Carlos Ulberg Edges Jan Blachowicz in Tactical Thriller at UFC London
On March 22, 2025, the O2 Arena in London bore witness to a high-stakes light heavyweight showdown as former UFC champion Jan Blachowicz squared off against surging contender Carlos Ulberg in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 255. In a fight that unfolded as a technical chess match rather than a highlight-reel slugfest, Ulberg emerged victorious via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), extending his remarkable win streak to eight and staking a bold claim for a title shot. For Blachowicz, the loss marked a bitter return after a nearly two-year layoff, raising questions about his future in the ever-evolving 205-pound division.
The Build-Up: A Clash of Experience and Momentum
The stakes couldn’t have been higher for this co-main event. Jan “Legendary Polish Power” Blachowicz (29-11-1, 12-8-1 UFC), a 42-year-old former light heavyweight king, stepped into the Octagon for the first time since July 2023, when he dropped a razor-thin split decision to Alex Pereira at UFC 291. That fight, followed by a shoulder surgery that sidelined him for 20 months, left Blachowicz eager to reassert his dominance in a division he once ruled. With a career-defining win over Israel Adesanya in 2021 and a draw against current champion Magomed Ankalaev in 2022, Blachowicz remained a formidable name—yet his long absence and age cast shadows of doubt.
Across the cage stood Carlos “Black Jag” Ulberg (12-1, 7-1 UFC), a 34-year-old New Zealander riding a wave of momentum. Since a knockout loss in his UFC debut to Kennedy Nzechukwu in 2021, Ulberg had reeled off seven consecutive victories, including a unanimous decision over former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir in November 2024. Trained at Auckland’s City Kickboxing, Ulberg’s polished striking and athleticism made him a -290 betting favorite, while Blachowicz entered as a +220 underdog, bolstered by his historical 10-2 record as an upset pick (per UFC stats).
The O2 crowd, buzzing with 16,935 fans, roared as Blachowicz made his entrance, the Polish veteran soaking in the energy of his ninth London appearance. Ulberg, unfazed by the hostile reception, strode out confidently, his seven-fight streak fueling his quiet swagger.
The Fight: A Striking Duel with Subtle Stakes
**Round 1**: The opening round was a cautious affair, with both fighters respecting the other’s knockout power. Blachowicz, the aggressor, advanced behind a steady diet of leg kicks, aiming to chop down Ulberg’s base. Ulberg circled the outside, using lateral movement and a crisp jab to keep distance, landing a thudding left hook midway through that echoed in the arena. Neither man committed fully, but Blachowicz’s pressure and leg kicks gave him a slight edge—many, including X user @ibezzant, scored it 10-9 for the Pole.
**Round 2**: Ulberg found his rhythm, stepping up his output with leg kicks of his own and a sharper jab. Blachowicz responded with a brief blitz, landing a pair of hooks, but Ulberg’s footwork kept him elusive. A clinch exchange saw Ulberg sneak a knee to the body before Blachowicz broke free. The round tilted toward Ulberg’s cleaner head strikes and higher volume, with posts on X suggesting he stole it late with precise counters, flipping the momentum.
**Round 3**: With the fight hanging in the balance, Blachowicz pressed forward, landing a solid jab and a late combination that briefly wobbled Ulberg. The Kiwi countered with a multi-punch flurry and a failed takedown attempt, which Blachowicz stuffed. Ulberg’s range management shone as he evaded Blachowicz’s power shots, finishing with a 31-25 edge in significant strikes (per unofficial stats). A last-second takedown bid from Blachowicz fell short, and Ulberg’s activity sealed the round—and the fight—in the eyes of the judges.
The scorecards read 29-28 across the board for Ulberg, though the decision sparked debate. Blachowicz outlanded Ulberg in leg kicks, but Ulberg’s 75-59 advantage in total significant strikes (per ESPN+) and cleaner headshots swayed the officials. Fans on X were split—@unashamedusa argued Blachowicz’s aggression deserved more, while @Questions4Later felt Ulberg’s youth tipped a measured bout.
Post-Fight Fallout: A Title Shot and a Crossroads
In his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, Ulberg wasted no time calling his shot: “Obviously the longest win streak in the light heavyweight division, so the only thing left for me is a title shot—and that’s all that matters.” His eight-fight run, now including a win over a former champion, positions him as a prime contender in a division ruled by Ankalaev, who dethroned Pereira at UFC 313 two weeks prior. Ulberg’s composure against Blachowicz—highlighted by a 83% takedown defense and disciplined striking—earned him accolades as a “bonafide contender” on X.
Blachowicz, now 1-3-1 in his last five fights, cut a frustrated figure. “I thought I did enough with the leg kicks and pressure,” he said, acknowledging Ulberg’s skill. The loss, his first three-fight skid, leaves the 42-year-old at a career crossroads. Once the division’s gold standard, Blachowicz must now weigh his next move—perhaps a rematch with Pereira or a bout against a rising name like Khalil Rountree Jr.
A Night of Impact at UFC London
The Blachowicz-Ulberg fight, while not a barnburner, was a tactical masterclass that showcased Ulberg’s evolution and Blachowicz’s resilience. It joined a card punctuated by shocks—Sean Brady’s submission of Leon Edwards in the main event and Alexia Thainara’s debut win over a retiring Molly McCann—making UFC London a night of seismic shifts.
For Ulberg, the victory catapults him into the title picture, though Ankalaev’s call for a Pereira rematch complicates his path. For Blachowicz, it’s a sobering reminder of time’s toll, even for a legend. As the UFC heads toward UFC 314 on April 19, this March 22 clash at the O2 will echo as a turning point—proof that in the light heavyweight division, new blood is rising, and the old guard must adapt or fade.
