“Titles are but nicknames and every nickname is a title,” the famous American revolutionary Thomas Paine once said. Although this quote may be rooted in the past, it continues to carry weight in the world of sports, particularly in combat sports. Fighters are often more recognized by their nicknames than their real names—think ‘The Gypsy King’ or ‘The Notorious.’ You know exactly who we’re talking about, right?

While some nicknames, like “The Naked Man,” used by retired Brazilian MMA fighter Jorge Ortiz, may not be as flattering, they remain unforgettable to fans. One name that’s steadily gaining recognition is Carlos Ulberg, the rising light heavyweight contender known for his knockout power. Having transitioned from kickboxing to MMA, Ulberg has earned two popular nicknames: “Black Jag” and “Ladies Night.” So, what’s the story behind Carlos Ulberg’s nicknames? Let’s dive in and find out.

Why is Carlos Ulberg called ‘Black Jag’?

Childhood nicknames often take inspiration from animals to make them sound cooler, and Carlos Ulberg is no exception. Born to a set of New Zealand parents with Samoan and German roots, his nickname, ‘Black Jag,’ draws from the powerful and elusive black jaguar, a native animal of Central and South America. This animal inhabits countries such as Ecuador, Venezuela, and over ten other nations with tropical rainforests and grasslands.

In 2022, the #6 ranked 205fer explained the origins of the nickname, saying: “Well, Black Jag was something that I grew up with. I love jaguars and black jaguars, and I grew up with that name playing the PlayStation. Pretty much everything results from being a kid and having it as [my] alter ego.”

Just like the jaguar’s stealth, unpredictability, and power, Carlos Ulberg embodies these traits in the Octagon. With an impressive record of 9-1 (overall 12-1) and a prime opportunity to slay a former champion, it’s clear how fitting this moniker is for his fighting style. Now that we’ve explored the meaning behind his ‘Black Jag’ nickname, let’s take a look at the story behind another one of his popular monikers.

What does Carlos Ulberg’s other nickname ‘Ladies Night’ mean?

Before fully committing to his professional fighting career, Carlos Ulberg, like many fighters, took on various odd jobs to support himself in the early stages. He worked as a model and even as a male entertainer in Australia, using these gigs to stay financially stable while maintaining peak physical condition for his fights.

In an interview with the UFC, ‘Black Jag’ shared the story behind his ‘Ladies Night’ nickname. He explained: “I used to do ladies’ nights in Australia. I’d travel around Australia and New Zealand, performing at ladies’ nights and basically stripping. That’s how I got the name ‘Ladies Night.” Ulberg said. “Actually, a local announcer back home heard about it and gave me that name. Shout out to Danny Hennessy.”

Now that Carlos Ulberg has put his past behind him, he’s gearing up to return to the Octagon this week in London. But he’s not the only one with a colorful past in the UFC—women’s fighter Vanessa Demopoulos, also with a history as an ex-stripper, is set to make her mark next month when she faces Talita Alencar.

However, all attention is on the New Zealand knockout artist, ‘Black Jag’, who will showcase his striking skills tonight against former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. Do you think that the New Zealander has what it takes to overpower the Polish sensation? Drop your predictions below for the UFC Fight Night 255 co-main event!