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Carlos Ulberg

Carlos Sao Murry Ulberg is a New Zealand mixed martial artist and former kickboxer who competes in the UFC light heavyweight division.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carlos Sao Murry Ulberg is a New Zealand mixed martial artist and former kickboxer who competes in the UFC light heavyweight division. Born on 17 November 1990, he has built a career after earlier work in rugby league, modelling, and reality television, and is known by the nickname "Black Jag".

Early life

Ulberg was born in New Zealand and spent part of his childhood in foster care, moving between homes from about age four to 13 according to BBC reporting. He later became involved in sport, including rugby league and striking disciplines.

Mixed martial arts career

Ulberg transitioned from rugby league and kickboxing into mixed martial arts and later joined the UFC. Coverage from 2024 and 2025 described him as climbing the light heavyweight rankings after notable wins.

UFC career

Ulberg has competed in the UFC light heavyweight division and trained with City Kickboxing. BBC and UFC coverage highlight him as a contender in the division, with his performances building him toward title contention.

Public profile

Outside fighting, Ulberg has been noted for modelling work and an appearance on a New Zealand dating reality show. Media profiles also describe him as one of the more recognisable New Zealand fighters on the international MMA scene.

Key facts

  • Carlos Ulberg is a New Zealand professional mixed martial artist who competes at light heavyweight in the UFC.
  • He was born on 17 November 1990 and is commonly known as "Black Jag".
  • Before MMA, he also competed as a kickboxer and previously played rugby league at a semi-professional level.
  • BBC reporting describes him as having spent much of his childhood in foster care in New Zealand.
  • He trained at City Kickboxing in Auckland and became a UFC contender after a series of wins.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Carlos Ulberg?
Carlos Ulberg is a New Zealand professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer who competes in the UFC light heavyweight division.
What is Carlos Ulberg's nickname?
His nickname is "Black Jag".
When was Carlos Ulberg born?
He was born on 17 November 1990.
What division does Carlos Ulberg fight in?
He fights in the UFC light heavyweight division.
What team is Carlos Ulberg associated with?
He is associated with City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand.

References

  1. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/articles/ckgwd0v0drxo
    Supports: Biography details including foster care background, New Zealand upbringing, earlier rugby league and modelling work, and UFC title-shot context.
  2. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/articles/c87wrv92392o
    Supports: Reports Ulberg's UFC title win, his light heavyweight championship status, and his New Zealand nationality.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/4695736/carlos-ulberg
    Supports: Lists his nickname, height, weight, stance, team, division, and birthdate.
  4. UFC — https://www.ufc.com/news/carlos-ulberg-ready-for-fellow-knockout-artist-volkan-oezdemir-ufc-macau
    Supports: States his UFC record context and light heavyweight status.
  5. Sherdog — https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Carlos-Ulberg-84291
    Supports: Provides fighter statistics, age, height, weight class, affiliation, and professional record.