Paddy Pimblett has reacted to Carlos Ulberg's victory over Jiri Prochazka with words of respect for the New Zealand fighter. Pimblett highlighted Ulberg's mental toughness and determination, noting that many fighters would have given up in such a situation. Instead, Ulberg persevered and continued fighting despite the challenging circumstances in the bout. The British lightweight's comments acknowledge Ulberg's warrior mentality in securing the comeback victory.
Paddy Pimblett has publicly praised Carlos Ulberg following the New Zealander's comeback victory over Jiri Prochazka, with the British lightweight singling out Ulberg's mental toughness as the defining factor in the win.
Pimblett, ranked sixth in the UFC lightweight division at 31 years old, acknowledged that most fighters would have folded under the pressure Ulberg faced during the bout. The Liverpool native carries a 23-4-0 record and trains out of Next Generation MMA. Known for his own aggressive output — averaging 5.49 significant strikes per minute with a 52 percent accuracy rate — Pimblett evidently recognizes a fellow high-volume, high-pressure fighter when he sees one.
Ulberg, nicknamed "Black Jag," improved to 15-1-0 with the victory, reinforcing his standing as the third-ranked light heavyweight in the UFC. The 35-year-old City Kickboxing product stands six-foot-four at 193 cm with a 77-inch reach and leads the light heavyweight division in striking output, averaging 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His perseverance against Prochazka, a notoriously dangerous opponent, underscores the warrior mentality Pimblett specifically cited in his comments.
Prochazka, the second-ranked light heavyweight, entered the fight with a 32-6-1 record and one of the most dynamic styles in the division. The Czech fighter, 33, is six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach and lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute, also at 55 percent accuracy. A loss drops him further from reclaiming divisional gold.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's win at number three keeps him firmly in title contention at 205 pounds
- Prochazka's defeat at number two reshuffles the top of a competitive light heavyweight landscape
- The result validates City Kickboxing's continued status as an elite MMA program
