Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matthew Wells

Carlos Ulberg eyes top 15 opponent after bonus-earning TKO of Ihor Potieria at UFC on ABC 4

Carlos Ulberg made quick work of Ihor Potieria on the main card of Saturday’s UFC on ABC 4, which took place at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Take a look inside the first-round TKO result by Ulberg, who extended his current win streak to four, which includes three straight opening-round finishes.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 4.

Carlos Ulberg vs. Ihor Potieria

Result: Carlos Ulberg def. Ihor Potieria via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:09
Updated records: Ulberg (8-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Potieria (19-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Key stats: Ulberg has won his past three fights in the first round, with each finish stemming from hooking punches.

Ulberg on his approach to fighting Potieria

May 13, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carlos Ulberg (red gloves) fights Ihor Potieria (blue gloves) in a light heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

“There’s always a few different gameplans that you have to work with. I knew that if I was patient in there, and I stood my distance, he would fall into a trap,” Ulberg said during a post-fight news conference (via FanSided).

Ulberg on connecting with a clean hook

May 13, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carlos Ulberg (red gloves) fights Ihor Potieria (blue gloves) in a light heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

“I knew. I saw his head go down, I saw his eyes roll back, and I knew it was done,” Ulberg said during his in-cage post-fight interview. “That’s the bottom line. That’s the way we go. Hurt and not get hurt, that’s the name of the game.”

Ulberg on walking off before the referee Keith Peterson stopped the fight

May 13, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carlos Ulberg (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Ihor Potieria (blue gloves) in a light heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

“As I was throwing, well, the first punch that landed, the check hook, he fell kind of awkwardly into me. So, I knew at that point, he was out to some point. And then, followed up with some hammerfists and punches. He was almost out at that point, and I don’t feel that if to put him out any more than that would do any justice. So, I just walked off thinking, ‘I think that’s it.’ Then Keith came in and finished the show.”

Ulberg on bonuses and ranked opponents

May 13, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carlos Ulberg (red gloves) is announced as the victor of a light heavyweight bout against Ihor Potieria (blue gloves) by ring announcer Bruce Buffer (right) during UFC Fight Night at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

“I don’t do names, but I do numbers. I know there’s a top 15 coming, but soon, you know what they say, when it rains it pours. So, pour on the cheddar and make it better, baby.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.