Carlos Ulberg rejected Jiri Prochazka's claim that he showed mercy during their fight. Ulberg stated there was no mercy and that fear and indecision drove Prochazka's actions, distinguishing a champion from someone playing to the crowd. He believes Prochazka is making excuses to secure a rematch and firmly stated there is no chance of that happening. Ulberg predicted that Magomed Ankalaev would defeat Prochazka convincingly. He emphasized he is focused on being the best in the world, not engaging in performances.
Carlos Ulberg has fired back at Jiri Prochazka, flatly denying the Czech fighter's suggestion that he showed mercy during their recent light heavyweight contest and predicting that Magomed Ankalaev will hand Prochazka a convincing defeat.
Ulberg, who fights out of City Kickboxing in New Zealand, insisted that what Prochazka is calling mercy was in reality fear and indecision. The 35-year-old ranked third at light heavyweight with a 15-1 record argued there is a clear difference between a true champion and someone playing to the crowd, and he accused Prochazka of manufacturing excuses to lobby for a rematch. Ulberg was direct: that rematch has no chance of happening. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, the Black Jag is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Prochazka, the second-ranked light heavyweight from the Czech Republic, carries a 32-6-1 record and enters this exchange having built a reputation as one of the sport's most unpredictable and aggressive fighters. The 33-year-old operates out of an orthodox stance and measures six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His high-volume, instinct-driven style has drawn both admiration and criticism, and it is that impulsive decision-making inside the cage that Ulberg is now pointing to as a weakness rather than a virtue.
Ulberg also weighed in on the divisional picture above him, predicting that top-ranked Ankalaev will beat Prochazka convincingly. The 34-year-old Russian carries a 21-2-1 record and holds the number five spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. Ankalaev blends striking with a takedown rate of 0.79 per 15 minutes, presenting a well-rounded threat that Ulberg clearly believes will expose Prochazka's indecision.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's comments deepen a public rivalry that could shape the next light heavyweight title contender picture
- His prediction backing Ankalaev adds pressure on Prochazka heading into that anticipated matchup
- A third-ranked fighter publicly dismissing a rematch with second-ranked Prochazka signals confidence in his own path toward the title
