Anthony Smith shares his take on Jiri Prochazka’s UFC 327 defeat after rejecting mercy claim

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Jiri Prochazka’s post-fight comments in Miami have kept the conversation going across the MMA community.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion has now missed out on a third chance to reclaim his title since an injury cut short his reign in 2022.

Following back-to-back defeats to Alex Pereira, Prochazka suffered a knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg in the main event of UFC 327 on Saturday night.

The reason he gave for the loss has sparked debate, and now another ex-title contender has added their own perspective.

Anthony Smith says Prochazka got ahead of himself at UFC 327

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Prochazka has argued that he went easier on Ulberg after noticing the Kiwi had suffered a significant knee injury.

That claim hasn’t gone down well with everyone, with some feeling Prochazka is just looking for excuses, especially since Ulberg had been counted out by many before turning things around.

During an appearance on the Bohnfire podcast with Mike Bohn, Anthony Smith shared his thoughts on the fight and Prochazka’s comments.

The former title challenger suggested that Prochazka let his guard down after spotting the injury and assumed victory was already in the bag.

“Jiri has seen that he is hurt,” Smith said. “Now, instead of being in this really hyper-focused situation where you have this dangerous monster in front of you — he’s already spent time in there with him, he’s already figured out his speed, felt his power, knows what he’s dealing with, and now that guy is hurt.

“That stress level comes down a little bit. He’s like, ‘I got him.’ … And I think he got a little reckless. I really believe that Jiri thought he had Ulberg dead in the water and was playing with his food.