Carlos Ulberg remained calm and dismissive when confronted by Josh Hockett's provocative behaviour during a media event. In footage captured by UFC ANZ, Hockett approached Ulberg with a series of comments, including remarks about Ulberg's size and questioning whether he wanted to move up to heavyweight. Ulberg appeared unbothered by the interaction and did not engage with Hockett's attempts at provocation. The exchange highlighted the contrast in demeanour between the two fighters. Ulberg's composed response suggests he is focused on his upcoming fight rather than pre-fight mind games.
Carlos Ulberg kept his cool during a media event when opponent Josh Hockett attempted to get under his skin ahead of their upcoming light heavyweight bout.
Footage captured by UFC ANZ showed Hockett approaching Ulberg and throwing out a string of provocative remarks, including comments about Ulberg's size and suggestions that the New Zealander should consider moving up to heavyweight. Ulberg, unfazed throughout, declined to take the bait and gave little ground to Hockett's attempts at mind games.
Ulberg, 35, carries a 15-1 record and is currently ranked third in the light heavyweight division. The New Zealand-born City Kickboxing product stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, and his striking output backs up his physical presence — he lands 6.54 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate, numbers that place him among the more dangerous strikers in the 205-pound weight class.
The irony of Hockett's size-related taunts was not lost given that Ulberg is one of the bigger fighters in the division. The jibes about a heavyweight move appeared equally unlikely to land, with Ulberg's body language and demeanour throughout the exchange suggesting his attention is firmly fixed on the contest ahead.
Why it matters
- Ulberg sits third in the light heavyweight rankings, meaning a strong performance keeps him in title contention
- The contrast in composure between the two fighters was stark, with Ulberg's calm approach drawing a clear line in demeanour heading into fight week
- Hockett's provocations may reflect a deliberate strategy to disrupt the rhythm of a composed, high-output striker who has shown little weakness since joining the UFC roster
