Ray Longo, trainer of Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, called for discussion about mental health issues in MMA, referencing Jiri Prochazka's unconventional behaviors and recent loss. Longo dismissed Prochazka's claim of showing mercy as the fighter simply making a critical mistake. Carlos Ulberg stated Prochazka's mercy claim was fabricated due to fear, calling it an excuse to secure a rematch, which Ulberg believes won't happen against Ankalaev. Ulberg also revealed that Prochazka didn't approach him after their fight and suggested Prochazka's actions are designed for public reaction. Additionally, tension appears to exist at City Kickboxing gym between Ulberg and Israel Adesanya, who haven't been seen together recently and don't acknowledge each other's performances. Ulberg is reportedly dealing with a potential ACL tear requiring 9-12 months recovery, pending confirmation this week.
Ray Longo, the veteran trainer best known for guiding Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, has sparked fresh controversy by calling on the MMA community to take a harder look at mental health concerns in the sport, using Jiri Prochazka as a focal point. Longo also flatly dismissed Prochazka's claim of having shown mercy during his recent loss, calling it a straightforward competitive mistake rather than an intentional act of restraint.
Prochazka, 33, carries a professional record of 32-6-1 and is currently ranked second in the light heavyweight division. The Czech fighter out of Jetsaam Gym Brno is known for his high-volume, aggressive striking style, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, with a six-foot-three frame and an 80-inch reach. His post-fight explanation drew widespread skepticism, and Longo's comments add another prominent voice to that chorus.
Carlos Ulberg, ranked third at light heavyweight, went further in his rejection of Prochazka's narrative. The New Zealand-born City Kickboxing fighter, who holds a 15-1-0 record at 35 years old, said the mercy claim was fabricated out of fear and amounted to an excuse engineered to set up a rematch. Ulberg added that Prochazka did not approach him after their fight and suggested his rival's statements are calculated for public attention rather than honesty. Ulberg stated he does not believe a rematch will materialize, particularly with Magomed Ankalaev in the picture. The six-foot-four striker posts an impressive 6.54 significant strikes per minute, the highest output among the fighters mentioned here.
Complicating the City Kickboxing picture further, apparent tension between Ulberg and stablemate Israel Adesanya, ranked eighth at middleweight with a 24-6-0 record, has drawn notice. The two have not been seen together recently and have not publicly acknowledged each other's performances.
Why it matters
- Prochazka's ranking and rematch prospects at light heavyweight could hinge on how the mercy narrative plays out publicly
- Ulberg is reportedly facing a potential ACL tear requiring nine to twelve months of recovery, with confirmation expected this week, which would directly affect the division's contender picture
- Internal friction at City Kickboxing between two of its highest-profile fighters adds an organizational storyline worth monitoring
