Carlos Ulberg knocked out Jiri Prohazka at UFC 327 with his signature left check hook, marking his sixth knockout with that strike in his last 12 fights. Prohazka was caught multiple times by the check hook despite having been dropped twice by the same punch against Pereira previously. The analysis notes Ulberg fought through a knee injury that limited his mobility. A potential Ankalaev vs Ulberg matchup is discussed, with Ankalaev given a slight edge at 55-45 due to his pressure fighting and wrestling, though Ulberg's speed and movement pose significant threats. The post also covers Paulo Costa defeating Azamat Murzakanov and Josh Hokit's impressive performance against Curtis Blaydes.
Carlos Ulberg delivered a highlight-reel finish at UFC 327 on April 11, stopping Jiri Prohazka with his trademark left check hook to claim a stunning knockout victory and cement his status as a genuine light heavyweight title contender.
Ulberg, known as "Black Jag," improved to 15-1 and now sits at number three in the light heavyweight rankings. The 35-year-old New Zealander out of City Kickboxing stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and lands an impressive 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. The finish was notably his sixth knockout via the check hook in his last 12 fights — a weapon Prohazka had already been dropped by twice in his previous outing against Alex Pereira. Reports indicate Ulberg gutted through a knee injury that hampered his movement throughout the bout, making the performance all the more striking.
Also at UFC 327, Paulo Costa picked up a victory over Azamat Murzakanov. "The Eraser," ranked 13th at middleweight and now 16-4, continues to be one of the division's most dangerous strikers at 35 years old. The Brazilian lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy, and the win keeps him relevant in a crowded 185-pound picture.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's win sets up a compelling light heavyweight title picture, with Magomed Ankalaev — ranked first at 21-2-1 — emerging as the logical next opponent
- Ankalaev, a 34-year-old Russian with solid wrestling at 0.79 takedowns per 15 minutes, is assessed as a slight favorite at 55-45, with his pressure and grappling offering a meaningful counter to Ulberg's speed and movement
- Ulberg's check hook has now become one of the most statistically dangerous weapons in the division, raising serious questions about opponent preparation heading into any future matchup
Saturday, April 11, 2026
