Jiri Prochazka responded to Carlos Ulberg's criticism that he was 'pretending' when discussing mercy in fighting. The Czech fighter referenced rumors that Ulberg worked as a stripper in New Zealand before his MMA career. Ulberg recently clarified that he was actually a greeter and promoter who helped attract women to clubs and parties, not a stripper. Prochazka's response appears to be a direct jab at Ulberg's pre-MMA background. The exchange highlights growing tension between the two light heavyweight contenders.
A social media spat between two of the light heavyweight division's top contenders escalated this week when Jiri Prochazka took a shot at Carlos Ulberg's pre-MMA background, mocking the New Zealander over rumors that he once worked as a stripper before turning to fighting.
The exchange was sparked by Ulberg criticizing Prochazka for what he called "pretending" when the Czech fighter spoke publicly about mercy in combat sports. Prochazka fired back by referencing the stripper rumors, prompting Ulberg to clarify that his work in the club scene involved greeting guests and promoting events to attract women — not stripping. The back-and-forth has sharpened what is becoming a genuine rivalry between two fighters sitting just outside the divisional title picture.
Prochazka, 33, enters the conversation as the number-two-ranked light heavyweight in the world. The Czech fighter out of Jetsaam Gym Brno carries a 32-6-1 record and is one of the most aggressive strikers in the division, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy across an 80-inch reach that measures 203 centimeters. At six-foot-three, he has long been a nightmare matchup for opponents at 205 pounds.
Ulberg, nicknamed "Black Jag," sits one spot below at number three and trains out of the renowned City Kickboxing gym in New Zealand. The 35-year-old holds a 15-1 record and has been even busier on the feet, averaging 6.54 significant strikes per minute at the same 55 percent accuracy. Standing six-foot-four and measuring 193 centimeters tall, Ulberg has the size to match Prochazka in any exchange.
Why it matters
- Both fighters rank inside the top three at light heavyweight, making any future booking between them a likely title eliminator
- The verbal conflict adds a personal edge to what is already a compelling stylistic matchup between two high-output Orthodox strikers with nearly identical accuracy
- Prochazka's pointed reference to Ulberg's past suggests the tension between them extends well beyond promotional rhetoric
