Former UFC fighter CM Punk interrupted a WWE match by removing the ceremonial ula-fala from Carlos Ulberg during his contest against Roman Reigns. The ula-fala is a traditional Polynesian necklace worn by wrestlers of Pacific Islander heritage as a symbol of respect and honor. This incident occurred during a WWE event and represents a crossover moment between MMA and professional wrestling personalities. CM Punk's action appears to have been part of a storyline or angle within the WWE programming. The details are limited, but this represents continued involvement of MMA figures in wrestling entertainment.
Carlos Ulberg found himself at the center of an unusual crossover moment when former UFC fighter CM Punk interrupted a WWE match to remove the ceremonial ula-fala from the New Zealand light heavyweight during Ulberg's contest against Roman Reigns.
The ula-fala is a traditional Polynesian necklace worn by wrestlers and fighters of Pacific Islander heritage, carrying deep cultural significance as a symbol of respect and honor. CM Punk's removal of the garland appears to have been part of a scripted WWE storyline, though it drew attention to one of the UFC's rising talents in an unexpected arena.
Ulberg, known as "Black Jag," is ranked third in the UFC's light heavyweight division and carries a 15-1-0 professional record at 35 years old. The City Kickboxing product out of Auckland stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, and his striking numbers reflect genuine elite-level output. He lands 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him one of the more dangerous strikers in a loaded 205-pound division.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's appearance in WWE programming raises his mainstream profile beyond the MMA fanbase
- The ula-fala spot signals WWE is leaning into Pacific Islander cultural storytelling, a theme central to Roman Reigns' long-running character work
- CM Punk's continued crossover presence bridges his UFC commentary and broadcasting history with his professional wrestling roots
- Any added visibility for a top-five light heavyweight carries divisional relevance as the 205-pound title picture continues to develop
