Jiri Prochazka will be agonizing the result at UFC 327 for the foreseeable future after falling short or reclaiming the light heavyweight belt against Carlos Ulberg.
With Ulberg (13-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) hurt and hobbling on one leg from the early stages of the fight, Prochazka (32-6-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC) could not take advantage on Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami and found himself on the wrong end of a shocking comeback victory that left him unconscious on the mat.
Advertisement
It was a devastating way to lose for Prochazka, who has now lost three consecutive bids at the 205-pound belt after capturing it against Glover Teixeira in 2022, only to quickly vacate due to a serious shoulder injury.
This was as close at Prochazka has come to getting it back, and he knows he fumbled the opportunity given his post-fight reactions.
Win or lose, Prochazka remains one of the most beloved figures in the sport, but this did have some last-chance vibes for the Czech standout. Prochazka is benefitted by the fact the light heavyweight division is thin as ever at the moment, and it’s entirely possible the belt could soon again become vacant depending on the severity of Ulberg’s knee injury.
Prochazka might need to win before called upon for that spot, however, and there are still interested and fresh matchups available to him. Dominick Reyes (16-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) , who got a win over Johnny Walker on the main card, could be one candidate, while the winner of next month’s UFC 328 rematch between Jan Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA, 12-8-2 UFC) and Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC) could also be in play.
Advertisement
For now, however, Prochazka should focus on getting home to his family for the impending birth of his daughter. Once he enjoys that time and recovering from the damage of a brutal knockout, he can assess the landscape once details of Ulberg’s injury are determined and the future is properly mapped out.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 327 matchmaker: Who’s next for Jiri Prochazka after loss?
