Jiri Prochazka walked into UFC 320 facing questions about his championship credentials after back-to-back knockout losses to Alex Pereira. As he left T-Mobile Arena on October 5, 2025, the former light heavyweight champion got his answer written in blood and sweat during three rounds of fighting with Khalil Rountree Jr.
Jiri Prochazka says third-round fire against Khalil Rountree showed him he can win title
The Czech fighter struggled through the first ten minutes. Rountree controlled the distance, landed cleaner shots and appeared to build an insurmountable lead on the scorecards. Prochazka slipped on the canvas several times and seemed frustrated when his attacks were immediately countered. By the end of the second round, even his most devoted fans were wondering if the unorthodox striker had lost his edge.
Then came the third round and everything changed.
Prochazka threw caution to the wind and brought the chaos he is known for straight into Rountree’s face. The former title challenger began to buckle under the pressure as Prochazka launched a variety of attacks, mixing punches, kicks, elbows and knees with abandon. At 3:04 of the final frame, a devastating left hand sent Rountree crashing face-first to the canvas, delivering one of the most dramatic comeback knockouts of the year.
What happened in that third round meant a tactical and mental adjustment. Speak with Bloody elbow After the fight, Prochazka revealed that this moment marked a fundamental breakthrough in his understanding of what he could achieve:
“First of all, man, I didn’t think it would be like this… but for anyone who thinks too much, I thought it would be very difficult or even impossible to go to the next level of fighting, of endurance, of the pressure I can exert in the fight. In this fight I did it. I don’t know how, but in the third round something changed in me. Since then I realized that I can, really can, win the title. Sure. 100 percent I can win the title. title, and I’m going for that. This is my goal now.”
During the fight, Prochazka had been too patient, waiting for counters that never materialized. Rountree’s speed and technique allowed him to land his shots and pull away before Prochazka could capitalize. The Czech fighter knew something had to change
“My coaches told me, ‘Man, you have to win this round. You have to knock him out,'” Prochazka recalled. “And then I started to realize how to do that.”
The realization came as he pushed through a wall he thought would be insurmountable. Rountree was visibly exhausted by the time Prochazka’s attack began, his eye was badly cut and his legs were heavy. Prochazka’s combination of body shots and relentless pressure sapped whatever was left in Rountree’s tank.
Czech Prochazka’s preparation for the fight included some of the most unusual training methods in MMA. He had worked with a breathing coach for months, running sprints while holding his breath to build CO2 tolerance. He had swum under the ice and faced the possibility of death to increase his mental edge. He had even completed his master’s degree in security and strategic studies earlier this year
It all led to this moment where the fighter who thrives in chaos had to find the next level of his skills.
The victory marked Prochazka’s second consecutive third-round knockout, following his previous victory over Jamahal Hill at UFC 311. In both fights, he withstood early setbacks before finding the finish when it mattered most. Against Rountree, the final round’s stats told the story: Prochazka landed 47 of 71 significant hits, overwhelming his opponent with a 66 percent accuracy rate.
UFC Light Heavyweight title
Pereira has called out ever since Jon Jones for a heavyweight superfight, potentially leaving the light heavyweight division without a clear title picture. Prochazka remains focused on fighting for the championship, regardless of who holds it.
“I want to fight for the title,” Prochazka said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Alex Pereira, Ulberg or Ankalaev. I can really win the title and that’s what I’m going for.”
The breakthrough against Rountree came after Prochazka questioned whether it was even possible to reach the next level. With his confidence restored and a renewed appreciation for defensive fundamentals, the former champion believes he has the answer. The third round against Rountree showed him that he can push through the fire and come out stronger on the other side.
Whether the UFC books him against Pereira for a trilogy, matches him with rising contender Carlos Ulberg, or gives him a shot at whoever holds the title, Prochazka heads into 2025 with clarity on his path forward. The journey back to championship glory runs through the lessons he learned in that chaotic third round at UFC 320, where he discovered that the next level wasn’t impossible after all.
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