In a UFC 327 main event that will be remembered for its sheer unpredictability, newly crowned light-heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg has emphatically shut the door on a potential rematch with Jiri Prochazka. The fight took a dramatic turn when Ulberg suffered a significant knee injury, yet the New Zealander showcased incredible heart and fight IQ to adapt and ultimately knock out Prochazka to claim the gold.

This victory marks a monumental first UFC title for the 35-year-old Ulberg, while for Prochazka, it represents a third loss in four championship bouts since his initial title win in 2022. The aftermath, however, has been dominated by a war of words over the fight's pivotal moment.

The controversy stems from Prochazka's post-fight suggestion that he showed "mercy" by not aggressively targeting Ulberg's compromised leg. The new champion's response was swift and unequivocal, dismissing the notion with the fiery spirit fans have come to expect.

"Bulls***, that's bulls***, total bulls***," Ulberg stated in a recent interview. "That's fear, that was fear that he had. That wasn't any kind of mercy. He knows, he's a fighter. That's the difference between a champion and someone who's just playing for the crowd."

Ulberg went further, questioning his opponent's mentality and asserting his own dominance in the crucial exchange. "I think he's a pretender," he said. "He knew from the face-off that this was a real fight. When my leg was compromised, he saw an opportunity, but I wasn't going anywhere. We looked each other in the eyes, and he knew: 'Damn, he's not going anywhere, and he's still got his hands.' That's my danger—one shot can kill."

When asked about the possibility of running it back with the 33-year-old Czech star, Ulberg was definitive, linking Prochazka's comments to a desire for a second chance. "He went with that 'mercy' idea as an excuse so he could hopefully get a rematch," Ulberg asserted. "There is no way he gets that rematch."

Looking ahead, Ulberg even cast doubt on Prochazka's immediate future in the contender's circle, suggesting a tough road lies ahead. "I don't see him getting past [Magomed] Ankalaev," he added, referencing the formidable Dagestani contender often mentioned as a potential next opponent for Prochazka.