Carlos Ulberg appeared unfazed by the provocative behavior of Josh Howitt during a recent encounter. According to footage from UFC ANZ, Howitt approached Ulberg with unusual comments, including asking if he wanted to move up to heavyweight. Ulberg remained composed and did not engage with the provocations. The exchange followed Howitt's bizarre media day speech in which he made disturbing threats toward opponents. Ulberg's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Howitt's eccentric behavior. The specific context of their potential matchup or rivalry, if any exists, was not clarified in the brief interaction.
Carlos Ulberg kept his composure during a media event encounter with Josh Howitt, brushing off a series of odd provocations that included Howitt asking the light heavyweight contender whether he had considered moving up to heavyweight. Footage shared by UFC ANZ captured the exchange, with Ulberg showing little reaction to Howitt's attempts to get under his skin.
Ulberg, 35, fights out of Auckland's City Kickboxing and carries one of the more imposing profiles in the light heavyweight division. The New Zealander holds a 15-1 record and is currently ranked third in the division, making him one of the top contenders at 205 pounds. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, he is a difficult matchup physically for almost anyone in the weight class. His output is notable even by elite standards, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Howitt's behavior at the media day extended beyond the brief Ulberg exchange. According to the UFC ANZ footage, he delivered a speech that included disturbing threats directed at opponents — a stark contrast to the measured silence Ulberg offered in response.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's ranking at number three in the light heavyweight division means any rivalry or matchup carries significant title implications.
- Howitt's provocations, including the suggestion Ulberg move up to heavyweight, appeared designed to draw a response from a fighter with genuine divisional stakes.
- The style contrast is evident off the mat as well: Ulberg's disciplined, high-volume striking game mirrors the calm he displayed facing Howitt's theatrics.
No official matchup between the two was confirmed or announced in connection with the media day interaction.
