Ray Longo, trainer to Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, has raised concerns about mental health issues in MMA following Jiri Procházka's post-fight "mercy" explanation. Longo suggested that Procházka's unconventional behaviors and post-fight rationalization indicate deeper problems, bluntly stating the Czech fighter "screwed up badly." Carlos Ulberg, who defeated Procházka at UFC 327, dismissed the mercy claim entirely, saying fear was the real issue and accusing Procházka of playing to the crowd. Ulberg noted that Procházka didn't approach him after the fight and believes everything Procházka does is calculated for public reaction. Ulberg also stated he believes Procházka's explanation is designed to secure a rematch, which Ulberg thinks won't happen as Ankalaev will dominate him.
Ray Longo, the Serra-Longo Fight Team coach known for guiding bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili and featherweight ranked Aljamain Sterling, has publicly questioned Jiri Procházka's mental state following the Czech fighter's defeat at UFC 327 on April 11.
Procházka was stopped by Carlos Ulberg at that event and subsequently offered an explanation centered on the concept of "mercy," suggesting he had chosen not to continue. Longo rejected that framing outright, pointing to what he described as a pattern of unconventional behavior from Procházka and stating plainly that the former champion "screwed up badly." Longo went further, expressing broader concern about mental health awareness within the sport.
Ulberg, the New Zealand-born light heavyweight ranked third in the division at 15-1, was equally dismissive. The City Kickboxing product, who stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and lands an impressive 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, called the mercy narrative a deflection. Ulberg argued that fear was the genuine factor and accused Procházka of tailoring his public statements for crowd sympathy rather than honest reflection. He also noted that Procházka made no effort to approach him in the aftermath of the fight, which he cited as telling.
Beyond questioning the sincerity of the explanation, Ulberg suggested the mercy story is strategically designed to engineer a rematch. He indicated he does not expect that fight to materialize, expressing confidence that Magomed Ankalaev would handle Procházka decisively if they met.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's win at UFC 327 positions the ranked number-three light heavyweight as a legitimate title contender, and his public comments shape the division's narrative going forward
- Procházka's post-fight explanation has drawn scrutiny from multiple corners of the sport, complicating any path back to title contention
- Longo's involvement raises the profile of the criticism, given his standing as coach to two high-ranked fighters across separate divisions
Saturday, April 11, 2026
