“Ilia ’s a midget. People don’t understand how much bigger I am,” Paddy Pimblett scoffed, taking a jab at the soon-to-be former UFC featherweight champion’s decision to move up to lightweight. At just 5’7″, Ilia Topuria faces skepticism about his ability to compete in the 155-pound division. Fans often see height and reach as crucial advantages in MMA; whether lightweight or heavyweight, taller, longer fighters have a greater advantage inside the Octagon. This concept will be on full display at UFC London, where the co-main event pits former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz against surging contender Carlos Ulberg.

With no heavyweight bouts on the main card, these two 205-pound powerhouses will be the center of attention at The O2 Arena this weekend. The fight presents a classic matchup: experience versus momentum. But does physicality play the biggest role in determining the winner? To find out, let’s break down both fighters’ height, reach, and weight to assess who holds the physical advantage heading into this showdown.

Blachowicz vs. Ulberg height and reach comparison

Does height and reach determine a fighter’s success in combat sports? It’s a debate that continues to divide opinions. A taller fighter with a longer reach often has the advantage of landing strikes from a safe distance, keeping their opponent at bay. However, this edge isn’t absolute. Shorter fighters with a smaller reach can be just as dangerous if they manage to close the gap and work inside their opponent’s range—something 6’3” Oleksandr Usyk proved twice against the towering 6’9” Tyson Fury.

A similar dynamic will unfold at UFC London when former champion Jan Blachowicz takes on rising contender Carlos Ulberg. Blachowicz, standing at 6’2” with a 78-inch reach, holds a slight advantage in reach, while ‘Black Jag’, the taller man at 6’4”, has a marginally shorter reach of 77 inches. But beyond physical attributes, momentum plays a crucial role.

At 42 years old, Jan Blachowicz hasn’t fought since late 2022 and is currently on a two-fight losing streak. Meanwhile, Carlos Ulberg is surging, boasting a 12-1 record and riding a dominant seven-fight win streak. With these physical and experiential factors in mind, let’s examine how height, reach, and recent form could shape the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup.

Who weighs more, Jan Blachowicz or Carlos Ulberg?

Joe Rogan once labeled traditional weight cutting as “sanctioned cheating,“ criticizing the practice as both dangerous and unnecessary. The longtime UFC commentator and podcast host has repeatedly urged the promotion and athletic commissions to reform or eliminate extreme weight cutting.

Yet, the debate rages on. Fighters push their bodies to the limit through severe dehydration and other grueling methods just to make weight for the official weigh-ins. However, what truly matters on fight night is their walk-around weight—the weight they gain back after rehydration, often significantly higher than their weigh-in weight, which can impact both power and endurance inside the cage.

At UFC London, Jan Blachowicz and Carlos Ulberg will officially hit the scale at the 205-pound light heavyweight limit. But their real fight-night weight tells a different story. According to reports from Home of Fight, Blachowicz typically walks around at 218 pounds. While Kiwi fighter’s exact walk-around weight isn’t publicly confirmed, estimates based on his frame suggest he weighs between 210-215 pounds.

With both fighters boasting impressive size, the spotlight now shifts to this highly anticipated showdown. Can Carlos Ulberg use his athleticism and size to counter Jan Blachowicz’s strength and reach advantage? Share your thoughts and predictions below!