Carlos Ulberg has ruled out an immediate rematch with Jiri Prochazka following their recent bout. Ulberg stated that Prochazka did not approach him to congratulate him after the fight, which is unusual given that Ulberg typically shows respect and appreciation to all opponents. He suggested that Prochazka's behavior seemed like an attempt to play to the crowd rather than being genuine. Ulberg expressed that the entire situation could have been better handled but feels it has been clouded by Prochazka's claims about showing "mercy" during the fight. He appears frustrated with what he perceives as gamesmanship rather than authentic sportsmanship from his opponent.
Carlos Ulberg has publicly closed the door on a rematch with Jiri Prochazka, citing a lack of genuine sportsmanship from the Czech fighter in the aftermath of their recent light heavyweight bout.
Ulberg, 35, improved to 15-1-0 with the victory and sits at number three in the light heavyweight rankings. The New Zealander, who trains out of the renowned City Kickboxing gym in Auckland, stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and has established himself as one of the division's most active strikers, averaging 6.54 significant strikes landed per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His rise through the top five has been sharp, and the win over Prochazka represents the biggest scalp of his career to date.
Prochazka, ranked second at light heavyweight, carries a record of 32-6-1 and remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the world at 33 years old. The Czech Orthodox striker out of Jetsaam Gym Brno is known for his unorthodox, high-output style, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute with a reach of 80 inches and standing six-foot-three. Despite those credentials, it is his post-fight conduct that has drawn scrutiny following this contest.
Ulberg stated that Prochazka did not approach him to offer congratulations after the fight, a gesture Ulberg described as something he extends to all his opponents as a matter of respect. He expressed frustration at what he characterized as performative behavior directed at the crowd rather than authentic acknowledgment of the result. Ulberg also took issue with Prochazka's comments suggesting he had shown "mercy" during the fight, framing those remarks as an attempt to recast a loss rather than accept it honestly.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's refusal of a rematch could shape the light heavyweight title picture, with both men sitting in the top three of the division
- A potential Ulberg title shot becomes more credible if he publicly distances himself from a backward-looking rivalry
- The style matchup between two high-volume Orthodox strikers produced controversy that now extends beyond the fight itself
