Ray Longo, trainer of Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, has called for discussion of mental health in MMA, criticizing Jiri Prochazka's post-fight explanations. Longo stated that while Prochazka's unusual training methods are entertaining, his claims about showing mercy are concerning, saying Prochazka simply made a serious mistake. Carlos Ulberg echoed this criticism, stating Prochazka did not show mercy but was held back by fear. Ulberg believes Prochazka is playing to the crowd and creating excuses to get a rematch, which Ulberg says will not happen. Ulberg also revealed Prochazka did not congratulate him after the fight and suggested tension may exist at City Kickboxing gym between top fighters. There are reports of a potential ACL tear for Ulberg, with recovery potentially taking nine to twelve months.
Ray Longo, head coach of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, has publicly criticized Jiri Prochazka's post-fight explanations following the Czech fighter's recent loss to Carlos Ulberg, calling for a broader conversation about mental health in mixed martial arts.
Longo, who trains bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Aljamain Sterling, acknowledged that Prochazka's unorthodox training methods have entertainment value, but took direct aim at the light heavyweight's recurring claim that he showed mercy to his opponent. Longo's position was straightforward: Prochazka made a serious mistake and should own it.
Prochazka, 33, carries a 32-6-1 record and is ranked second in the light heavyweight division. The Czech Republic native fights out of Jetsaam Gym Brno, stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, and lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy — numbers that reflect his aggressive, high-output style.
Carlos Ulberg went further than Longo, stating that Prochazka was not showing mercy but was held back by fear. The New Zealand-born fighter, who trains at City Kickboxing, said Prochazka is playing to the crowd and manufacturing an excuse to secure a rematch — one Ulberg flatly says will not happen. Ulberg also disclosed that Prochazka did not congratulate him after the fight, hinting at friction that may exist within the City Kickboxing gym among its top-ranked fighters.
Ulberg, 35, holds a 15-1-0 record and sits third in the light heavyweight rankings. Standing six-foot-four at 193 centimeters with a 77-inch reach, he posts 6.54 significant strikes per minute, edging Prochazka in output at the same 55 percent accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's emphatic rejection of a rematch has direct implications for the light heavyweight title picture, with both men ranked inside the top three
- Reports of a potential ACL tear for Ulberg, with a recovery timeline of nine to twelve months, could significantly delay any divisional movement for the ranked contender
- The suggestion of tension at City Kickboxing raises questions about team dynamics at one of MMA's most prominent gyms
