Carlos Ulberg has ruled out an immediate rematch with Jiri Prochazka, citing a lack of respect from the Czech fighter. Ulberg stated that Prochazka did not even approach him to offer congratulations after their fight, which is unusual given Ulberg's typical practice of showing respect and love to all opponents. He criticized Prochazka's post-fight narrative about showing "mercy," suggesting it was an attempt to play to the audience rather than genuine. Ulberg believes the entire situation could have been handled better but feels it has been clouded by Prochazka's mercy storyline. The post includes a poll asking readers whether Prochazka deserves an immediate rematch.
Carlos Ulberg has publicly ruled out an immediate rematch with Jiri Prochazka, saying a lack of basic respect from the Czech fighter makes the prospect a non-starter.
Ulberg, known as "Black Jag," is ranked third in the UFC light heavyweight division and carries a 15-1-0 record. The 35-year-old New Zealander, who trains out of City Kickboxing, stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and has been one of the division's most active strikers, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His complaint centers on Prochazka's conduct after their fight: Ulberg said it is his normal practice to show respect to every opponent, but Prochazka never approached him to offer congratulations.
Prochazka, ranked second at light heavyweight with a 32-6-1 record, is a 33-year-old from the Czech Republic who trains at Jetsaam Gym Brno. The six-foot-three, 80-inch-reach striker lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute and carries a reputation as one of the division's most aggressive and unorthodox competitors. Ulberg took direct aim at the narrative Prochazka pushed after the bout, calling his talk of showing "mercy" a performance designed for the audience rather than an honest reflection of events. Ulberg argued the situation could have been handled better and that Prochazka's mercy storyline has distorted the post-fight conversation.
Why it matters
- A rematch between the second- and third-ranked light heavyweights would carry significant title-contention implications in a stacked division.
- Ulberg's public refusal signals the bad blood may delay or derail what would otherwise be a natural booking.
- The style matchup — two high-output orthodox strikers each landing at 55 percent accuracy — would be one of the most technically compelling at 205 pounds.
