UFC light heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg might enter the Octagon with an unorthodox gameplan against Jiri Prochazka.
One of the biggest fights of the year is days away as former UFC light heavyweight champ Jiri Prochazka looks to reclaim the belt against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327. After Alex Pereira vacated the light heavyweight title to make the move to heavyweight, Prochazka vs. Ulberg was promptly booked to bring continuity to the division’s title picture.
Prochazka vs. Ulberg features two of the most dynamic knockout artists in light heavyweight history, and two of the division’s most unique styles. Prochazka’s unorthodox movement and techniques have given his recent opponents headaches, including in recent victories over Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.
Ulberg, who has won nine consecutive fights entering UFC 327, is next on the list of light heavyweights to attempt to solve Prochazka’s multi-layered puzzle. But according to his team, Ulberg isn’t shying away from what Prochazka is best at, and could potentially use Prochazka’s strengths against him.
Carlos Ulberg aiming at Jiri Prochazka’s ‘special powers’ in UFC 327 title fight
During the UFC 327: Countdown episode, Ulberg’s longtime coach Eugene Bareman revealed how they potentially plan to attack Prochazka on Saturday night.
“Training Carlos for a big, rangy, well-experienced, switch-hitting man from the Czech Republic,” Bareman said of Ulberg’s fight vs. Prochazka.
“The same unpredictability that gives Jiri his special powers is also the same thing that weakens him.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)
Bareman has helped several of his pupils solve unique stylistic matchups during his coaching tenure, including getting Israel Adesanya over the hump against Pereira at UFC 287. He’s also coached UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski to several impressive wins when many feared Volkanovski would leave the Octagon without his title.
Ulberg will look to put on a show on Saturday night and bring another belt home to Oceania. If Bareman’s comments are to be believed, expect an aggressive Ulberg at UFC 327.
What is your prediction for Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
