Most of the fight world is tipping former champ Jiri Prochazka to get the job done at UFC 327 – but not everyone is convinced the king of chaos will have his hand raised.
Prochazka has emerged as the clear favourite among analysts and ex-fighters to defeat Kiwi star Carlos Ulberg, with several big names backing the Czech superstar to reclaim UFC gold.
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Hall of Famer Michael Bisping is among those tipping Prochazka, pointing to his experience in title fights and his ability to perform under pressure.
“Jiri’s got that X-factor,” Bisping said on his podcast during the week.
“He’s got that will to win.”
Bisping is joined by respected former fighters Din Thomas, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chiesa, Paul Felder – all of whom believe Prochazka’s unpredictability, experience and finishing instinct will prove the difference.
But not everyone is convinced.
Reigning featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski is among a smaller group of pros tipping Ulberg to bring the belt Down Under.
“People are going to say I’m biased, but whatever,” Volk said on his YouTube channel.
“Carlos – he’s going to be calculated enough.
“There’s going to be so much footage of Jiri. I’m going to go with Carlos Ulberg – I think he can get it done.
“Tough fight – it’s definitely his biggest test yet.”
And there’s a statistical case to back that up, too. ‘Black Jag’ holds the edge in key striking metrics, landing more significant strikes per minute while also absorbing fewer than the former champ.
Other former pros tipping the upset include ex-world champion Rashad Evans and BMF star Jorge Masvidal.
Another Aussie backing Ulberg is one of the nation’s most respected light heavyweights, Anthony Perosh, who believes the Kiwi has what it takes.
“It’s sharp technique versus chaos,” he told Fox Sports Australia.
“The fight hinges on who can dictate the pace early. Ulberg should look to manage distance and pick shots.
“Prochazka will make it messy and hunt for the finish.
“I am tipping Carlos for the win by unanimous decision.”
Ulberg himself is confident Prochazka’s chaotic style will ultimately be his undoing.
“Order beats chaos when chaos puts himself in bad positions,” Ulberg told Fox Sports Australia.
“And order puts chaos in check.
“This is chess, not checkers.”
It comes after Ulberg received a frosty welcome at the UFC 327 press conference on Friday, with the Miami crowd firmly throwing its support behind Prochazka.
The City Kickboxing star was met with a chorus of boos each time he spoke – a stark contrast to the cheers that followed his opponent.
The reaction didn’t worry Ulberg, who smiled his way through it all.
“I’m not surprised at all,” he said.
“He’s a fan favourite. He’s been in some great fights, so it’s all good.”
ULBERG PLANNING TO LURE ALEX PEREIRA BACK TO LHW
Kiwi UFC star Carlos Ulberg has revealed his amibitous plan to “lure” former champion Alex Pereira back to the 205-pound division.
‘Poatan’ vacated the title to move up a division and fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship at UFC Freedom 250.
Ulberg will be making his first UFC title fight on Sunday and is riding a wave of momentum, having won his last nine bouts.
Prochazka, meanwhile, is on a three-fight win streak after being knocked out in a title fight against Pereira back in 2024.
Pereira’s devastating knockout power usually has rival fighters ducking for cover, but Ulberg has challenged the former champion to come back to the division after his White House scrap.
“I would’ve loved to have fought the champion because that would’ve etched me to be the best,” Ulberg said.
“He is the man right now, and he is definitely the guy that I wanted to fight for that title.”
Ultimately it is on Ulberg to convince Pereira that the fight is worth moving back for, with the Kiwi adding that he needs a strong performance against Prochazka to do just that.
“I think a win here, a dominant win here could definitely lure Pereira back to the division and test himself,” Ulberg said.
“He’s the man at the moment and to be the man you’ve got to beat the man. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat him.
“He’s definitely the guy that I’ve been keeping a close eye on and wanting that fight because I know that would be the fight to make happen. It is always focusing on me and what’s at hand and in front of me.”
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