
During his time away, Crute underwent significant personal transformation. Embracing his faith, he returned to the octagon with renewed zeal and purpose. A draw in Sydney and an impressive submission victory over Marcin Prachino set the stage for his clash with Ivan Erslan in Perth. In a dynamic performance, Crute controlled the fight from the outset, relying on his grappling skills and relentless pursuit of victory.
The unrestrained joy was palpable as Crute basked in the crowd’s cheers. His infectious smile radiated confidence, reminding fans that a happy Jimmy Crute is a formidable opponent.
A Big Night for the Local Fighters
The event showcased an impressive lineup of local talent. Initially scheduled with 14 Australian and New Zealand fighters, the card had 11 in action by fight night, following withdrawals. Nonetheless, fans witnessed a thrilling display, with 10 local fighters claiming victory, while Jake Matthews faced a controversial defeat.
All the while, the royalty of ANZ MMA—Adesanya, Whittaker, Volkanovski, Tuivasa, Hooker, Kara-France, and Della Maddalena—watched with keen interest. This event highlighted not just the depth of talent from the region but served to introduce potential future stars to a wider audience.
Fighters like Brando Pericic ignited the arena with a dramatic first-round knockout. Similarly, Michelle Montague, the first female Kiwi to compete in the UFC, earned a notable decision victory. Rising star Tom Nolan and Navajo Stirling also enjoyed success, reaffirming their status as contenders. With smiles and victories, fan favorites Jimmy Crute and Jack Jenkins experienced triumphant returns, marking a fiery night for ANZ MMA.
As UFC’s international chief Dave Shaw remarked, this event “puts a lot of new names into contention,” signaling a promising future for fighters from the region.