All Blacks overcome Italians as Ulberg continues win-streak

Halo Olageta, Happy Solomon Islands Language Week! We go again, another big weekend in sports so let’s get stuck in.

1. Carlos Ulberg beats former title contender

The UFC continues to be set alight by the infamous City Kickboxing Gym, as light-heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg extended his winning streak by beating Volkan Oezdemir of Switzerland.

Ulberg’s slick striking was on full display against the former title contender. Both had powerful exchanges in the opening rounds, but the New Zealand-Sāmoan controlled a lot of the fight.

Ulberg and his team after the bout. Photo/Carlos Ulberg.

Keeping Oezdemir at a distance and avoiding a takedown in the process, Ulberg won convincingly on the cards 30 - 27.

The win cements Ulberg's place in the top 10 of the UFC’s light heavyweight rankings, setting him up to face another top 10 fighter before the ultimate shot at the title.

UFC returns to Sydney next year, and Ulberg has expressed interest in fighting on that card.

1. CM Punk is the fifth member of the Bloodline

The ‘Wise Man’ Paul Heyman has returned! This time with the 5th member for the War Games.

Tension has risen over the past few weeks between the new Bloodline and the original Bloodline. Both teams will face each other at the Survivor Series War Games, which require five members aside.

Over the past few weeks, the original Bloodline has struggled to find its fifth member to battle the new Bloodline, after Bronson Reed joined the Sikoa-led group. This is because the Roman Reigns-led group had wreaked havoc on a lot of the roster, so they were outnumbered and unwanted.

On the latest edition of Smackdown, the original Bloodline were shaken by the return of the ‘Wiseman’ Paul Heyman, who came bearing the news of the Bloodline's fifth member. CM Punk.

The two groups will face this weekend at the WWE War Games!

1. Toitu! All Blacks win final test

Toitu te mana o te whenua. Toitu te mana motuhake. Toitu te Tiriti o Waitangi.

In his last test match, TJ Perenara began the infamous All Blacks haka with a special ode to the ‘Toitu te Tiriti’ movement in Aotearoa. That haka powered the ABs to a win against Italy 29 - 11, closing out their international season.

A scrappy first-half performance from the All Blacks demonstrated some fatigue following five weeks of flair, as their discipline crippled the team’s momentum.

Their second-half performance improved as their elite backline crossed for three tries.

I would say it’s been a successful first season for the new coach Scott Robertson. A few losses don’t hurt when you’re trying to build a World Cup-winning side.

I’m excited to see how this plays out, all the best to the All Blacks!

1. Flying Fijians toppled by Irish

Ireland dominated Fiji in a convincing 52-17 victory in Dublin, scoring eight tries in their most impressive performance of the autumn internationals.

Captain Caelan Doris opened the scoring in the fourth minute, followed by tries from Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey, and Mack Hansen to give Ireland a commanding 28-3 lead at halftime.

The Irish continued their strong performance in the second half with scores from Bundee Aki, debutant Gus McCarthy, Hansen again, and Ronan Kelleher. Fiji managed two tries through Kitione Salawa Jr and Setareki Turagacoke.

1. Wallace Sititi wins World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year

New Zealand rugby celebrated multiple victories at the World Rugby Awards, with several All Blacks and Black Ferns named to teams of the year and Chiefs' Wallace Sititi winning breakthrough player of the year.

Sititi joins an elite group of previous winners from New Zealand, including current All Black teammates Mark Tele'a, Will Jordan, and Rieko Ioane.

The loose forward had previously stated he would have been content just playing a single game for the Chiefs in Super Rugby.

Despite his success, Sititi remains focused on improvement, acknowledging there's always room to grow and creded his coaches for their support.

Watch the full sports wrap on 531PI Pacific Mornings:

Matty’s Golden Point

Matty’s Golden Point is a piece of advice shared on the 531PI Pacific Grandstand show.

"The thing about winning and losing is that you can win and give a mediocre effort and you can still lose after giving it everything you have. I know which effort I'd be more proud of."

Wayne Bennett