Volkanovski Doubts Prochazka's Rematch Chances After UFC 327 Loss

The featherweight champion believes the former light heavyweight king has more work to do to earn another title shot.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:03am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and movement of the UFC 327 light heavyweight title fight, with sharp, angular shapes and planes representing the dynamic clash between the two fighters.A cubist interpretation of the UFC 327 main event, where the new light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg overcame a serious injury to defeat former titleholder Jiri Prochazka.Today in Miami

Alexander Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion, has expressed doubts about Jiri Prochazka's chances of securing an immediate rematch against new light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg. Prochazka was knocked out by Ulberg in the first round of the UFC 327 main event in Miami, despite Ulberg reportedly fighting through a serious knee injury. Volkanovski, who has trained with Ulberg at City Kickboxing, believes Prochazka has more work to do before earning another title opportunity.

Why it matters

Prochazka's loss to Ulberg was a surprising upset, as the former light heavyweight champion had been considered one of the top contenders in the division. Volkanovski's comments provide insight into the potential challenges Prochazka may face in securing a rematch, especially given Ulberg's apparent injury during their fight.

The details

Prochazka claimed he showed 'mercy' to Ulberg during their fight after realizing his opponent was injured, but many have rejected this narrative. Volkanovski believes Prochazka's loss was not solely due to Ulberg's injury, and that the former champion has more work to do to earn another title shot. Prochazka has now lost three title fights since vacating the light heavyweight title in late 2022 due to a shoulder injury.

  • Prochazka lost to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 on April 15, 2026.
  • Prochazka previously lost to Alex Pereira twice for the light heavyweight title.

The players

Alexander Volkanovski

The current UFC featherweight champion who has trained with Carlos Ulberg at City Kickboxing in New Zealand.

Jiri Prochazka

The former UFC light heavyweight champion who was knocked out by Carlos Ulberg in the main event of UFC 327.

Carlos Ulberg

The new UFC light heavyweight champion who defeated Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 despite reportedly fighting through a serious knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“That's not gonna happen. I like Jiri, I'm not having any shots at Jiri. But it doesn't work like that.”

— Alexander Volkanovski, UFC Featherweight Champion

“Even though (Ulberg's) leg was busted, it looked like it was always going to be a tough fight for Jiri.”

— Alexander Volkanovski, UFC Featherweight Champion

“I don't know how you can convince the UFC that, 'Gimme a rematch because of these circumstances.' They're gonna be like, 'Wait, he tore his ACL and still managed to knock you out?'”

— Alexander Volkanovski, UFC Featherweight Champion

What’s next

Prochazka will likely need to earn another win or two before the UFC considers granting him a rematch against the new light heavyweight champion, Carlos Ulberg.

The takeaway

Volkanovski's comments suggest Prochazka faces an uphill battle in securing an immediate rematch against Ulberg, as the UFC may not be convinced that Ulberg's injury was the sole reason for Prochazka's knockout loss. Prochazka will need to demonstrate he has made the necessary improvements to earn another title shot.