By Fernando Quiles Jr

Copyright newsweek

Khalil Rountree (14-6, 1 NC) knows he has a stern test ahead of him at UFC 320, but he’s used to tough opposition. Rountree is scheduled to meet former light heavyweight titleholder Jiri Prochazka (31-5-1) on Saturday. It’s a pivotal fight in the 205-pound division that will see the winner move one step closer to another championship opportunity.

Rountree’s most recent fight took place in the UFC Baku headliner. He scored a unanimous decision victory over Jamahal Hill by taking a more measured approach than in his past outings. Speaking to Newsweek Sports, Rountree admitted that his mindset changed after falling short in a light heavyweight title fight against Alex Pereira.

“Yeah, I learned a lot, and I grew a lot from the Alex fight,” Rountree said. “I think it caused me to approach the fight game a little differently, man.”

UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree set to enter the Octagon. (via Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

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Improved Fight Camps

Rountree also believes he has developed consistently with each training camp, and he feels the flow of the sparring sessions and another key factor have improved significantly.

“I think it’s a mixture of both,” Rountree said. “I’m definitely getting into the flow of things, but my intention is growing. I’m just being a little bit more intentional about all my movements and all the details and all the action that I’m putting into my training to make sure that I’m doing all the right things. I’m not just going through my day, ‘Okay, I trained today,’ but being more intentional and making sure that I’m doing the job correctly.”

The No. 4-ranked UFC light heavyweight won’t predict his exact path to victory on Saturday, but he does feel confident in his preparation.

“My gut just tells me to be prepared; that’s really it,” Rountree said. “That’s what I’m doing. I’m just managing mind, body, soul and being prepared for Saturday.”

Thoughts on Jiri Prochazka

Prochazka’s most recent bout was also against Hill. He secured a “Performance of the Night” bonus after stopping Hill in the third round. Rountree praised his UFC 320 opponent.

“He’s got a great record,” Rountree said. “I think he’s been a really good opponent. Very high level, former champion. He’s done great work, and I believe he’s currently ranked No. 2, and deservedly.”

How Does Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 Play Out?

Headlining the UFC 320 card will be a light heavyweight championship rematch between titleholder Magomed Ankalaev and Pereira. In the past, Rountree has said he didn’t believe the best version of “Poatan” showed up in his first meeting with Ankalaev. Ahead of the rematch, “The War Horse” doesn’t know what to expect.

“I’m not sure, and I’ve thought about it, and I think I’ll be just as surprised as everyone else, honestly,” Rountree said. “I try not to think too much about those two guys going at it. They’ve got their job to do, and I don’t know. I can’t call it, man. I’ve looked into it, and I really don’t know, but I’ll be watching just like everyone else to see which version does show up.”

Pereira has teased his next move once UFC 320 concludes, including a potential change in weight class. Rountree shared his thoughts on how Pereira would perform as a heavyweight.

“I think he’d fare well,” Rountree said. “It seems like he’s kind of naturally a heavyweight if you see the guy in person. Big guy, won’t have to cut so much weight. Year-round, he’s probably used to carrying around 240 pounds. I don’t think that we’d see much of a difference. I think he’d do well.”

Carlos Ulberg on the Rise

Rountree could meet surging contender Carlos Ulberg in the near future if he emerges victorious on Saturday. Rountree revealed whether or not he’s kept tabs on “Black Jag.”

“I wouldn’t necessarily say extensive,” Rountree said. “I’ve seen him fight. I saw his performance last weekend. He’s good, really good.”

Another Title Shot for Khalil Rountree?

Rountree’s ultimate goal is to capture UFC gold for the first time in his career. He revealed how close he thinks he’d be to another title shot if he defeats Prochazka in Las Vegas.

“No more than one fight away,” Rountree said. “A win over Prochazka would put me somewhere around No. 2 or No. 3, which is just steps away. Depending on the performance, it could be an immediate title fight, or it could just be one more against whoever is the No. 1 contende…