Carlos Ulberg has rejected the possibility of a rematch with Jiri Prochazka and criticized his opponent's post-fight conduct. Ulberg stated that Prochazka did not even approach him to congratulate him after the fight, which he found disrespectful. While Ulberg normally shows respect and love to all his opponents, he feels this situation was different because Prochazka's behavior seemed like playing to the public. Ulberg expressed frustration that what could have been a better overall story has been clouded by the "mercy" narrative Prochazka promoted. He believes the entire situation could have been handled much better.
Carlos Ulberg has publicly ruled out a rematch with Jiri Prochazka and taken aim at the Czech fighter's conduct following their light heavyweight bout, voicing his displeasure at what he described as a lack of basic sportsmanship after the final bell.
Ulberg, known by his nickname "Black Jag," holds a 15-1-0 record and is currently ranked third in the light heavyweight division. The 35-year-old New Zealander, who trains out of the renowned City Kickboxing gym, is one of the more active strikers in the 205-pound weight class, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. He said that while he typically extends respect and goodwill to every opponent, this situation was different — Prochazka never came to congratulate him after the fight, a slight Ulberg found disrespectful.
Prochazka, the 33-year-old Czech ranked second at light heavyweight, carries a 32-6-1 record and brings an 80-inch reach and his own high-output striking game into every contest, averaging 5.69 significant strikes per minute. Despite his reputation as a flamboyant and crowd-pleasing competitor, Ulberg suggested that Prochazka's post-fight behavior amounted to little more than performing for the audience rather than showing genuine respect to his opponent.
The frustration runs deeper than a handshake, however. Ulberg expressed disappointment that a narrative Prochazka pushed — one framed around the concept of "mercy" — overshadowed what should have been a cleaner story coming out of their fight. In Ulberg's view, the entire episode could have been handled far better.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's rejection of a rematch has immediate implications for the top of a light heavyweight division where he sits at number three and Prochazka at number two.
- The "mercy" framing Prochazka promoted has created a public dispute that could influence how the UFC matchmakers approach future bookings for both men.
- The bad blood between two high-volume orthodox strikers with nearly identical accuracy makes any eventual rescheduling a storyline the division will watch closely.
