Carlos Ulberg has rejected the idea of an immediate rematch with Jiri Prochazka. Ulberg stated that Prochazka did not approach him to congratulate him after their fight, which he found unusual. He criticized Prochazka's post-fight comments about showing mercy, calling it playing to the crowd. Ulberg believes the entire situation has been clouded by Prochazka's mercy narrative. He suggested the whole story could have been better handled. The post asks readers whether Prochazka deserves an immediate rematch.
Carlos Ulberg has made clear he has no interest in giving Jiri Prochazka a quick path back to a rematch, publicly dismissing the notion and taking aim at the Czech fighter's post-fight conduct in the process.
Ulberg, known as "Black Jag," currently sits third in the UFC light heavyweight rankings with a record of 15-1-0. The 35-year-old New Zealander, who trains out of City Kickboxing, stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and has built his reputation as a high-output striker, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Prochazka, ranked second in the division at 32-6-1, is one of the most dangerous fighters in the weight class. The 33-year-old from the Czech Republic trains at Jetsaam Gym Brno and brings an extraordinary offensive output of his own, averaging 5.69 significant strikes per minute with a reach of 80 inches.
Ulberg's objections go beyond the result itself. He pointed to Prochazka failing to approach him after the fight to offer congratulations, describing the omission as unusual. He also pushed back hard on Prochazka's post-fight remarks suggesting he had shown mercy, calling it a performance for the crowd rather than a genuine reflection of what happened. Ulberg argued that the mercy narrative has distorted the story of the fight and that the entire situation could have been handled better.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's rejection of a rematch directly affects how the top of the light heavyweight division reshapes itself following their bout.
- Prochazka's second-ranked status means a rematch, if made, would carry significant title implications for both fighters.
- The stylistic overlap between two high-volume orthodox strikers made their first meeting compelling, adding weight to public interest in a potential second fight regardless of Ulberg's stance.
