A detailed breakdown following UFC 327 highlights Carlos Ulberg's devastating left check hook, which has resulted in six knockouts or knockout sequences in his last 12 fights. The analysis notes Ulberg dropped both southpaws and orthodox fighters with the strike, and that Jiri Prochazka was caught by it three times before the finish. Despite Ulberg suffering a knee injury mid-fight, Prochazka failed to capitalize through wrestling or leg attacks. Looking ahead, the post analyzes a potential Ankalaev vs Ulberg matchup, giving Ankalaev a slight 55-45 edge due to his pressure fighting and wrestling, though noting that Thiago Santos previously hurt Ankalaev with the same left check hook. The analysis also covered Paulo Costa's victories over Russian fighters Pyotr Kopylev and Azamat Murzakanov, and praised Josh Hockit's athleticism while questioning the judging in his fight with Curtis Blaydes.
A post-UFC 327 breakdown published on April 12 has drawn widespread attention for its deep dive into Carlos Ulberg's left check hook and what it could mean for the light heavyweight division going forward.
Ulberg, ranked third at light heavyweight, improved to 15-1-0 at UFC 327 with a finish of Jiri Prochazka. The 35-year-old New Zealander out of City Kickboxing stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, and the analysis highlights that his left check hook has produced six knockouts or knockout sequences across his last 12 fights. The weapon lands against both southpaws and orthodox opponents alike. Prochazka was caught by the strike three times before the finish, and the breakdown notes that despite Ulberg suffering a knee injury during the contest, Prochazka — ranked second at 185 cm and carrying a 203-centimeter reach — never adjusted by going to wrestling or leg attacks. The Czech fighter drops to 32-6-1 with the loss.
The piece then turns to a potential future matchup between Ulberg and Magomed Ankalaev, giving Ankalaev a narrow 55-45 edge based on his pressure fighting and wrestling. Crucially, the analysis flags that Thiago Santos previously hurt Ankalaev with the same left check hook, raising questions about whether Ulberg's signature strike could be the equalizer.
Also covered in the breakdown were Paulo Costa's performances against Pyotr Kopylev and Azamat Murzakanov. Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight and carrying a 58 percent striking accuracy at 6.26 significant strikes per minute, picked up victories over both Russian fighters. The 35-year-old Brazilian out of Team Borracha continues to produce highlight-reel striking.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's left check hook is now a documented divisional threat, effective against fighters of any stance
- Prochazka's failure to adapt mid-fight despite Ulberg's knee injury raises questions about his in-fight adjustments
- An Ankalaev matchup carries title implications, with wrestling and check hook vulnerability as the central tactical debate
- Costa's back-to-back wins over ranked Russian opposition strengthen his position in the middleweight picture
Saturday, April 11, 2026
