Jiri Prochazka has figured out how to beat Carlos Ulberg and regain the belt he once held.
BJP’ will face the New Zealander in the main event of UFC 327, scheduled for April 11, in a bout that will crown the new light heavyweight champion.
Because of this, Prochazka’s strategy will be to impose continuous pressure and take on the role of the hunter throughout the entire fight.
Aware of the dangers he might face, the former champion stated that he will turn the bout into a true hunt inside the octagon.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Prochazka explained that he is studying the best way to pressure his opponent, implying that the New Zealander doesn’t feel comfortable when under constant attack.
According to the Czech fighter, Ulberg is fast, has a solid striking base, and uses constant footwork. However, he tends to avoid grappling.
“I’m already figuring out how to hunt Ulberg down because he doesn’t like feeling pressured. He doesn’t like being hunted. I need to be the one to stop him. There is no other way to fight him.”
“I need to be the one to stop him. There is no other way to fight him. He’s fast, has good kickboxing, and likes to move and stay light on his feet. But he doesn’t like grappling, and he doesn’t like being on the mat, so I’m going to put the pressure on him there,” explained Prochazka.
Carlos Ulberg is widely considered the new rising star of the light heavyweights. The New Zealander joined the promotion in 2020.
The 33-year-old Prochazka stands out for the way he manages his cardio and utilizes his striking, engaging in aggressive and precise exchanges.
Following his professional debut in 2012, he made a name for himself as a Rizin champion. It was only a matter of time before he captured gold in the Octagon, which he did by submitting Glover Teixeira in the main event of UFC 275 in 2022.
He is currently ranked number two in the UFC light heavyweight division. His professional record stands at 32-5, boasting 28 wins by KO/TKO and 3 by submission.
After earning his contract on the Contender Series and losing his official debut against Kennedy Nzechukwu, he used that setback as motivation to break out, going on a nine-fight win streak.
Holding a 13-1 record, he has won 8 bouts by KO/TKO and one by submission, and currently sits at number three in the rankings.
In his last two Octagon appearances, he defeated former champion Jan Blachowicz and knocked out Dominick Reyes in the main event of UFC Perth.
