Brief Introduction of Carlos Ulberg
Carlos Sao Murry Ulberg, widely known as Carlos “Black Jag” Ulberg, is a professional mixed martial artist from New Zealand who has rapidly ascended the ranks in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) Light Heavyweight division. Born on November 17, 1990, Ulberg is celebrated for his explosive striking, a skill honed through a successful career in kickboxing before transitioning to MMA. Training out of the esteemed City Kickboxing gym alongside champions like Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, Ulberg has developed a reputation for his powerful stand-up game and charismatic presence inside and outside the octagon. His journey to the UFC was highlighted by a spectacular knockout victory on Dana White’s Contender Series, which immediately marked him as a promising prospect in the division. Beyond his fighting career, Ulberg is also known for his work as a model and his background in semi-professional rugby league, showcasing his diverse athletic talents.
Carlos Ulberg Overview
| Full Name | Carlos Sao Murry Ulberg |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1990 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 34 |
| Birthplace | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Profession | Mixed Martial Artist, Model |
| Husband/Wife | Not Publicly Known |
| Family | Parents of Samoan, Māori, and German descent |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Private |
| Net Worth | Approximately $750,000 |
Early Life and Education of Carlos Ulberg
Carlos Ulberg was born in New Zealand to parents of Samoan, Māori, and German heritage. His father was a boxer who represented Samoa at the Commonwealth Games, introducing Carlos to combat sports at a young age. However, his childhood was not without its challenges. From the age of four, Ulberg was raised by a foster family in South Auckland, where he navigated a difficult environment. He has spoken about being exposed to violence and other hardships during his upbringing. Despite these obstacles, Ulberg found an outlet in sports. He began playing rugby league as a child and would go on to compete at a semi-professional level, representing Counties-Manukau. He attended Hillary College in Otara, South Auckland. This period of his life was formative, instilling in him a resilience and determination that would later define his athletic career. Although he had the opportunity to pursue higher education, he chose not to, focusing instead on his burgeoning career in sports.
Carlos Ulberg’s Career
Carlos Ulberg’s career is a testament to his diverse athletic abilities, transitioning from rugby league to a successful career in combat sports. His journey into professional fighting began with a solid foundation in kickboxing, where he achieved significant success. He is a two-time King in the Ring tournament champion, winning the 100kg title in 2017 and the 92kg title in 2019. This accomplishment made him only the second fighter, after his teammate Israel Adesanya, to win the tournament in two different weight divisions. Ulberg also had a brief foray into professional boxing, winning his only bout by unanimous decision in August 2015.
Ulberg made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2011, securing a second-round knockout victory. However, it was his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in November 2020 that truly launched his international MMA career. He earned a UFC contract with a stunning first-round knockout of Bruno Oliveira, showcasing the striking prowess that would become his trademark in the promotion.
His UFC debut came in March 2021 at UFC 259 against Kennedy Nzechukwu. In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Ulberg was defeated via knockout in the second round, though the bout earned him a “Fight of the Night” bonus. This early setback did not deter him. Following this loss, Ulberg embarked on an impressive winning streak. He secured victories over Fabio Cherant, Tafon Nchukwi, and Nicolae Negumereanu. His subsequent fights saw him earn “Performance of the Night” bonuses for his first-round knockouts of Ihor Potieria and Alonzo Menifield, the latter being one of the fastest knockouts in UFC Light Heavyweight history at just 12 seconds. He continued his ascent up the rankings with a submission win over Da Un Jung and decision victories over perennial contenders Volkan Oezdemir and former champion Jan Błachowicz. Most recently, he headlined a UFC Fight Night event against former title challenger Dominick Reyes, securing another first-round knockout victory and another “Performance of the Night” award. This string of impressive performances has solidified his position as a top contender in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.
Carlos Ulberg Personal Life & Family
Carlos Ulberg is known for being a private individual when it comes to his personal life. He was born to parents of diverse heritage, with Samoan, Māori, and German roots. His father’s background as a boxer who competed in the Commonwealth Games undoubtedly influenced his path into combat sports. From the age of four, he was raised by a foster family in South Auckland. Details about his current family life, including his relationship status, are not publicly known. He has successfully kept his romantic life out of the public eye, with no confirmation of a wife or girlfriend. Ulberg has mentioned that his son, Lamonte, is his hero, though further details about his family are not widely available. He is known for his close relationship with his teammates at City Kickboxing, which he considers a family-like environment. Despite his rising fame, he remains focused on his career and has turned down opportunities to appear on reality television shows like New Zealand’s “The Bachelor” to avoid distractions from his training.
Awards and Achievements of Carlos Ulberg
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu
- Performance of the Night (Three times) vs. Ihor Potieria, Alonzo Menifield, and Dominick Reyes
- Third fastest knockout/finish in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (0:12 vs Alonzo Menifield)
- Tied for the second longest win streak in UFC Light Heavyweight division history
- Kickboxing
- 2017 King in the Ring 100kg Tournament Champion
- 2019 King in the Ring 92kg Tournament Champion
Carlos Ulberg Net Worth and Income
As of recent estimates, Carlos Ulberg’s net worth is approximately $750,000. His primary sources of income are his earnings from his UFC fights, which include his show money, win bonuses, and performance bonuses. His exciting fighting style and string of knockout victories have led to multiple “Performance of the Night” awards, each carrying a significant financial bonus. Additionally, Ulberg earns income from sponsorship deals. His work as a part-time model also contributes to his overall earnings. As his profile in the UFC continues to grow and he participates in higher-profile fights, his net worth is expected to increase significantly.
Legacy and Influence
Carlos Ulberg is rapidly building a legacy as one of New Zealand’s most exciting combat sports athletes. His success in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts has made him a prominent figure in the sport, particularly in the Australasian region. As a key member of the world-renowned City Kickboxing team, he is part of a golden era for New Zealand MMA, training alongside some of the sport’s biggest names. His thrilling fighting style, characterized by technical striking and knockout power, has made him a fan favorite and a role model for aspiring fighters in the Pacific region. Outside of the octagon, Ulberg’s background and his journey of overcoming a challenging upbringing serve as an inspiration. He proudly represents his diverse Samoan, Māori, and German heritage on the global stage. His charismatic personality and work as a model have also helped to broaden his appeal beyond the traditional MMA fanbase.
Interesting Facts about Carlos Ulberg
- Before focusing on his fighting career, Ulberg was a promising semi-professional rugby league player.
- He was a contestant on the reality television show “Game of Bros” in 2018.
- Ulberg has been offered the opportunity to star in New Zealand’s version of “The Bachelor” on two separate occasions but declined to focus on his fighting career.
- He is a part-time model.
- He holds one of the fastest knockouts in UFC Light Heavyweight history at just 12 seconds.
- He is only the second fighter in history, after Israel Adesanya, to win the King in the Ring tournament in two different weight divisions.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @carlosulberg
- Twitter (X): @carlosulberg
- Facebook: Carlos ‘Black Jag’ Ulberg
Final Words about Carlos Ulberg
Carlos Ulberg’s journey from a difficult childhood in South Auckland to becoming a top-ranked UFC light heavyweight is a powerful story of perseverance and talent. His dynamic fighting style and impressive string of victories have established him as a legitimate contender for the UFC championship. As he continues to evolve as a martial artist under the tutelage of the world-class coaches at City Kickboxing, the future looks incredibly bright for the “Black Jag.” With his combination of skill, athleticism, and star power, Carlos Ulberg is not only poised to reach the pinnacle of the sport but also to leave a lasting legacy as one of New Zealand’s greatest combat sports exports. His focus remains squarely on his fighting career, with the ultimate goal of capturing the UFC Light Heavyweight title.
