UFC Perth results, highlights: Carlos Ulberg delivers statement knockout over Dominick Reyes, solidifies No.1 contender status

Tobey Lewis

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UFC Perth results, highlights: Carlos Ulberg delivers statement knockout over Dominick Reyes, solidifies No.1 contender status image

Carlos Ulberg cemented himself as a true title contender, stopping Dominick Reyes with a thunderous knockout in the opening round.

Ulberg controlled the centre early, calmly measuring distance before uncorking the finishing one-two that ended the contest.

For Reyes, it was a crushing setback after building his career back up on the back of a three-fight win-streak.

The emphatic win extends Ulberg's streak to nine, showcasing the Kiwi's powerful and accurate striking.

A UFC light heavyweight title shot now appears to be next, as Ulberg will head to Las Vegas to be in attendance for the rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.

In the co-main event, Jimmy Crute delivered a statement victory in front of a parochial home crowd, finishing Ivan Erslan in the first round.

The Aussie immediately imposed his grappling, landing a clean double-leg takedown before transitioning smoothly to back control.

From there, Crute locked in the rear-naked choke, forcing Erslan to tap and igniting the Perth crowd.

It was a performance for Crute, who reaffirmed his place among the light heavyweight divisions most dangerous contenders.

In the featured fight, Jack Jenkins leaned on his wrestling and toughness to grind out a unanimous decision victory.

Elsewhere on the card, Neil Magny pulled off a dramatic comeback submission win over Australia's Jake Matthews, and Tom Nolan kept his win streak alive with a dazzling first-round finish of Charlie Campbell.

The Sporting News provided results, analysis, and highlights from UFC Perth. 

MORE: UFC Perth full card results

UFC Perth results, highlights

Carlos Ulberg solidifies title credentials with vicious knockout in round one

Round one: Ulberg takes the centre, forcing Reyes onto the back foot. Low output from both fighters early as they gather information on each other. One-two from Ulberg puts Reyes out cold! Title shot next.

2:01 p.m. AEST: The main event is up next: Carlos Ulberg takes on Dominick Reyes for No.1 contender status in the light heavyweight division.

Crute shines in co-main event with first-round stoppage

1:53 p.m. AEST: Crute and Erslan exchange low-kicks to start the bout. Crute shoots a quick double-leg takedown and grounds the fight. The Aussie takes the back and locks in a rear-naked choke with a short grip. Erslan taps, Crute secures the round one submission.

1:37 p.m. AEST: Time for the co-main event between fan favourites Jimmy Crute and Ivan Erslan.

1:35 p.m. AEST: The two men on the marquee prepare to make the walk.

Jack Jenkins outclasses Ramon Taveres by unanimous decision

1:30 p.m. AEST: Early takedown from Jenkins as he begins landing strikes from half-guard. Taveres work his way back to the feet, but Jenkins jumps to the back. The choke looks tight from the Aussie, although Taveres survives and lands in top position. Some ground-and-pound to finish the round should seal it for Jenkins.

1:24 p.m. AEST: Taveres starts round two fast, stalking the Aussie around the perimeter of the cage. Another low-blow from Taveres and referee Marc Goddard gives a stern warning to the American, but doesn't take a point away. Jenkins works his wrestling to end the round, but nothing significant comes of it.

1:17 p.m. AEST: Both men are measuring early, before a temporary break in the action for a low-blow by Taveres. It's almost a completely different fight after the pause as Jenkins starts swinging for the fences.

1:03 p.m. AEST: Jack Jenkins and Ramon Taveres are up next.

Neil Magny secures comeback submission victory

12:57 p.m. AEST: Magny escapes yet another submission attack from Matthews and is starting to go to work in the clinch. The American secures another takedown and locks up a D'Arce choke. Matthews has tapped! Huge come from behind victory for Magny.

12:49 p.m. AEST: Magny shoots a poor takedown and Matthews defends. The Aussie has now scooted around to the back and is looking for the choke. Slick grappling transitions from Matthews lands him in position for a mounted triangle. Magny does enough to escape but looks out of answers on the ground - he needs a finish in the third round.

12:43 p.m. AEST: Matthews pressuring forward as Magny sits back and pops his jab out early. The American is timing blitzes before tying up the Aussie along the cage. Magny lands a takedown but Matthews attacks a guillotine. Magny is able to survive until the bell.

12:28 p.m. AEST: Welterweight veterans Jake Matthews and Neil Magny take centre stage next.

Tom Nolan extends his win streak to four with rear-naked choke

12:20 p.m. AEST: Nolan opens the fight with an array of kicks. Campbell rushes in and knocks the Aussie to the mat, though he appeared to be more off-balance than hurt. Spinning back-kick from Nolan stops Campbell in his tracks. Nolan scores a takedown and moves straight into the choke, and Campbell has tapped.

12:12 p.m. AEST: Tom Nolan and Charlie Campbell open the show.

12:05 p.m. AEST: The main card has started. 

12:00 p.m. AEST: What a fight! Navajo Stirling and Rodolfo Bellato go to war over three rounds with the Kiwi getting his hand raised by unanimous decision.

11:35 a.m. AEST: Navajo Stirling vs. Rodolfo Bellato in light heavyweight action headlines the prelims. 

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of from Perth's RAC Arena.

UFC Perth fight card

Main card

  • Carlos Ulberg def. Dominick Reyes via TKO (4:27 into round one)
  • Jimmy Crute def. Ivan Erslan via rear-naked choke (3:19 into round one)
  • Jack Jenkins def. Ramon Taveres via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Neil Magny def. Jake Matthews via D'Arce choke (3:08 into round three)
  • Tom Nolan def. Charlie Campbell via rear-naked choke (4:08 into round one)

Prelims

  • Justin Tafa vs. Louie Sutherland; light heavyweight *
  • Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott; welterweight
  • Navajo Stirling def. Rodolfo Bellato via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Cameron Rowston def. Andre Petroski via TKO (2:41 into round one)
  • Jamie Mullarkey def. Rolando Bedoya via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Colby Thicknesse def. Josias Musasa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Michelle Montague def. Luana Carolina via unanimous decision (29-26, 30-25, 30-26)
  • Brando Pericic def. Elisha Ellison via TKO (1:55 into round one)
  • Alexia Thainara def. Loma Lookboonmee via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

*Justin Tafa has withdrawn from the bout due to illness
*Oban Elliott has withdrawn from the bout due to illness

Editorial Intern

Tobey Lewis

Tobey Lewis is a content producer for Sporting News Australia, specialising in rugby league and combat. He combines a passion for sport with a commitment to telling the stories behind the action.