Carlos Ulberg knows how high the stakes are at UFC 303.
With Khalil Rountree forced out of the June 29 co-main event vs. Jamahal Hill(12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas due to a failed drug test, Ulberg (9-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) agreed to intervene on short notice.
The City Kickboxing standout is on a six-fight win streak, but will face a big jump in competition when he takes on former UFC light heavyweight champion Hill.
“We’re going to face Hill. I think he’s number 3 at the moment, so it’s very good news that puts us in a very good position – and I’m not going to miss this opportunity,” Ulberg said in an interview with TO INVOLVE.
Hill’s fight with Rountree was originally scheduled as a co-headliner. While the fight order is not yet set, Ulberg is excited to compete on the same card as the returning Conor McGregor, who is headlining UFC 303 against Michael Chandler.
“McGregor is obviously the biggest star to come out of the UFC, and even the sport alone,” Ulberg said. “Everyone you talk to knows McGregor – even if they’re not an MMA fan. I spoke to someone today and they didn’t know about MMA, but they knew who McGregor was – which was amazing.
“He’s definitely a big star, and fighting on this undercard would be incredible. If we can get the co-main event, it will be even more spectacular. He comes in with confidence and that’s something I like to take into my fights. When I jump in that cage, it’s just me, my opponent and the preparation I had beforehand.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 303.