On March 22, 2025, at UFC London, Jan Blachowicz and Carlos Ulberg will collide in the co-main event in the O2 Arena. With Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev set to rematch for the light heavyweight title later this year, the UFC London co-main event showdown could determine who’s next in line for UFC gold.
The Veteran’s Comeback
Jan Błachowicz, the 42-year-old Polish powerhouse, returns after a nearly two-year hiatus caused by debilitating shoulder injuries. His last fight, a razor-thin split decision loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 291 in July 2023, left him sidelined but hungry for redemption. Once the UFC light heavyweight champion, Błachowicz boasts a storied career, including a draw with current UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282 as well as victories over elite names like Israel Adesanya and Dominick Reyes.
The Rising Star at UFC London
Carlos “Black Jag” Ulberg, a 34-year-old New Zealander from City Kickboxing, enters the fight on a seven-fight win streak, most recently outclassing Volkan Oezdemir in November 2024. Known for his slick striking and athleticism, Ulberg has evolved from a Dana White’s Contender Series standout into a legitimate contender.
What a Win Means for Blachowicz
For Blachowicz, defeating Ulberg would be a statement. After his surgery and long recovery, a victory proves he’s still a force at 205 pounds. While Pereira and Ankalaev are seemingly locked in for their rematch, Blachowicz could position himself as the next logical challenger.
He’s already expressed a desire to rematch both fighters, believing he beat Pereira and has “unfinished business” with Ankalaev from their 2022 draw. A decisive win, perhaps by knockout with his famed “Polish power,” could make it hard for the UFC to deny him a title shot in late 2025 or early 2026. At 42, time is ticking, but a win at UFC London keeps his championship dreams alive.
What a Win Means for Ulberg
For Ulberg, toppling Blachowicz would be a career-defining moment. Beating a former champion and No. 3-ranked fighter would vault him into the top five, signaling his arrival as a serious contender. Ulberg’s path, however, won’t likely lead directly to the title, but a standout performance, say, a highlight-reel knockout, could open the door for him. His momentum, youth, and marketability as part of the City Kickboxing crew would only amplify his case to receive a title shot after a devastating win, but such chances are slim. Instead, what’s more likely to happen would be a title eliminator against No. 2-ranked Jirí Prochazka.
What to Expect in The Octagon
The thrill lies in the unknown: Blachowicz might land a fight-ending bomb, or Ulberg’s speed could dismantle the veteran in a flash. Power clashes with finesse in a way that guarantees a jaw-dropping highlight, whether it’s a single devastating strike or a dazzling flurry. With a title shot on the line, they’ll pour everything into the cage, making the UFC London co-main event must-see TV.
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