Jiri Prochazka Learned Tough Lessons From Alex Pereira Fights

The Czech fighter says he wasn't fully mature when he first fought Pereira, but the losses taught him to never take anything easy at the highest level.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:19pm

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Jiri Prochazka has reflected on the valuable lessons he learned after suffering back-to-back losses against Alex Pereira in UFC title fights. Prochazka admits he wasn't fully mature at the time and saw the title as something he could just achieve, but the brutal defeats taught him that there are no moments to take easy at the highest level of MMA. Now, as Prochazka prepares to fight for the vacant light heavyweight title against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, he says he has a clear game plan to constantly pressure his opponent, who doesn't like to be hunted.

Why it matters

Prochazka's losses to Pereira were significant setbacks in his career, but the 33-year-old has used those experiences to grow and mature as a fighter. His newfound mentality of never taking anything for granted could serve him well as he looks to capture UFC gold against Ulberg. The story also highlights the challenges elite fighters face in maintaining their focus and intensity at the highest levels of the sport.

The details

Prochazka says he wasn't fully mature when he first fought Pereira, and he was looking at the title as something he could just achieve. But the brutal losses taught him that there are no moments to take easy at the top level of MMA. Prochazka believes Ulberg, his upcoming opponent, thrives when he has space to move and strike, so Prochazka's goal is to constantly pressure Ulberg and not give him any room to breathe.

  • Prochazka and Pereira fought for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 295, where Pereira won via TKO in the second round.
  • Prochazka and Pereira had a rematch at UFC 303, where Pereira again won via TKO in the second round.
  • Prochazka will fight Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 327, which is exactly one week away.

The players

Jiri Prochazka

A 33-year-old Czech fighter who has suffered back-to-back losses against Alex Pereira in UFC title fights, but says he has learned valuable lessons from those defeats.

Alex Pereira

A Brazilian fighter who has dominated the light heavyweight division and recently moved up to heavyweight, brutally defeating Prochazka twice in title fights.

Carlos Ulberg

Prochazka's upcoming opponent at UFC 327, where the vacant light heavyweight title will be on the line. Prochazka believes Ulberg doesn't like constant pressure and plans to 'hunt' him down in the fight.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't realize in that moment because I wasn't fully mature. I was looking at the title like something I can achieve. It was one of the biggest lessons in my life. With all this wisdom from both Pereira fights, I learned that there are no moments you can take easy.”

— Jiri Prochazka

“I'm already choosing the way to hunt Ulberg because he don't like the pressure. He don't like to be hunted. I need to be the one who catches this guy. There is no other way to fight him. He's fast, he's a good kickboxer, he likes to jump a lot and stay light on his legs. He doesn't like to wrestle, he doesn't like to be on the ground, so pressure, pressure.”

— Jiri Prochazka

What’s next

UFC 327 is exactly one week away, where Jiri Prochazka will fight Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title.

The takeaway

Jiri Prochazka's losses to Alex Pereira taught him a valuable lesson about the need to stay focused and never take anything for granted at the highest level of MMA. As he prepares for his title fight against Carlos Ulberg, Prochazka is determined to apply constant pressure and not give his opponent any room to breathe, demonstrating the maturity he has gained from his previous setbacks.