Tom Lawlor on UFC 327 Prochazka vs Ulberg: “Very similar in the way they manage distance in the open”
Former UFC, PFL and F4WOnline’s own Filthy Tom Lawlor has given his take on the upcoming UFC 327 main event between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg. As it stands, Jiri Prochazka (-121) enters as the favorite with an implied win probability of 54.7%, while Carlos Ulberg checks in at +102 with a 49.5% implied probability…so essentially a near coin-flip on paper according to the oddsmakers.
Prochazka vs Ulberg Stylistically
Prochazka and Ulberg are two very different fighters, both in terms of discipline and approach. Despite that, Tom told me that he feels the two fighters are actually “very similar in the way they manage distance in the open.” Managing that distance is going to be a big element in this main event, where the winner will be declared the new 205lb Champion.
“On the surface this seems like one wild man who’s willing to throw caution to the wind in Jiri vs a more measured approach from Ulberg. But I feel they are very similar in the way they manage distance in the open”
Tom Lawlor
Advantages
“Obviously the big advantage for Jiri lies in his ability to create openings off of mixing his martial arts techniques and moving inside” Lawlor added, but also noting that “Ulberg has picked off multiple people including Alonzo Menifield and Dom Reyes while they tried to close the distance.”
The big differential though between the Menifield and Reyes fights to what Ulberg faces in Jiri is the 6′ 3″ fighter’s head movement: “neither man took their head off the center line, and that is one place I rarely see Jiri’s head.”
As mentioned Jiri is the slight favorite in this one, but it all depends on if Ulberg is able to dictate the pace and avoid those wild Prochazka moments. This should hopefully be a barnburner.
“Obviously the big advantage for Jiri lies in his ability to create openings off of mixing his martial arts techniques and moving inside. Ulberg has picked off multiple people including Alonzo Menifield and Dom Reyes while they tried to close the distance but neither man took their head off the center line, and that is one place I rarely see Jiri’s head.”
Tom Lawlor
Prochazka vs Ulberg: Key Stats
| Stat | Jiří Procházka | Carlos Ulberg |
|---|---|---|
| MMA Record | 31–4–1 | 12–1 |
| UFC Record | 6–2 | 9–1 |
| Sig. Strikes/Min | 5.69 | 6.54 |
| Striking Accuracy | 52% | 55% |
| Finish Rate | 93% | 83% |
| Current Streak | 1 Win | 9 Wins |
| Losses | Both to Pereira | 1 (UFC debut) |