Carlos Ulberg has been making waves in the light-heavyweight division after his debut in UFC in March 2021.
Before achieving fame in mixed martial arts, “The Black Jag” had a very different way of earning a living.
Like many aspiring fighters, Ulberg faced financial challenges early in his career.
However, unlike most, the New Zealander leveraged his looks for modeling and performing at ladies’ nights.
Ulberg, currently ranked sixth at 205lbs, recounted, “I used to do ladies’ nights in Australia.”
“I traveled around Australia and New Zealand doing ladies’ nights and stripping.”
This ‘Magic Mike’ past earned him the nickname ‘Ladies Night’ from a local announcer.
Ulberg, who declined two opportunities to appear on The Bachelor New Zealand, enjoyed the lifestyle of a male stripper.
But he left that behind when he discovered his passion for fighting.
“I was a rugby player and needed extra money,” he explained. “And this was more than extra money.”
“I was traveling, featured on billboards, similar to the Thunder From Down Under show in Las Vegas.”
“I was enjoying it – partying, getting paid, being young.”
“Until I realized I was good at fighting. Then I quit stripping quickly.”
This decision proved successful. Ulberg entered the UFC after four consecutive wins, including one on Dana White’s Contenders Series.
His UFC debut in March 2021 was a TKO loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu.
Since then, he has achieved SEVEN straight victories, four by knockout.
Ulberg’s impressive streak leads to a significant fight against Jan Blachowicz at UFC London on Saturday night.
A victory against the former champion could put him in contention for the UFC light-heavyweight title.
