Carlos Ulberg rejected Jiri Prochazka's claim that he showed mercy in their fight, stating that fear and hesitation were the real factors, not compassion. Ulberg suggested Prochazka is playing to the audience and making excuses to secure a rematch, which Ulberg believes will not happen. He predicts Magomed Ankalaev will defeat Prochazka decisively. Ulberg also noted that Prochazka did not approach him after the fight, suggesting his public persona is performative. Additionally, Ray Longo, coach to Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, commented on mental health issues in MMA, referencing Prochazka's unusual training methods and post-fight explanations. There are also reports of tension at City Kickboxing gym between Israel Adesanya and Ulberg, with neither acknowledging the other's recent performances.
Carlos Ulberg has fired back at Jiri Prochazka following the Czech fighter's post-fight claim that he showed mercy during their light heavyweight contest, calling the narrative a calculated attempt to manufacture a rematch.
Ulberg, ranked third at light heavyweight with a 15-1-0 record, flatly denied Prochazka's account, stating that fear and hesitation — not compassion — defined the moments in question. The 35-year-old New Zealander, who fights out of City Kickboxing and lands an impressive 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, accused Prochazka of playing to the crowd and dismissed any prospect of a rematch as unlikely.
Prochazka, ranked second in the division, carries a 32-6-1 record and is known for an aggressive, high-output style — averaging 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy across his UFC career. The 33-year-old Czech fighter trains at Jetsaam Gym Brno and has drawn attention for unconventional training methods that have been noted publicly. Ulberg also pointed out that Prochazka did not approach him after the fight, suggesting the public persona Prochazka projects may not reflect his private conduct.
Ulberg went further, predicting that Magomed Ankalaev will defeat Prochazka decisively, which would render any rematch conversation moot regardless.
Ray Longo, the veteran coach associated with Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, also weighed in, referencing Prochazka's training habits and post-fight explanations in a broader commentary on mental health considerations within MMA.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's dismissal of a rematch has direct implications for the light heavyweight top-five picture, with both men sitting at ranks three and two respectively.
- Prochazka's path back to title contention may hinge on the outcome of his expected bout with Ankalaev, which Ulberg predicts goes against him.
- Reported tension between Ulberg and City Kickboxing teammate Israel Adesanya — ranked eighth at middleweight with a 24-6-0 record — adds an internal storyline to one of MMA's most prominent gyms.
