Professional wrestler CM Punk made headlines during a WWE event when he removed the traditional Tongan Ula Fala necklace from UFC fighter Carlos Ulberg during Ulberg's wrestling match against Roman Reigns. The incident occurred during a WWE crossover appearance, blending the worlds of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. Ulberg, who is a legitimate UFC light heavyweight contender, was participating in the WWE entertainment spectacle. The Ula Fala holds cultural significance in Tongan tradition and is often worn by fighters of Tongan heritage. This crossover moment generated significant attention across both combat sports communities.
Carlos Ulberg found himself at the center of an unusual crossover moment on April 20, 2026, when professional wrestler CM Punk removed the Ula Fala necklace from the UFC light heavyweight contender during a WWE event that also featured Roman Reigns.
Ulberg, known as "Black Jag," represents New Zealand and trains out of the renowned City Kickboxing gym. The 35-year-old currently holds the number-three ranking in the UFC light heavyweight division and carries a record of 15 wins and one loss. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, he is a formidable striker inside the Octagon, landing an impressive 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy — figures that place him among the division's most productive offensive fighters.
The Ula Fala is a traditional lei made from shells or seeds and carries deep cultural meaning in Tongan heritage. It is commonly worn by athletes of Tongan descent as a symbol of identity and pride, making Punk's removal of it during the staged WWE appearance a moment that resonated well beyond the wrestling audience.
Why it matters
- The incident drew widespread attention across both the UFC and WWE fan bases, amplifying Ulberg's public profile at a critical stage of his light heavyweight campaign.
- As the number-three ranked light heavyweight, Ulberg is firmly within title contention, and any spike in his visibility carries divisional implications.
- The crossover blurs the lines between combat sports entertainment and legitimate competition, raising questions about how UFC fighters engaging in WWE storylines affects their brand and perception.
