CM Punk created a dramatic moment during a WWE event by ripping the ula-fala (a traditional Samoan necklace) off Carlos Ulberg during Ulberg's match against Roman Reigns. The ula-fala is a ceremonial necklace of significant cultural importance in Samoan tradition, often worn by high chiefs. This incident occurred during a WWE wrestling match, not an MMA event, though Ulberg is primarily known as a UFC light heavyweight contender. The post does not provide context for why Punk interfered or what storyline this is part of in WWE programming. This represents a crossover appearance by Ulberg in professional wrestling.
Carlos Ulberg made a surprising appearance in professional wrestling on April 20, 2026, when the UFC light heavyweight contender stepped into the world of WWE — only to have CM Punk dramatically rip the ula-fala from around his neck during a match involving Roman Reigns.
Ulberg, known in MMA circles as "Black Jag," represents New Zealand and trains out of the acclaimed City Kickboxing gym. The 35-year-old holds a professional record of 15-1 and is currently ranked third in the UFC light heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, he has built his reputation as a high-output striker, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate. The ula-fala torn from him during the segment is a ceremonial necklace of deep cultural significance in Samoan tradition, historically associated with high chiefs.
CM Punk's interference and the removal of the ula-fala created a charged moment during the broadcast, though the specific storyline driving the confrontation was not detailed in available reporting. The incident marks a crossover foray into professional wrestling for Ulberg, whose primary career remains in MMA.
Why it matters
- Ulberg is the third-ranked light heavyweight in the UFC, making his mainstream WWE exposure notable for the division's profile.
- The ula-fala carries genuine Samoan cultural weight, lending the moment significance beyond standard wrestling theatrics.
- The appearance signals a growing crossover between UFC talent and WWE programming, a trend with potential implications for fighter visibility and promotional partnerships.
