Ray Longo, trainer of Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, strongly criticized Jiri Prochazka's post-fight explanation about showing 'mercy.' Longo suggested that mental health issues in MMA need to be discussed, referencing Prochazka's unconventional training methods including standing on his head and drinking his own urine. He dismissed Prochazka's 'mercy' claim as nonsense, stating that Prochazka 'just messed up badly.' Carlos Ulberg also weighed in, saying Prochazka's excuse was driven by fear and was an attempt to secure a rematch, predicting Ankalaev would defeat him. Ulberg noted that Prochazka didn't approach him after their fight and accused him of playing to the crowd. The post also mentions Trump told Costa he's 'too beautiful to be a fighter' and suggests tension exists at City Kickboxing between Israel Adesanya and Ulberg.
Ray Longo has publicly dismissed Jiri Prochazka's post-fight claim that he showed "mercy" to his opponent, calling the explanation nonsense and stating plainly that Prochazka "just messed up badly."
Longo, the trainer behind Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, went further by raising questions about mental health in MMA, pointing to Prochazka's well-documented unconventional training habits — including standing on his head and drinking his own urine — as part of a broader concern. His comments were pointed and direct, leaving little room for interpretation.
Prochazka, 33, carries a 32-6-1 record and is currently ranked second in the light heavyweight division, fighting out of Jetsaam Gym Brno in the Czech Republic. The six-foot-three Czech striker is one of the most aggressive finishers in the division, averaging 5.69 significant strikes landed per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His "mercy" framing after a recent loss drew widespread skepticism.
Carlos Ulberg added his own critique, arguing the excuse was rooted in fear and designed to angle for a rematch. Ulberg also noted that Prochazka did not approach him after their fight and accused him of playing to the crowd. Ulberg predicted Magomed Ankalaev would beat Prochazka when the two meet.
The summary also touches on reported tension at City Kickboxing between Israel Adesanya and Ulberg. Adesanya, 36, holds a 24-6 record and sits eighth in the middleweight rankings. The Nigerian-born fighter out of Auckland averages 4.03 significant strikes per minute and has long been the flagship name at City Kickboxing.
Separately, Paulo Costa — ranked thirteenth at middleweight with a 16-4 record and one of the division's heaviest hitters at 6.26 significant strikes per minute — was reportedly told by Donald Trump that he was "too beautiful to be a fighter."
Why it matters
- Prochazka's mental framing of losses raises questions about his standing as a top light heavyweight contender
- Ulberg's pointed comments and reported City Kickboxing friction could signal a fractured team dynamic around Adesanya
- The "mercy" narrative, if widely dismissed, weakens any rematch argument Prochazka might make to UFC matchmakers
