Jiri Prochazka knows exactly where it went wrong

In a fight he appeared to be winning, the former UFC light heavyweight champion let a golden opportunity slip, and paid for it in devastating fashion.

Prochazka suffered a knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg in the UFC 327 main event Saturday night at Kaseya Center, a result that stunned the crowd and flipped the division on its head.

Early on, Prochazka looked composed and in control. The turning point came when Ulberg appeared to injure his knee, leaving him struggling to stand and unable to fully plant his leg.

Prochazka recognized it, but instead of pressing the advantage, he held back.

He attacked the other leg, kept his distance, and repeatedly tried to draw Ulberg into exchanges rather than forcing the finish. That hesitation proved costly.

With his back near the cage, Ulberg found an opening and fired a counter left hook that landed flush, dropping Prochazka instantly. Follow-up shots ended the fight, handing Ulberg the vacant light heavyweight title.

Prochazka: “That fight was won”

Speaking after the loss, Prochazka didn’t make excuses. He pointed directly at his own decision-making.

“F*ck, it happened,” Prochazka said. “I felt like [showing] mercy, in that fight I felt so sorry for him.”

“This is one of the biggest lessons in my life,” 

“That fight was won. I had it. It was in my hand and I just let him because I saw his injury and f*ck.”

“I will be back. Life is about that, learn and be better. Sorry for tonight.”

Hospital visit, call for rematch

After the fight, Prochazka went to a local hospital to have his jaw examined. From there, he issued another statement, again taking responsibility.

“My stupid mercy in the fight and [it] cost me this fight.”

Despite the setback, Prochazka is already looking ahead, and the first thing he wants he wants another shot at Ulberg.

“I would like to fight a rematch,” he said. “Because that was my fight. That was my fight and I just gave him this opportunity to catch me.”

What’s next for both fighters?

The loss drops Prochazka to 1-3 in UFC title fights, including previous defeats to former champion Alex Pereira.

Ulberg, meanwhile, leaves Miami with the belt, but potentially with a serious injury. He said after the fight that he may have blown out his knee, an issue that could require surgery and sideline him for an extended period.

Who would you like to see Jiri to fight next?