Jiri Prochazka responded to accusations from Carlos Ulberg by dismissing complaints from "a stripper," referencing Ulberg's past profession. In other news, Alex Pereira's former opponent Artem Vakhitov, who is helping Ciryl Gane prepare, claimed Pereira will lose because he gained too much muscle mass. Carlos Prates staged a face-off with his daughter against Jack Maddalena. Islam Makhachev confirmed he started training camp for his next fight. Hamzat Chimaev addressed Sean Strickland's recent comments with measured composure, saying he finds it amusing rather than angering, comparing it to watching a clown at the circus. Colby Covington complained about lack of UFC promotion and expressed interest in fighting for RAF.
Jiri Prochazka fired back at Carlos Ulberg this week, delivering a blunt dismissal of the New Zealand light heavyweight's recent accusations by referencing Ulberg's past work as a stripper. The Czech fighter showed little interest in entertaining the grievance.
Prochazka, ranked second in the light heavyweight division at 33 years old, carries a 32-6-1 professional record and represents one of the most aggressive strikers in the 205-pound weight class. Fighting out of Jetsaam Gym Brno, the six-foot-three Czech Republic native lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 55 percent, numbers that reflect a relentless, high-output style.
Islam Makhachev, meanwhile, confirmed he has begun training camp ahead of his next title defense. The welterweight champion holds a 28-1-0 record and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings at 34 years old. Fighting out of Eagles MMA, the Russian southpaw is among the most complete fighters in the sport, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Elsewhere in the week's media cycle, Artem Vakhitov — a former opponent of Alex Pereira who is now assisting Ciryl Gane in preparation — claimed Pereira will decline due to excessive muscle gain. Carlos Prates held a lighthearted face-off with his daughter standing in for Jack Maddalena. Hamzat Chimaev responded to recent comments from middleweight champion Sean Strickland with calm amusement, comparing the situation to watching a clown perform at the circus. Strickland, a 35-year-old orthodox fighter from the United States, holds a 31-7-0 record and lands over six significant strikes per minute, making him one of the busiest punchers in the middleweight division.
Colby Covington also surfaced to complain about insufficient UFC promotional support and signaled interest in competing for the RAF organization.
Why it matters
- Prochazka's pointed response keeps tension alive in the light heavyweight division ahead of any potential matchmaking involving Ulberg
- Makhachev's camp confirmation signals the welterweight title picture is moving forward
- Chimaev's composed reaction to Strickland's provocation suggests the two middleweights remain on a collision course without the rivalry cooling
