MACAU, CHINA – NOVEMBER 23: (L-R) Carlos Ulberg of New Zealand punches Volkan Oezdemir of Switzerland of their mild heavyweight struggle throughout the UFC Battle Night time occasion at Galaxy Area on November 23, 2024 in Macau, China. (Picture by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Streaking mild heavyweight Calos Ulberg wasn’t combating Jamahal Hill on Saturday, however reasonably former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir on the UFC Macau most important card.
Ulberg, winner of six straight, had been matched up towards ex-champ Hill at UFC 303. Harm noticed that fall by way of, and he as a substitute was given Oezdemir, winner of his final two fights.
Oezdemir is understood for his spectacular one-punch energy and after knocking out Johnny Walker in June, is making one other push in the direction of the highest of the division. Battle followers anticipated fireworks from these aggressive strikers, and that’s precisely what they acquired.
Oezdemir pressured ahead early trying to land highly effective hooks on the within. Ulberg threw a swift head kick that was blocked, however acquired Oezdemir’s consideration. Oezdemir continued to push ahead backing Ulberg up towards the fence. Each fighters exchanged heavy blows towards the cage, as Oezemir backed up in respect for Ulberg’s energy. Within the closing ten seconds, Ulberg threw a 3 punch mixture to the physique adopted by a head kick, that will have swung the opening spherical in his favor.
To start out the second, every competitor exchanged leg kicks whereas measuring distance. Ulberg discovered a house for his jab, using his two inch attain benefit halfway by way of the spherical. Oezdemir began to steer blood from his nostril after repeatedly getting hit with the jab of Ulberg. The toughness of Oezdemir was on show in spherical two as he continued to march ahead towards the youthful and quicker rising prospect.
Oezdemir got here out extraordinarily aggressive in spherical three in search of a knockout end. Ulberg utilized his quickness and circled away from the highly effective punches coming his manner. Ulberg threw a three-punch combo that landed on Oezdemir, because it seemed just like the perennial contender was slowing down. Ulberg once more discovered success together with his jab and Oezdemir shot for a desperation takedown with a minute left within the third. After 15 laborious fought minutes all three judges scored the struggle in favor of Ulberg, with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.
At present the tenth ranked fighter within the division, “The Black Jag” will discover himself knocking on the door of the highest 5. Particularly with seven straight wins underneath his belt.
Official Outcome: Carlos Ulberg def. Volkan Oezdemir by unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
