Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg doesn’t feel like a title fight, claims UFC analyst

Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg are set to collide with interim UFC gold at stake, but one renowned analyst and coach doesn’t think it feels like a title bout.

The UFC Light Heavyweight Championship has been vacated by Alex Pereira. “Poatan” will be facing Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. Prochazka and Ulberg will do battle for the 205-pound title in the main event of UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami.

Din Thomas recently spoke to MMAJunkie.com, and while he’s excited for Prochazka vs. Ulberg, he’s getting No. 1 contender vibes rather than the usual spectacle of a big championship fight.

“Carlos Ulberg has deserved this spot, but there’s something about the fight where it’s like, ‘It’s really only happening because Alex left the belt on the table,'” Thomas said. “It’s still a great fight, there’s just something about it that makes it feel like a No. 1 contender fight. Still a great fight. Jiri is still the man. Carlos Ulberg deserves his shot.

“It’s not a matchup that was lingering around for a while, either. It’s a great fight, but it’s not like there’s history between the guys. If there was history I think it would sell it a little harder. It just seems like the next logical step for the division because Alex is moving up.”

Prochazka is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. While he had to relinquish the gold due to injury, he couldn’t regain the title in his attempts to thwart Pereira. He will get another chance to become a two-time UFC champion, but he’ll need to hand Ulberg his second pro MMA loss to do so.

Ulberg has gone 9-0 since suffering the first loss of his career back in 2021. After being knocked out by Kennedy Nzechukwu, “Black Jag” has beaten the likes of high profile names such as Jan Blachowicz, Dominick Reyes, and Volkan Oezdemir.

Does Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg feel like a big enough title fight for you? Share your take in the comments below.