Carlos Ulberg has ruled out the possibility of a rematch with Jiri Prochazka, citing a lack of respect from the Czech fighter. Ulberg stated that Prochazka did not congratulate him after their fight, which is unusual for him as he typically shows respect and love to all his opponents. Ulberg suggested that Prochazka's behavior was an attempt to play to the crowd and that the entire situation was clouded by Prochazka's talk about showing "mercy" in the fight. Ulberg expressed that his relationship with Prochazka was different from his usual opponent interactions. The post asks readers whether Prochazka deserves an immediate rematch.
Carlos Ulberg has publicly closed the door on any potential rematch with Jiri Prochazka, pointing to a breakdown in mutual respect as the reason he has no interest in facing the Czech fighter again.
Ulberg, ranked third in the UFC light heavyweight division, carries a record of 15-1-0 and has established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the 205-pound weight class. The 35-year-old New Zealander, who trains out of City Kickboxing, lands an impressive 6.54 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, the fighter known as "Black Jag" has built a reputation not only for his output but for the sportsmanship he typically displays toward opponents.
It is that sportsmanship, Ulberg explained, that made Prochazka's post-fight conduct stand out. He noted that the Czech fighter did not congratulate him after their bout, a gesture Ulberg considers a basic standard he holds for all his opponent interactions. He also took issue with Prochazka's talk of showing "mercy" during the fight, framing it as behavior aimed at playing to the crowd rather than reflecting genuine competitive spirit.
Prochazka, ranked second at light heavyweight with a career record of 32-6-1, is 33 years old and fights out of Jetsaam Gym Brno in the Czech Republic. The six-foot-three southpaw converted striker lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute and carries an 80-inch reach, making him one of the most physically imposing and unpredictable fighters in the division.
Why it matters
- Ulberg ruling out a rematch complicates the light heavyweight picture, with both men sitting in the top three of the divisional rankings
- The dispute introduces a personal dynamic that could influence matchmaking decisions for both fighters moving forward
- With Ulberg at rank three and Prochazka at rank two, a rematch would have had clear title-contention implications that now appear unlikely to materialise
