Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka has addressed his knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, admitting fault in his performance while suggesting discussions are underway regarding his next fight.
Prochazka suffered a dramatic defeat last weekend after initially hurting Ulberg with leg kicks before being stopped in a comeback finish, a result that drew widespread attention and criticism, including scrutiny of his post-fight comments about showing “mercy” to his opponent.
“I didn’t give the performance that I wanted. I literally f*cked it up, and mainly, that at the moment when I saw a weak opponent or an injured opponent,” Prochazka said, according to local media in the Czech Republic.
“I won’t make excuses about some pity or compassion for him. I know that at that moment, I no longer worked at one hundred percent. That then cost me the victory,” he added, addressing the backlash to his earlier remarks.
Prochazka also indicated that discussions with the UFC about his future are ongoing, with multiple options under consideration, though no bout has been finalised. “I want to eat this up here until the worst end, so that I can, with all these emotions, with this feeling, go further and go for that title again. Because, as I talked with the UFC management, they are open towards all sorts of other alternatives, whether just some interesting fight or just jump for [another] title shot,” he said. “I am not saying yet, nothing is confirmed yet.”
Looking ahead, Prochazka suggested the defeat could mark a turning point in his career as he aims to return stronger and pursue championship success again. “However, I know after this performance I will no longer be the same and give these performances that I gave. After this experience, I will be stronger than ever before, and I’ll bring that title back to the Czech Republic,” he said.
It remains unclear whether Prochazka will continue competing at light heavyweight or explore a move to middleweight, a possibility he has previously raised following wins over Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.
