Ray Longo, coach to Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, has commented on mental health in MMA, specifically addressing Jiri Prochazka's behavior and his claims of showing mercy in his recent loss. Longo suggested that while Prochazka's unusual habits like standing on his head and drinking his own urine are entertaining, his loss shows what happens with such approaches, calling the "mercy" excuse nonsense. Carlos Ulberg echoed these sentiments, stating that Prochazka didn't show mercy but rather was hampered by fear, accusing him of playing to the crowd and making excuses to secure a rematch. Ulberg also noted that Prochazka didn't approach him after the fight and believes Prochazka's actions are calculated for public reaction. Additionally, the post mentions Trump telling Paulo Costa he's "too handsome to be a fighter" and suggests tensions at City Kickboxing gym between Israel Adesanya and Ulberg. Ulberg may have suffered an ACL tear with 9-12 months recovery time, though official confirmation is pending.
Ray Longo, the veteran coach behind UFC bantamweight stars Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, has waded into the ongoing controversy surrounding Jiri Prochazka's post-fight claims, dismissing the Czech light heavyweight's "mercy" narrative and drawing pointed criticism from Carlos Ulberg in the process.
Prochazka, 33, carries a 32-6-1 professional record and is currently ranked second in the UFC light heavyweight division. The Czech Republic native trains out of Jetsaam Gym Brno and is known for unorthodox preparation methods. Longo acknowledged that habits like standing on his head and drinking his own urine make for entertaining content, but argued that Prochazka's recent loss exposes the limits of that philosophy. He flatly called the "mercy" excuse nonsense.
Carlos Ulberg went further, contending that it was not mercy but fear that hampered Prochazka inside the cage. Ulberg accused the six-foot-three, 203-centimeter reach fighter of playing to the crowd and manufacturing excuses designed to lay the groundwork for a rematch. Ulberg also noted that Prochazka did not approach him after the bout, suggesting the behavior is calculated rather than genuine.
Separate storylines are also swirling around City Kickboxing, with reported tensions between Israel Adesanya and Ulberg within the gym. Adesanya, the 36-year-old Nigerian middleweight ranked eighth in his division with a 24-6 record, has long been the flagship name at the Auckland-based team. The nature and severity of any internal friction has not been officially detailed.
Why it matters
- Prochazka's ranking at number two in light heavyweight means how he frames this loss directly shapes the division's rematch and contender conversation.
- Ulberg's allegation of fear, rather than mercy, challenges the narrative Prochazka appears to be building for a future opportunity.
- Reports that Ulberg may have suffered an ACL tear, requiring nine to twelve months of recovery, remain unconfirmed and could affect his own divisional timeline.
- Separately, Paulo Costa received an unusual compliment from Donald Trump, who reportedly told the 35-year-old Brazilian middleweight he was "too handsome to be a fighter."
