Jiri Prochazka fired back at Carlos Ulberg after Ulberg claimed Prochazka was 'pretending' when talking about showing mercy in fights. The Czech fighter referenced long-standing rumors that Ulberg worked as a stripper in New Zealand before his MMA career. Ulberg recently clarified that he was not a stripper but rather worked as a host and promoter, attracting women to clubs and parties. The exchange marks an escalation in verbal sparring between the two light heavyweights.
The verbal war between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg has taken a sharp personal turn, with the Czech contender firing back at his light heavyweight rival by referencing long-standing rumors about Ulberg's pre-MMA work history.
The exchange began after Ulberg publicly questioned the sincerity of Prochazka's well-known philosophy around showing mercy in fights, claiming the former champion was "pretending." Prochazka responded by bringing up rumors that Ulberg had worked as a stripper in New Zealand before launching his fighting career. Ulberg has since pushed back on that characterization, clarifying that his role was as a host and promoter, drawing women to clubs and events rather than performing as a stripper.
Prochazka, 33, enters this feud as the number-two ranked light heavyweight in the world. The Czech fighter carries a record of 32-6-1 and is known for his high-output, aggressive striking style, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. He stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach and trains out of Jetsaam Gym Brno.
Ulberg, nicknamed "Black Jag," holds the number-three ranking in the division with an impressive 15-1-0 record. The New Zealander, who trains at the renowned City Kickboxing gym in Auckland, is 35 years old and stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach. He actually edges Prochazka in striking output, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute at the same 55 percent accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- Both fighters sit in the top three of the light heavyweight rankings, making any eventual matchup between them a likely title eliminator
- The bad blood generated by this exchange raises the stakes and public interest around a potential booking
- Both are orthodox strikers with near-identical accuracy and heavy output, setting up a compelling stylistic clash if the fight is made
