A light heavyweight clash between former champion Jan Blachowicz and No. 6 ranked Carlos Ulberg served as Saturday’s UFC London co-main event at the O2 Arena.
Blachowicz last fought at UFC 291 in July 2023, losing to Alex Pereira via split decision. A shoulder injury had kept the Polish fighter out of action but he wanted to show he’s still a top contender in the division in his return against Ulberg.
Ulberg entered the fight riding a 7-fight winning streak and hadn’t lost since March 2021. A win over No. 3 ranked Blachowicz would put the New Zealander squarely in the title picture.
Ulberg landed first with an outside leg kick. Blachowicz pressured Ulberg. They exchanged leg kicks. Ulberg moved laterally on the outside while Blachowicz worked to cut him off with footwork. Ulberg connected with a stiff jab. Blachowicz responded with a hard leg kick. Both men seemed to be waiting for the other to go first. They continued to exchange leg kicks throughout the round. The round ended with Ulberg landing his jab. It was a difficult round to score and could have gone either way.
Blachowicz inched forward to start the second frame and was met with leg kicks. Blachowicz connected with a left hand. They continued to trade leg kicks. Blachowicz stepped into the pocket with a combination. Ulberg clinched and delivered a knee to the body before Blachowicz pushed him away. Ulberg began moving forward using a lot of kicks. Blachowicz found a home for his jab late in the round. MMAWeekly scored the frame for Ulberg due to output.
Heading into the final frame, it appeared to be anyone’s fight depending on how the judges scored the first round. Blachowicz went back to pressuring Ulberg. Ulberg continued to employ leg kicks. Ulberg closed the distance and looked for a takedown. Blachowicz defended the attempt and disengaged. Ulberg connected with a combination. Blachowicz answered with a jab. Blachowicz exploded forward but missed with his punches. Ulberg landed a right and as Blachowicz exited the pocket. Blachowicz briefly looked for a takedown. Blachowicz picked up the pressure in the closing moments. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Ulberg but it was another close round.
The judges scored the fight for Ulberg via unanimous decision. All three scorecards read 29-28.
