Carlos Ulberg has been making a name for himself in the light-heavyweight division since his UFC debut in March 2021, despite a loss.
Before achieving prominence in mixed martial arts’ top organization, “The Black Jag” had a very different way of earning a living.
Like many aspiring fighters, Ulberg faced financial difficulties early in his career.
However, unlike many of his peers, the New Zealander utilized his appearance for modeling and participating in ladies’ nights.
Ulberg, ranked sixth at 205lbs, recounted, “I used to do ladies’ nights in Australia.”
“I would travel around Australia and New Zealand doing ladies’ nights and stripping, basically.”
Ulberg’s “Magic Mike” performances eventually caught the attention of a local announcer, who nicknamed him “Ladies Night.”
He continued, “Then a guy, one of the local announcers back home, heard about that and gave me that name.”
Ulberg, who declined two offers to appear on The Bachelor New Zealand, enjoyed the lifestyle of a male stripper.
But he left that behind after discovering his passion for fighting.
“I was a rugby player and needed extra money,” he explained about his stripping past. “And I found it was more than just extra money.”
“I was traveling, they put me on billboards and everything. It was similar to the Thunder From Down Under show here in Las Vegas.”
“So I was doing that, partying, getting paid, I loved it—I was young.”
“Until I found out I was good at fighting. Then I gave it up quickly.”
The decision to switch from stripping to fighting has proven successful for Ulberg, who entered the UFC with four consecutive wins, including one on Dana White’s Contender Series.
He lost his debut in the octagon in March 2021, suffering a TKO in the second round against Kennedy Nzechukwu.
However, he has since achieved SEVEN STRAIGHT victories, four by knockout.
Ulberg’s impressive streak has led to the biggest fight of his career against Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event at UFC London on Saturday night.
A significant victory against the former 205lbs champion could put him in contention for a UFC title shot later this year.
