Back in the Czech Republic, Jiri Prochazka has once again reflected on his defeat at UFC 327.
The top MMA promotion returned to Miami this past Saturday for UFC 327, where Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg faced off for the vacant light heavyweight belt.
Ulberg secured a first-round knockout despite suffering a severe knee injury halfway through, which left him hobbling on one leg.
After the fight, Prochazka admitted that he made a mistake by showing mercy after Ulberg hurt his leg, and that decision ended up costing him when he got caught by a left hook.
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
The Czech fighter is now coming off three straight defeats in UFC title fights, putting him in a tough spot in the light heavyweight division.
He recently spoke about his loss, saying he needs to move past the part of himself that held back. Now back home, he made it clear he's not looking for excuses.
"I didn't give the performance that I wanted, I literally f—– it up," Prochazka told televizninoviny when he arrived back in the Czech Republic.
"Mainly by that at the moment when I saw a weak opponent or an injured opponent, I won't make an excuse about some pity or compassion for him, I know that at that moment, I then no longer worked at 100 percent. That then cost me the victory."
Prochazka also made it clear that despite recent setbacks, he isn't giving up on his goal of becoming champion again. He mentioned already being in early talks with the UFC about what comes next and believes another title shot is still within reach.
"Because as I talked with the UFC management, they are open there towards all sorts of other alternatives, whether just some interesting fights or just jump just for those for a title shot.
With Carlos Ulberg facing a long recovery from injury and potentially sidelined until 2027, there's talk of an interim title fight being set up – and Prochazka could very well find himself involved if he puts together a strong case.
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