Jiri Prochazka (31-5-1) believes it’s his destiny to become a two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Prochazka will get a chance to move one step closer to that goal when he meets Khalil Rountree (14-6, 1 NC) at UFC 320 on Saturday. Entering the bout, Prochazka is the No. 2-ranked UFC light heavyweight, while Rountree holds the No. 3 spot.
Prochazka has faced some dynamic strikers throughout his career, including Alex Pereira, who will headline UFC 320 in a title rematch against Magomed Ankalaev. While the former 205-pound titleholder has faced elite competition, he told Newsweek Sports that Rountree brings something different to the table.
“I don’t like to compare him with other fighters because every time, every fighter, every matchup is original,” Prochazka said. “I think he’s right on the time, and I am right here, right now where I have to be to show my best. Khalil is, stylistically, I can’t describe it. He’s dynamic, fast, fast kicks, fast shots, and a lot of combinations, good defense, but I believe I will find a way in the start of the fight, in the middle, or in the end. I’m prepared to be patient and cut him step by step to take the victory.”
More News: Exclusive: Khalil Rountree Seeks Another Title Fight With UFC 320 Win
No Trash Talk This Time
There has been mutual respect between Prochazka and Rountree. You won’t find either man trash-talking the other, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Prochazka prefers that circumstance for all of his opponents.
“Right now, I really don’t care because I don’t like to choose my opponents,” Prochazka said. “Sometimes when your opponent is using trash talk and all these things, sometimes it’s good because he’s just showing that he’s scared and he just needs to be self-confident by this [expletive]. I’m glad that Khalil is a normal guy. I’m just judging by what I know. Maybe it’ll be a different world when we meet, but what I saw, he’s a normal guy. He’s humble, respectful, and this is the most important because outside of the cage we can show that we are moral humans.”
The former RIZIN star accepted the Rountree bout without hesitation, as he feels a win will bring him back to the promised land.
“I really believe that this fight will give me the next chance to be a champion,” Prochazka said. “I’m going for that, and this is what I can say: I really believe in that.”
Third Time’s The Charm?
If both Prochazka and Pereira emerge victorious this weekend, there might be a roadblock for the Czech star. Prochazka has two TKO losses against “Poatan.” Still, Prochazka is confident that he can get the better of Pereira in a third attempt.
“I made a lot of improvements in my training, in my style, and I totally changed myself inside the cage to be really accomplished,” Prochazka said. “Especially with a guy who’s Alex Pereira, but I don’t want to speak about the next fight. Right now, I’m fully focused for Khalil.”
Prochazka is aware of how Pereira’s first meeting with Ankalaev went back in March. He shared whether or not he thinks “Poatan” was in peak form during that first encounter.
“With Ankalaev, no, I think Pereira didn’t show the best version,” Prochazka said.
Not Worried About Rountree’s New Approach
Speaking of adjustments in training and fight style, Rountree demonstrated a more methodical approach in his unanimous decision victory over Jamahal Hill back in June. Prochazka doesn’t believe it’ll matter if Rountree stays patient or reverts to being aggressive during their fight.
“I really don’t care,” Prochazka said. “If he shows me strategic Khalil like last time, I will find a way to catch him, and he will see. I will be on the time everywhere. If he will be violent, aggressive, very dynamic like he was before in his fight, this is what I’m waiting for. I like to be fast, to react fast, to not think, to react for a fast opponent. When I’m under attack, I’m working best.”
Assessment of Carlos Ulberg
While Prochazka looks to earn another title opportunity, Carlos Ulberg has emerged as a potential contender in the light heavyweight division. Prochazka shared his assessment of Ulberg’s performance against Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth.
“He was precise, he was in the rhythm, he was very light, he was fast,” Prochazka said. “That was his night. That was a really nice performance, but like I said, Dominick Reyes came with nothing in that combination, that one-two.”
Statement-Making Win?
Prochazka’s ultimate goal at the conclusion of his UFC 320 fight is to show that he is the unquestioned No. 1 contender going forward.
“This is what I believe, and this is what I’m going to do,” Prochazka said.
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