Carlos Ulberg has rejected the idea of a rematch with Jiri Prochazka, citing post-fight behavior and questioning Prochazka's authenticity. Ulberg stated that Prochazka did not come to congratulate him after their fight, which is unusual for him as he typically shows respect and love to all opponents. He suggested Prochazka's conduct felt more like playing to the crowd rather than genuine sportsmanship. Ulberg expressed disappointment that the entire situation has been clouded by Prochazka's controversial "mercy" narrative following the fight. The post asks readers whether Prochazka deserves an immediate rematch. Ulberg's comments suggest tension and dismissiveness toward his recent opponent.
Carlos Ulberg has publicly ruled out a rematch with Jiri Prochazka, citing a lack of sportsmanship from the Czech fighter following their recent light heavyweight bout.
Ulberg, known as "Black Jag," expressed disappointment at Prochazka's conduct in the aftermath of the fight, specifically noting that Prochazka did not come to congratulate him — something Ulberg described as out of character, given that he typically extends respect and goodwill to all of his opponents. Ulberg also pushed back on what he called Prochazka's "mercy" narrative surrounding the contest, suggesting the Czech fighter's behavior felt more like grandstanding than genuine sportsmanship.
The New Zealander enters this moment with serious momentum behind him. Fighting out of the renowned City Kickboxing gym, Ulberg carries a 15-1-0 record and sits third in the light heavyweight rankings at 35 years old. Standing six-foot-four and generating 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, he is one of the division's most dangerous offensive fighters.
Prochazka, ranked second at light heavyweight, brings a 32-6-1 record to his name and remains one of the sport's most recognizable figures. The 33-year-old Czech fighter out of Jetsaam Gym Brno stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach — one of the longest in the division — and lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at the same 55 percent accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's dismissal of a rematch effectively removes what would have been a natural next fight for the division's second and third-ranked fighters.
- With Ulberg unwilling to revisit the matchup, both men will likely need to look elsewhere in a crowded light heavyweight top five.
- The friction over Prochazka's post-fight conduct and "mercy" framing adds an unusual public dimension to what is typically a straightforward rematch conversation.
