Carlos Ulberg has large respect for UFC mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, and hopes that in the future he can share the octagon with “Poatan.”
Ulberg returns to motion this Saturday in opposition to one-time title challenger Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Macau. The surging 205-pound contender has been blown away by what Pereira has completed as champion with three title-defending knockouts.
“Tremendous, simply superhuman,” Ulberg advised MMA Combating. “I really feel just like the time is limitless for this man. He’s a champion, a real warrior, and nothing however respect for the man, and that is the true motive why I really feel like I wish to battle somebody like him, as a result of it doesn’t matter if he has the title or not.
“I positively wish to battle Pereira, for positive, purely as a result of I really feel like he’s earned his his manner into being an ideal champion.”
Ulberg competed in Could at UFC St. Louis and knocked out Alonzo Menifield in simply 12 seconds. The Metropolis Kickboxing standout was scheduled to compete at UFC 303 slightly over a month later in opposition to former champ Jamahal Hill, a battle that if Ulberg have been to win, could have gotten him a title battle. Sadly, Hill withdrew because of harm, as did Ulberg, who needed to step except for a alternative battle with Anthony Smith.
That’s simply superb with Ulberg, because the missed alternative simply wasn’t meant to be on the time.
“We’re in title rivalry discuss proper now already,” Ulberg mentioned. “We had the chance with Jamahal Hill that fell via, clearly, however we’re right here. We’re on this high 10 now, so now it’s only a chessboard. It’s simply enjoying your chess, or enjoying the playing cards, and proper now, myself and Volkan are at that sizzling seat, the place a whole lot of the opposite guys, a few of them have had the chance [at the title] or form of simply making their manner via, as effectively.
“At any given second, the place I can see it, it’s coming slightly nearer now. I’m seeing it clearer now, and the imaginative and prescient is opening up slightly extra for me to see it. So after this battle, God keen, every thing occurs the way in which we plan it to go, then we’re taking a look at probably getting a name up [for a title shot]. However, hey, in due time. I’m prepared for no matter, however then, additionally, you bought to take a look at guys which have earned that spot as effectively, the place you’ve got guys like [Magomed] Ankalaev, who may additionally get that chance. Superb. If he has the title at the moment, whether or not or not it’s himself or Pereira, then whoever is the person on the level, then that’s the man I would like. However no matter street it takes, nothing’s going to cease me.”
Oezdemir has stopped his previous two opponents, Bogdan Guskov and Johnny Walker, as he’s quietly put himself in an fascinating spot within the division. Ulberg understands what a win over a previous championship challenger may imply for him. That’s why he’s making ready to do one thing particular in opposition to a harmful opponent.
“You count on the surprising,” Ulberg mentioned. “You by no means know what may occur. Hey, the sunshine heavyweight division, you’ve received guys with heavyweight energy, and so they may transfer athletically, so something can occur.
“That mentioned, sure, ‘No Time,’ he could are available swinging the place he’s received the facility to take action, and the monitor file. He’ll are available with confidence, however hey, I do have some methods up my very own sleeve that I’m keen to attempt. So whether or not he’s keen to go to the bottom or the rise up, I really feel just like the followers are positively in for a deal with.”
