Carlos Ulberg has ruled out an immediate rematch with Jiri Prochazka and criticized his opponent's behavior following their fight. Ulberg stated that Prochazka did not approach him to offer congratulations after the bout, which he found disrespectful. He accused Prochazka of playing to the crowd and suggested that the "mercy" narrative Prochazka promoted was merely an attempt to secure a rematch. Ulberg expressed that he typically shows respect and love to all his opponents, but this situation felt different. He believes the entire story has been clouded by Prochazka's post-fight comments about showing mercy.
Carlos Ulberg has publicly dismissed any immediate rematch with Jiri Prochazka and taken direct aim at the Czech fighter's behavior in the aftermath of their light heavyweight bout.
Ulberg, known as "Black Jag," holds a 15-1 record and is currently ranked third in the UFC's light heavyweight division. The 35-year-old New Zealander, who trains out of City Kickboxing, stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and has built a reputation as one of the division's most active strikers, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Prochazka, ranked second at light heavyweight, carries a 32-6-1 record and brings his own considerable striking pedigree to the division. The 33-year-old Czech fighter lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at the same 55 percent accuracy rate, and at six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, he presents a physically imposing challenge for anyone in the 205-pound bracket.
Ulberg's core grievance centers on what he describes as a lack of basic sportsmanship. He said Prochazka never came to him after the fight to offer congratulations, a gesture Ulberg regards as a standard show of respect between competitors. He went further, accusing Prochazka of playing to the crowd and suggesting that the "mercy" narrative Prochazka pushed publicly was a calculated move designed to lay the groundwork for a rematch rather than an honest account of events. Ulberg made clear that he ordinarily extends respect and goodwill to every opponent, but that the conduct here set this situation apart.
Why it matters
- A rematch between the division's second- and third-ranked fighters would carry direct title implications at 205 pounds.
- Ulberg's rejection of the bout on these terms introduces a personal dimension that could shape how any future matchup is framed.
- The competing post-fight narratives — particularly around the "mercy" claim — have complicated the public record of the fight itself.
