Sounds great on paper, but “Black Jag” knows that he’s only fighting for the 205-pound title because Alex Pereira skipped town to battle for an unprecedented third belt at UFC White House in June. The only way to prove his mettle is to lure the Brazilian back to light heavyweight.
Or chase “Poatan” to heavyweight.
“I would’ve loved to have fought the champion because that would’ve etched me to be the best,” Ulberg said during the UFC 327 media day (transcribed by MMA Junkie). “He is the man right now, and he is definitely the guy that I wanted to fight for that title. I think a win here, a dominant win here could definitely lure Pereira back to the division and test himself, as well. He’s the man at the moment and to be the man you’ve got to beat the man. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat him.”
“He’s definitely the guy that I’ve been keeping a close eye on and wanting that fight because I know that would be the fight to make happen,” Ulberg continued. “It is always focusing on me and what’s at hand and in front of me. The main course is to get that title, hold it for as long as I can, and then when I prove myself in the light heavyweight division, then I will chase that heavyweight belt.”
The 35 year-old Ulberg (13-1) has won nine straight fights with six finishes during that span. That said, he may not need to lure Pereira back to light heavyweight if the Brazilian is defeated by Ciryl Gane at UFC White House in June because “Poatan” may be coming back voluntarily.
For much more on this weekend’s UFC 327 fight card click here.
