Carlos Ulberg steps in to face Jamahal Hill in UFC 303 co-main event

Jamahal Hill has a new opponent for UFC 303.

Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that the former UFC light heavyweight champion will now face surging contender Carlos Ulberg at the International Fight Week event on June 29 in Las Vegas. The New Zealand Herald was first to report the matchup.

Ulberg steps into his biggest fight to date following Khalil Rountree’s withdrawal after revealing he had taken a banned substance, for which he received a two-month suspension by Combat Sports Anti-Doping. After dropping his octagon debut, Ulberg has won six straight and finished his past five opponents. Most recently, the New Zealander knocked out Alonzo Menifield in 12 seconds at UFC St. Louis earlier this month.

Hill looks to bounce back after getting knocked out by Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 300 in April, his first fight since suffering an Achilles injury that led to him vacating the light heavyweight championship. “Sweet Dreams” captured the vacant title at UFC 283 in January 2023 when he earned a unanimous decision against Glover Teixeira.

UFC 303 is headlined by the return of Conor McGregor against Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout.

Damon Martin contributed to this report.