Likeable Kiwi star Carlos Ulberg received a frosty welcome at the UFC 327 press conference, with the Miami crowd firmly throwing its support behind cult hero Jiri Prochazka ahead of their light heavyweight title showdown on Sunday.
Ulberg – one of the more easygoing personalities on the roster – was met with a chorus of boos each time he spoke, a stark contrast to the loud cheers that followed Prochazka.
PPV: UFC 327 Prochazka vs Ulberg | SUN 12 APRIL 11AM AEST | The UFC’s undisputed light heavyweight championship will be on the line, when Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg meet for the vacant title at UFC 327 | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
The Czech star’s samurai persona and all-action style have made him very popular in the United States, and the reception reflected it.
The reaction didn’t faze Ulberg, who smiled his way through the jeers.
“I’m not surprised at all,” he said.
“He’s a fan favourite. He’s been in some great fights, so it’s all good.”
Prochazka, meanwhile, looked right at home in the spotlight – wearing a bright red suit and thumping his chest as the crowd cheered.
“Right now I’m 33,” he said.
“Four years back I won the title for the first time. This time, I’m going to be much better — faster, stronger. The best fighter in the world.
“I’m going to handle this fight and win the title.”
The pair came face-to-face following the press conference, with Prochazka dialling up the intensity – locking eyes and continuing to stare after Ulberg had broken away.
Meanwhile, controversial American heavyweight Josh Hokit attempted to steal the show ahead of his clash with Curtis Blaydes, wearing a stars-and-stripes bandana and sunglasses while launching into a series of bizarre, wrestling-style rants.
The outburst largely fell flat — ignored by other fighters on stage and even UFC boss Dana White.
It comes after the undefeated prospect yesterday had a verbal clash with Jiri Prochazka in a hotel lobby.
“I’ll cut you up with this lightsaber, homie,” Hokit said. “And then f***ing stitch your head on Alex Pereira’s body, homie.”
Ulberg talks preparations for Jiri clash | 07:43
Prochazka was asked a question about Hokit during the press conference and he replied: “Who is Josh Hoskit?”
Elsewhere at the press conference, former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa didn’t hold back as he took aim at opponent Azamat Murzakanov.
“Look, I am in the co-main event for one reason — I am going to f**k [up] this fat Russian on Saturday,” Costa yelled.
“I’m going to finish him very badly. He knows that. Look at him. He’s nervous. He’s shy, and I’m going to expose him Saturday.
“This is no time to bring boring fights. This is the Paramount era, CBS live. I’m going to come here to bring the show up.”
Pressed by a reporter on the intensity of his outburst, Costa offered a blunt reply.
“I’m always aggressive,” he said.
“….I have Latin blood in my veins. I represent Latin America and not this Russian. You know, I hate these f**king Russians.
“This is the second in a row that I’m going to put on my record.
“Dana maybe the third one, [Khamzat] Chimaev, I want him next after I beat this fat guy.”
Murzakanov, who smiled through the whole rant, suggested his opponent’s anger was his masking concern.
“He’s nervous,” he said.
“Don’t worry. It will all end quickly.”
The pair, who are fighting in the co-main, had to be separated during the staredowns by White.
Jiri sets sights on capturing UFC gold | 00:42
Elsewhere, White was asked by a reporter about the possibility of former champ Alex Pereira coming back to LHW to fight the winner of Sunday’s title fight.
‘Poatan’ recently made the move up to heavyweight as he attempts to be the first ever three-weight world champ in UFC history.
White said: “Anything is possible, let’s see what happens.”