Carlos Ulberg has clarified the circumstances surrounding a possible bout with Jiri Prochazka whereas expressing curiosity in dealing with both the previous champion or present mild heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira as his subsequent opponent.
The New Zealand fighter addressed claims from Czechia’s Prochazka that he had turned down a battle alternative. In keeping with Ulberg, the state of affairs was extra difficult than a easy refusal. He defined that he pushed the proposed matchup again because of an harm and requested the battle be rescheduled to November, which might have supplied satisfactory time for rehabilitation.
Carlos Ulberg Addresses Jiri Prochazka Battle Dialogue and Future Title Plans
Whereas talking in an interview with MMA Junkie, Ulberg defined:
“If Alex jumps as much as heavyweight, then I consider I battle Jiri and that’s one other battle that may occur. So, I’m excited for that one, as nicely. I do know that he stated that I had turned the battle down for some motive, I feel that was all blown out of context, which is totally unfaithful. We had truly agreed to the battle. I’ll depart it at that, as a result of we’re finally going to battle quickly. So, you watch out what you ask for — you would possibly get it.”
Ulberg clarified that he had not anticipated the UFC would inform Prochazka in regards to the harm and delay request. He famous that dealing with Prochazka represented a dangerous fight that required correct preparation, particularly contemplating he was driving an eight-fight win streak on the time and seeking to advance his title aspirations.
The 34-year-old in the end competed towards Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth on September 27, securing a first-round knockout victory that prolonged his profitable streak to 9 consecutive fights. This efficiency solidified his place because the third-ranked mild heavyweight contender with an total skilled report of 13 wins and one loss.
Talking about future matchmaking prospects, Ulberg acknowledged that if Pereira strikes as much as heavyweight to pursue a 3rd championship, a battle with Prochazka turns into one other viable possibility. He confirmed that opposite to studies suggesting in any other case, his crew had truly agreed to the battle.
Ulberg issued a warning regarding the potential matchup, stating that people should be careful what they ask for because they might get it, suggesting confidence in his ability to defeat the former champion when they eventually meet.
The sunshine heavyweight title image stays in flux following Pereira reclaiming his championship with a surprising 80-second knockout of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 on October 5. Prochazka additionally secured a formidable third-round knockout victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. on the identical occasion, positioning himself again in title rivalry.
Pereira has expressed interest in moving to heavyweight to face Jon Jones on the proposed UFC White Home occasion scheduled for June 14, 2026. Jones responded positively to the callout on social media, accepting the problem and stating he could be keen to convey the very best ability degree to the occasion.
Ulberg made clear his preference for facing Pereira while the Brazilian still holds the light heavyweight title rather than competing for a vacant championship. He described a potential matchup with Pereira as a significant fight that represents what fans want to see, characterizing it as fresh blood entering the title picture.
The City Kickboxing consultant emphasised that defeating somebody of Pereira’s caliber would show reaching the game’s highest degree. Nevertheless, he acknowledged different contenders whereas sustaining his major focus stays on combating Pereira.
Ulberg is currently on a nine-fight UFC winning streak at light heavyweight, tied with Ankalaev for the second-longest active streak in divisional history. His recent victories include knockout wins over Reyes and Alonzo Menifield, plus decision victories against former champion Jan Blachowicz and veteran Volkan Oezdemir.
Whether Ulberg faces the Czech athlete Prochazka in a number one contender bout or gets an immediate title shot against Pereira depends largely on the champion’s decision regarding the heavyweight move. If Pereira pursues Jones at heavyweight, Ulberg and Prochazka would likely compete for either an interim title or the vacant championship.
