New UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg has labeled Jiri Prochazka a “pretender,” dismissing Prochazka’s assertion that he showed mercy during their title fight at UFC 327. Ulberg, who endured significant leg damage during the bout, revealed his own injury status and expressed his disbelief at Prochazka’s claims.
The highly anticipated bout for the vacant light heavyweight title saw Ulberg suffer a severe knee injury from Prochazka’s powerful leg kicks. Despite the intense pain and mobility issues that led his corner to consider stopping the fight after the first round, Ulberg managed to rally. He secured a dramatic knockout victory over Prochazka with a well-timed check hook, followed by ground strikes, to claim the championship.
Prochazka’s post-fight statement that he held back and showed mercy to Ulberg has been strongly refuted by the new champion. Ulberg believes Prochazka’s perceived hesitation stemmed from fear and doubt, not compassion. “That’s bullshit, total bullshit,” Ulberg stated in an interview with Ariel Helwani. “That’s the fear that he had. That wasn’t any kind of mercy… He was full of fear, hesitation, and that’s what got him clipped.” Ulberg suggested that Prochazka’s “mercy” narrative is an excuse to secure a rematch, a prospect he finds highly unlikely.
Regarding his own injury, Ulberg confirmed that he is still uncertain if he has torn his ACL. He plans to undergo scans upon his arrival in Las Vegas for a definitive diagnosis. The 35-year-old described his knee as swollen and causing him considerable difficulty with walking, experiencing a sensation of instability. “We don’t know for sure [if it’s a torn ACL],” Ulberg told Helwani. “The knee felt like it was going in and out of the socket… The pain was unbearable.”