Jiri Prochazka on Carlos Ulberg keeping belt: 'They already spoke with me to release the belt'

Prochazka, who gave up the light heavyweight title through injury in 2022, says he is "a little bit" surprised the UFC has not made an interim title.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Wed 11 Nov, 19:14 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Jiri Prochazka in the Octagon before a UFC fight — Photo: Getty Images via MMA Fighting

Jiri Prochazka says he is surprised Carlos Ulberg has kept the UFC light heavyweight title, because the UFC spoke to him about giving up the belt when he was injured.

Asked by Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show whether he was surprised the UFC had not made an interim title at light heavyweight, Prochazka said: "Yeah, a little bit. A little bit surprised. But because when I was injured and I didn't fight, they already spoke with me to release the belt and all these things."

On Ulberg holding on to the title, he said: "I really don't care." He wished the champion all the best and good health, then added: "But I'm coming."

Prochazka won the title from Glover Teixeira at UFC 275 in June 2022. That November, an injury to his right shoulder forced him out of their rematch at UFC 282, and he vacated the belt.

Ulberg knocked Prochazka out in the first round to win the vacant title at UFC 327 in Miami in April.

Prochazka now faces Navajo Stirling at the top of the UFC Fight Night card at the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday 21 November. The main card starts at 6pm UK time, live on TNT Sports.

In this story

Carlos Ulberg Navajo Stirling