The Daniel Cormier Show - Carlos Ulberg on beating Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327, DISMISSES DC & major critics

Summary

The Daniel Cormier Show: Carlos Ulberg on UFC 327, Critics, and the Journey to a Title Shot

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts & The Volume)
Episode Date: April 11, 2026
Guests: Daniel Cormier (host), Carlos Ulberg (UFC Light Heavyweight title contender)

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Daniel Cormier sits down with Carlos Ulberg ahead of his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship fight against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327. The conversation delves into Ulberg’s rapid rise in the division, his handling of doubt and criticism, his mindset ahead of the title bout, views on his team at City Kickboxing, and how fighting on the world stage can inspire a new generation in New Zealand and Australia. Ulberg is candid about his journey, dismissive of outside criticisms—including those from Cormier himself—and focused on proving his worth in the octagon.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Pre-Fight Mindset and Preparation

Timestamp: 03:03–04:34

• DC: Welcomes Ulberg, noting the fight’s magnitude as his first UFC title challenge in Miami against Jiri Prochazka.
• Ulberg: Shares that he’s soaking in the moment while focusing on optimal preparation, emphasizing the strength of bringing his crew early to Miami for final training.
• Ulberg on camp: “We came a little earlier to Miami… that set us up for this week—for fight week, really.” (03:22)

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2. Speed of Success and Climbing the Ranks

Timestamp: 04:34–06:07

• DC: Questions whether Ulberg’s rise has been faster than expected.
• Ulberg: Downplays talk of rapid success, feeling his progression has been measured and based on constant development.
• Quote: “I was learning on the job, I did it the right way, and it helped me to develop how I needed to.” (04:34)

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3. Handling Criticism and “Pretty Boy” Label

Timestamp: 05:41–08:45

• DC: Admits to being hard on Ulberg, explaining he saw untapped potential and hype that demanded scrutiny.
• Ulberg: Addresses criticism as motivation but mostly focuses on self-improvement rather than external chatter.
• Notable exchange:
  • Cormier: “I have been hard on you at times.”
  • Ulberg: “You have been. But I still wonder why.” (06:40)
  • DC explains: “There was a lot of hype put on you so fast… but as you continued on this win streak… you always had the power, right? But… your eyes, the way you move, those guys really can’t stay with you.” (06:44–07:27)
• On the “pretty boy” tag:
  • Ulberg: “I had that my whole life… I’m so used to it… I’ve left that behind me now.” (08:36−08:46)
  • DC: “You really have honestly fought out of, like, being a pretty boy to a guy that’s like, God, this dude’s fucking dangerous. He will knock your head off.” (08:25–08:36)

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4. Approach to Fighting—System vs. Chaos

Timestamp: 09:24–12:19

• DC: Breaks down Ulberg’s evolution—his increased patience and composure, which he sees as key for a champion.
• On Jiri Prochazka as an opponent:
  • Ulberg: “He’s exactly what everyone’s been saying. This week is chaotic… he is where he is and why he is here.” (11:17)
• Systematic or Instinctive?:
  • Ulberg: “Every fight for me is going to be different. Every opponent’s going to be different.” (12:19)
  • Ulberg: “A bit of instinct. But then, yeah, systematic too.” (12:43)

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5. Grappling, Gameplans, and Dealing with Firefights

Timestamp: 10:25–11:41

• Ulberg: Reveals confidence in grappling, though rarely tested there, suggesting new aspects could be seen in the title fight.
  • “I can grapple if I need to. It’s just that I haven’t been tested there too much…if someone wants to try it, bring it.” (10:25–10:50)

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6. Background: From Rugby League to the UFC

Timestamp: 17:34–18:29

• Ulberg: Began fighting after a rugby league career, credits “street fighting” and inherent aggression for his mentality.
  • “I was always street fighting and I’ve always had that fight in me… Once you have it, you know, you got it… the fire I had in my eyes when I was playing rugby league was quite different.” (17:44–18:29)

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7. Visualization, Motivation, and Title Aspirations

Timestamp: 18:29–19:40

• On visualizing the moment:
  • Ulberg: “Just go in there, line them up, and when the time is right, fire.” (19:17–19:21)
• On what being champion means:
  • “It means all the hard work, all the… sacrifice… has paid its due, and you’ve become the best in the world.” (19:25–19:40)

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8. Critics & Legitimacy with Alex Pereira Gone

Timestamp: 19:46–20:24

• DC: Acknowledges neither Ulberg nor Prochazka have fought, let alone beaten, previous champ Alex Pereira; asks if this affects perceptions of legitimacy.
• Ulberg’s dismissal:
  • “Critics are critics… when you’re the champion, you’re the champion, and when you have that gold belt, that’s it.” (20:11)
  • DC on detractors: “You ready to just tell them? Yeah, fuck off.” (20:24)

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9. Team Culture at City Kickboxing & Legacy

Timestamp: 21:09–22:01

• Ulberg: Praises the value his team adds, their history of titles, and how another UFC belt can inspire others in New Zealand and Australia.
  • “Everyone’s added their value to this camp for us… to bring it back to New Zealand… and give a bit more hope… when they see another brown world champion from the UFC, I think that’ll give them a bit more hope.” (21:09–22:01)

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Notable Quotes

• "I like to prove to myself more than anything that I'm the man… when I get to the top of that mountain, I'll lift that belt and then I can rejoice a bit and have a little fun and then climb the next mountain."
  — Carlos Ulberg (06:08–06:38)

• "You get put into that category that, oh, he's a pretty boy... people just like to see you lose because of that reason."
  — Carlos Ulberg (09:05–09:20)

• “He’s exactly what everyone’s been saying. This week is chaotic… and he has that fire.”
  — Carlos Ulberg on Jiri Prochazka (11:17–11:41)

• “I was always street fighting…Once you have it, you know, you got it.”
  — Carlos Ulberg on his fighting roots (17:44–18:29)

• “When you’re the champion, you’re the champion, and when you have that gold belt, that’s it.”
  — Carlos Ulberg on outside opinions and legitimacy (20:11–20:24)

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Memorable Moments

• Cormier openly apologizing for being critical: Demonstrates mutual respect and candidness between fighter and commentator. (06:38–06:44)
• Ulberg’s nonchalance about doubters and the “pretty boy” tag: He’s embraced the criticism as fuel but remains ultimately unfazed. (08:36–08:46)
• Ulberg’s pride in representing New Zealand: Connects his rise to a wider impact for fighters “from such a small country.” (21:09–22:01)
• Humorous banter about blockbusters and ugly fights:
  • Cormier: “If y’all fight look like my fights, that’d be some crazy ass shit. We be booing. I'll boo you. I’ll be next to the cage, boy.” (22:01–22:34)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:03 | Carlos shares pre-fight mentality and preparation approach | | 04:34 | Discussion on Ulberg’s climb, doing it “the right way” | | 06:38 | DC admits to past criticism, explains rationale | | 08:25 | On evolving from a “pretty boy” reputation to feared finisher | | 10:25 | Plans to handle Prochazka’s chaos and possible grappling | | 11:17 | Ulberg’s view on Jiri: “chaotic… fire” | | 17:44 | Ulberg’s fighting background: street fights, rugby league, and transition to MMA | | 19:25 | What winning a UFC belt means personally | | 20:11 | Dismissing the need for validation by beating Alex Pereira | | 21:09 | Team City Kickboxing’s impact and representation for New Zealand | | 22:01 | Cormier expresses confidence in the fight’s excitement: “fireworks” |

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In Carlos Ulberg’s Own Words

• “There are people that don’t know who I am, and that’s because I’m not out on social media showing this and that… I’m simple and plain.” (05:46)
• “I like to prove to myself, more than anything, that I’m the man. I like to prove it to myself first.” (06:09)
• “Critics are critics. They’re always going to have something to say…” (20:11)

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Summary

This episode provides a reflective and revealing look at Carlos Ulberg’s mindset and journey as he heads into the biggest fight of his career. Daniel Cormier’s probing dovetails with Ulberg’s understated confidence, offering insights into the psychology of both athlete and commentator. Ulberg addresses criticism directly, leans on self-belief, and underscores the power of representing his team and country. The episode concludes with acknowledgment of the personal and cultural stakes, setting the stage for a high-octane main event at UFC 327.

Transcript

[Daniel Cormier]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human. This is Daniel Cormier from the Daniel Cormier Show. This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. Power doesn't wait in the octagon or outside of it. You either make the move or you miss the moment. That's why you need a network that's just as powerful as you are. With Total Wireless, you get unlimited 5G data keeping you in the action from the walkouts to the knockouts. Now that's a total power move. Make your total power move today. Visit totalwireless.com or stop by your neighborhood Total Wireless store. Additional terms apply. See totalwireless.com for details.

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[Carlos Ulberg]

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[Daniel Cormier]

The volume. Hey, Carlos. Blackjack Peanut Butter Jag. I need more peanut butter Jag.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Peanut butter.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. Light color.

[Carlos Ulberg]

I love a bit of peanut butter.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, a little peanut butter. Hey man, you know what I just saw? I saw a gal outside. That's her right there. She works for you?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yes. Yeah, well, I work for her.

[Daniel Cormier]

She. Oh yeah. Yeah.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Well, she's the manager.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, she's your manager? Yeah, she's over there put. She's over there putting milk inside of her or tea, man.

[Carlos Ulberg]

It's all good.

[Daniel Cormier]

What y' all got going on over there in Australia? Yeah, milk and tea.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Milk and tea? You don't have milk and tea?

[Daniel Cormier]

Hell, no. We don't do that.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Wow.

[Daniel Cormier]

You put milk in your.

[Carlos Ulberg]

I think it's an English thing.

[Daniel Cormier]

Really?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

But you're not English. You're Australian.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Kiwi, New Zealand.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's good. Hey, man, thanks for checking in with me. I appreciate it. Guys. Carlos Oldberg fights for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship this weekend against your Prochaska from Miami, Florida. How's it feel being about to fight for your first UFC championship?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, pretty fired up, man. It's. It's. It's surreal, but then at the same time, I'm kind of just soaking everything in and letting everything fall into place. We've got a whole crew here, which has been nice. We came a little earlier to Miami, so that allowed us to. Well, allowed that. Yeah, us to get some training and that last hard week of training that we needed, and that set us up for. For this week to. For fight week, really.

[Daniel Cormier]

So who. Who did you bring? I saw.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Oh, God. Kivanje. Navajo.

[Daniel Cormier]

Sterling Navajo, who just fought in Seattle last week. Navajo just stayed here the whole time since he fought? Yeah. Yep, Yep. Because you not didn't. He came from Seattle, right, To meet you straight here. Yeah, yeah. He got a finish, too.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, he did. Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Finally. I mean, shit, I was getting bored watching the fight every time, going 15 minutes. Nah, I'm just fucking with him. I was just talking to him about how good he did earlier. He's got his headphones, and you don't even hear. He did good, man. He's doing really good. You guys have a lot of momentum going in that team. But I want to ask you this, Carlos, and this is one of the things that I've wondered a lot. Has this happened faster than you could have thought?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Some would say no, but, I mean, I think I've done it the right way, where, you know, you went through the division, and it wasn't like some guys had got it after two fights in the ufc, three fights in the ufc. But I think doing it the way that I did it, and because I was learning on the job, I did it the right way, and it helped me to develop how I needed to.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know, when I watch you come off of the Contender Series, it's very evident you had a lot of potential. And so you get judged a little harder. I've been hard on you in quite a few times because you can see that there's something there, but it's not just me. It's like bisping. It's like, well, we all work will be more. It'll be more. Do you notice any of that? And it's like, do you like. When you're watching so many people just talk about your career and your career continues to elevate and elevate and elevate, Are you aware of what's happening around you in terms of the conversation? Because ultimately the conversation also helps to get to the end point. Right. So many people talking about you. And does it even. Does it matter? Because it never quite mattered to me.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, I mean. Yeah, exactly. It never really matters, but it just adds a little bit of fuel to the fire.

[Daniel Cormier]

Right?

[Carlos Ulberg]

There's a bit of fire there. It's just. I have full faith in myself and I know, I know my potential. I know the people I train where they know my potential, and that's all really that matters. There are people that don't know who I am, and that's because I'm not out on the social media showing this and that and. And that's the way I like it. And I'm just. I'm simple and plain.

[Daniel Cormier]

But.

[Carlos Ulberg]

But I like to prove to myself more than anything that, that. That I'm the man. I like to prove it to myself first. I don't like to get ahead of myself and be like, I'm here and there and I'm not. You know what I mean? So I'll get there and when I get to the top of that mountain, I'll lift that belt and then I can rejoice a bit and have a little fun and then climb the next mountain. Yeah, but I do, I do. I do pay a bit of attention to that. I do. And, yeah, and I keep it up here.

[Daniel Cormier]

I've been hard on you at times.

[Carlos Ulberg]

You have been?

[Daniel Cormier]

I have been.

[Carlos Ulberg]

But I still wonder why.

[Daniel Cormier]

I will tell you right now, it's because I can always see that there's something I just didn't know. I was like, well, is he going to be able to accomplish all this? Because it seemed like there was a lot of hype put on you so fast.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Did you think so? Did you think there was a lot of hype?

[Daniel Cormier]

I thought there was a lot of hype. But then I'm going to tell you why. I'm going to tell you where I saw a switch right Whenever things, you fought so well in that one fight that you ultimately lost, and then I could see that there was a little bit of something different in you going forward. It was small, right. But as you continued on this win streak, it was a little bit more and a little. You always had the power, right? But it was. Is. Can Carlos Ulberg not get drawn into that type of fight where they can ultimately cost him? Because in terms of athleticism and all that other stuff, your eyes, the way you move, those guys really can't stay with you.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, yeah, Yeah, I guess so. I guess. I mean, but, yeah, I think. Yeah, like you said. Like I was saying, it's just me kind of putting my head down, and as an athlete, that's all that matters is, you know, I'm not about the cameras and this and trying to be in the limelight. It's more just really about getting to the top of that mountain. And that's how I like to put it, is go in there, prove to myself, and get what is there for me.

[Daniel Cormier]

Carlos, you don't feel like there was a lot of hype put on you?

[Carlos Ulberg]

I don't think so. I don't think there was. I. I think in the beginning, you kind of have to just. Just for. I think it as. As. As a. As a business, you kind of have to do a bit of push and stuff and. But I don't feel like there was. I don't feel like there ever really was. Yeah, I think just because of maybe the way someone.

[Daniel Cormier]

People perceive you, maybe look the way you look and the way you fight. Everybody was like, you really have honestly fought out of, like, being a pretty boy to a guy that's like, God, this dude's fucking dangerous. He will knock your head off.

[Carlos Ulberg]

I had that my whole life. I had really, like, my entire life, and I'm so used to it now that it's just like. It's just like, hey, I've seen this before. Like, I know.

[Daniel Cormier]

I know.

[Carlos Ulberg]

You're just insecure, you know, it's just like, hey, all good. So I've left that behind me now, and it's just like, all good.

[Daniel Cormier]

But you also got to be able to use that because it all adds, right? It all adds to the product, what you're trying to sell, and you have to sell it, and you should, because, I mean, right, you're not an ugly fella.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Well, I know that's. And that's the thing, is because you get put into that category, right? You get put into that category that, oh, he's a pretty boy, and he's only going to get pushed, like, you know, and we'll see how. And people just like to see you lose because of that reason. And you just got to.

[Daniel Cormier]

But you don't block that out. Block that out.

[Carlos Ulberg]

And then just.

[Daniel Cormier]

But I think even in that fight, right, in the darkest of times, you showed that you're more than just that because you fought and just got caught. Honestly, you really just got caught. But then you go on this win streak, right? And you ultimately find yourself now headlining in Miami, Florida, against Yuri Prohazka. All the things I said, though, where I said all those incremental improvements where you're more patient, where you're more calm, you set things up better, Those are all things that will be necessary if you are to become world champion against a guy in Europe, Prochaska. So when you guys get that name and you see it's youri and it's for the belt, what do you do and your team you do internally to prepare to make sure that you aren't drawn into that firefight? Because there is that thing in fighters where we go, you hit me. I fought Alexander Gustafson. He cut me. I should have wrestled him, but all I wanted to do was rip his fucking head off because he cut me. How do you not get drawn into that firefight? When Yuri does land, we'll just have

[Carlos Ulberg]

to see what happens when we get in there. But, I mean, it's like, I just stick to. Stick to what got me here in the first place, but then also what's helped me develop over the years. Who knows? I may even try a few things. I mean, I. I can grapple if I need to. It's just that I haven't been tested there. There too much. And, you know, if. If someone wants to try it, bring it.

[Daniel Cormier]

Why. Why have we not seen more people try to wrestle you?

[Carlos Ulberg]

I think it's. I don't know. Well, yeah, hey, keep trying.

[Daniel Cormier]

Like, I mean, keep trying, keep not doing it. It's not helping you. It ain't helping you, right? You might as well try to shoot a takedown. When you look at Yurido, what do you see? Unorthodox, Bushido way mind of a fighter, of a mixed martial artist. What do you see when you look at Yuri Prohazka? And what is the challenge on Saturday night?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, I see. I see. Yeah, he's definitely a warrior. And he's read all the books and. And, yeah, he's. He's exactly what everyone's been saying. This week is chaotic. And. And he has that fire. It's. Yeah, he has that fire. So he is where he is and why he is here.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know what's always interesting when I do these and I sit with you guys? You say he's chaotic. He says you're systematic and you're going to do the same thing over and over and over because you've learned a system of fighting that you feel comfortable in. It's always interesting. Right. Because how do you not get drawn into the chaos? And how does he not fall into watching you break him down in the system that you've been trained in?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yep.

[Daniel Cormier]

Right. But then there's got to be a little more to that system than just following what's. What's preconceived.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, Yeah. I think it's just on the night, too, right? You might.

[Daniel Cormier]

Are you a systematic fighter?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Could be. Could be, could be. Well, yeah, I think it just. I think every fight for me is just going to be different. Every opponent's going to be different and.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, that's it.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah. I don't want to give out too much.

[Daniel Cormier]

You don't, huh? You kind of just think about fighting. Like you go out there and you just go on instinct.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, a bit of instinct. But then, yeah, systematic, too. It's just.

[Daniel Cormier]

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[Daniel Cormier]

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[Daniel Cormier]

This is not something that you did your whole life, right? You didn't start kickboxing, wrestling. You didn't start that all at a young age, right? When did you decide that you were going to be a fighter?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Well, I decided that I wanted to, to be a fighter after my, my rugby league career. But before that I was always street fighting and I've always had that fight in me, so. So that kind of just went hand in hand. Hey, you're a fighter. And I always knew that I had that mentality and once you have it, you know, you got it, so went with it. And even when I was on the field, I was very, I was very, I guess, what would you say, physical? I was a very physical, aggressive person. An aggressive person for rugby league, and that's aggressive on its own. But the fire I had in my eyes when I was playing rugby in rugby league was quite different.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know what was the best? When I, when I met my manager, he called me and he goes, have you ever been in a street fight? I'm like, bro, I grew up in a war zone, man. You had the street fighter. You get your ass kicked every day, but you have to call on that sometimes, right? That thing that's inside of you that allows you to go and stand in front of another man that's been trained to beat you over the course of 8 to 12 weeks. What does Saturday night look for you when you step into that octagon in the main event against your right? Because you have seen him fight for the UFC title on three different occasions. This is number four. Have you allowed for yourself to be there yet? Like, have you visualized it? Have you sat and tried to put yourself in that cage on Saturday night knowing that you're 25 minutes or less from becoming a world champion? This is something we all dream about, but now you're on the verge of that.

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, sure. Just go in there, line them up, and when it's. When the time is right, fire.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. What is being a world champion? What would that mean to you?

[Carlos Ulberg]

It means all the hard work, all the. Everything that you've trained for, all the sacrifice or the time that you've put away has paid its due, and you've become the best in the world.

[Daniel Cormier]

You have any family coming?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Bits and pieces. Yep. Most of the teams here, so it's all good.

[Daniel Cormier]

Carlos, I want to ask you this because I asked Yuri the same question, because I was in this situation. You never fought Alex Pereira. Yuri and I have fought the guy that vacated the belt, but there will be this thing that follows you guy. Whoever won this belt on Saturday, well, he didn't beat Alex Pereira. Right. Is he the real champion? Have you thought about that a little bit? Like, how you're going to handle that, or does that not even matter to you?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, I mean, critics are critics. They're always going to say something. Always going to have something to say, and that's what the sport really is, the entertainment side is about. It's when you're the champion. You're the champion, and when you have that gold belt, that's it.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's what I would tell them. Every time I fight, the person that's in front of me, if the dude's gone, right, or if there's no one to fight, then you ready to just tell them? Yeah, fuck off. Yeah. That's the best way, right? I got my gold belt. That's it, man. Last thing before I let you go. I've seen your team in so many big fight situations. The way that you guys draw around each other, how much. How much impact does that have on you? And as you venture on this great chance at this accomplishment, to know that the work that you put in your team's here, you guys are all ready to go try to come get another world championship, because that city, kickboxing, you guys have a number of world championships. What would it mean to add another one to that legacy?

[Carlos Ulberg]

Yeah, I guess. Well, yeah, everyone's added their value to this camp for us to have this world title and to bring it back to New Zealand and to have that to show to the world and give a bit more hope to the rest of New Zealand and Australia that we can do it and from such a small country of New Zealand and bring, I guess, bring a bit more fire to what we have already. There's so much talent there that we've got that at the moment. There's, well, there's like everyone's Right now, Rugby is like the biggest sport. Everyone is quite physical, big people strong. But when they see another brown world champion from the ufc, I think that'll give them a bit more hope.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, that's awesome. It's always good whenever you can motivate people, man. Congratulations on everything, guys. Carlos Olberg fights for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship this weekend at UFC327. Make sure you guys tune in to Paramount. Plus don't miss it because the way him and Yuri fight, this is going to be absolute fireworks. And I know, I can guarantee, I can guarantee it. And now if you and Yuri go out there and start hugging each other and fighting like I did, that'd be crazy. If y' all fight look like my fights, that'd be some crazy ass shit. We be booing. I'll boo you. I'll be next to the cage, boy.

[Carlos Ulberg]

You got the gold.

[Daniel Cormier]

You're good. I did, right? I did. I stalled to the win. Nah, this guys, this will be fireworks, I promise you. Between these two, make sure you guys go follow Carlos and all that he's doing and make sure you like and subscribe to this channel until next time. Peace. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.