Paddy Pimblett has reacted to Carlos Ulberg's victory over Jiri Prochazka, expressing respect for Ulberg's performance. Pimblett specifically praised Ulberg's mental toughness and determination, noting that many fighters would have given up in the situation Ulberg faced during the fight. Instead, Ulberg continued to fight and ultimately secured the victory. Pimblett's comments highlight the competitive spirit displayed by Ulberg in what was evidently a challenging bout against the former light heavyweight champion.
Lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett has publicly praised Carlos Ulberg following Ulberg's victory over former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka, specifically calling out the New Zealander's mental toughness as something that set him apart from most fighters on the roster.
Pimblett, ranked sixth in the lightweight division at 31 years old, made clear that Ulberg's refusal to fold during a difficult stretch of the fight stood out to him. The Liverpool native noted that many fighters would have quit in the same situation, but Ulberg pressed on and earned the win. Pimblett carries a 23-4 record and fights out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, and his own aggressive, high-output style — he lands 5.49 significant strikes per minute — gives him an informed perspective on what it takes to stay composed under pressure.
Ulberg, known as "Black Jag," improved to 15-1 with the victory, a result that strengthens his position as the third-ranked light heavyweight contender. The 35-year-old City Kickboxing product out of New Zealand stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and leads the division's notable strikers with 6.54 significant strikes landed per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
The man on the other side of that win, Jiri Prochazka, entered the bout ranked second in the light heavyweight division. The Czech fighter holds a 32-6-1 record and brings an 80-inch reach and one of the division's most recognizable styles to every outing, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's win over a ranked former champion significantly bolsters his case for a title shot at 205 pounds
- Prochazka drops a result that complicates his path back to the top of the light heavyweight standings
- Pimblett's public acknowledgment adds visibility to a light heavyweight division moment that crosses divisional lines
