Jiri Prochazka had the UFC light heavyweight championship in his hands at UFC 327 … and then he let it all slip away.
Prochazka’s opponent Carlos Ulberg was a wounded animal in the cage after seemingly suffering a catastrophic knee injury just minutes into his first title fight. The New Zealand fighter couldn’t hide the fact that his leg was toast as his leg gave out on him again and again. But just when you thought a Prochazka win was inevitable, Ulberg turned things around with a big left hook that knocked
“BJP” to the canvas.
Prochazka had given Ulberg time to breath after his injury. Ulberg did not return the favor, finishing the fight at 3:45 to become the new UFC light heavyweight champ (watch the highlights here).
“I felt mercy. I felt sorry for him,” Prochazka admitted on the mic following the fight. “This is one of the biggest lessons of my life. It was in my hands and I just let him [win].”
One has to wonder whether or not everything on Jiri’s mind over fight week played a factor in the loss. The Czech fighter’s partner is due to give birth three day after UFC 326, and while he put on a strong face, he also seemed flat and distracted during the extensive press week the UFC lined up for him.
Prochazka’s strength lies in his forward aggression and steely mindset during violent exchanges. To let Ulberg off the hook like he did? It’s a disaster for his career that will undoubtedly haunt the stoic fighter for years to come.
Things aren’t all grim for Jiri leaving UFC 327. The UFC clearly favors the action fighter, as shown by their willingness to throw him into multiple title fights in a short period of time. But this is the third attempt at the title that Prochazka has failed to capitalize on. Will he get a fourth?
For complete UFC 327 fight card results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
