Jiri Prochaska made his priorities clear after his dramatic third-round KO win over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320. The Czech striker is not out to get revenge in opposition to present UFC mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who has defeated him twice. As an alternative, Prochaska’s singular focus stays on successful the championship that was as soon as his.
Jiri Prochaska dismisses revenge plans, focuses on regaining UFC title
In a current interview with Bloody Elbow, Czech athlete Prochaska made his place unmistakably clear concerning his trajectory within the 205-pound division. Regardless of struggling two knockouts to Pereira, Prochaska stays unwaveringly assured in her potential to regain the title. This confidence comes from the seen enhancements he has made in his fight strategy and general development as a martial artist. He defined:
If I had to decide on between these two choices, I am not hooked up to Alex Pereira. I do not actually care about revenge or something like that, dude. After all, that is what I nonetheless need to do. I do not need to show it to anybody else, I do not need to show it to anybody, I simply need to show it to myself.
“As a result of I’ve made loads of modifications inside myself, and now I imagine I can convey the belt and win the struggle in opposition to Alex Pereira. I will discover a manner — it does not matter what everybody thinks. I imagine I can win, and that is sufficient for me. Like everybody who fights within the UFC or anyplace else, what’s extra necessary to me is the title — to be the champion, to be one of the best.
Pereira regained the sunshine heavyweight title on October 5, 2025 at UFC 320 with a powerful first-round technical knockout of Magomed Ankalaev. The 38-year-old Brazilian wanted simply 80 seconds to defeat Ankalaev, a fighter who was undefeated in 14 fights. Pereira’s dominance over Ankalaev got here seven months after he misplaced a unanimous resolution to the identical opponent at UFC 313 in March 2025.
Czech Prochaska’s personal efficiency at UFC 320 confirmed a significant tactical evolution. Prochaska confronted elimination from the title struggle in opposition to Rountree Jr., and was clearly on the again foot by two rounds. Her opponent managed the space with crisp putting combos, however Prochaska appeared hesitant and was simply countered. By the tip of the second spherical, Rountree had established a commanding lead on the scorecards, and lots of observers believed the struggle was slipping away from the previous champion.
The entire contest modified within the third spherical. Prochaska has deserted his cautious strategy and introduced in an athletic, chaotic hitting model that has made him one of many sport’s most fascinating rivals. He relentlessly superior with a mix of punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, forcing Rountree to struggle again greater than the American fighter might stand up to. At 3 minutes, 4 seconds into the ultimate body, a tough left hand despatched Rountree crashing face-first into the canvas for some of the dramatic come-from-behind victories of the 12 months. He added:
My engine is to be a grasp of the motion, to benefit from the motion…Proper now, it’s not nearly being a champion and strolling away from it, it’s about turning into a champion and standing as a champion and defending the belt. That is very inspiring. As a result of I already talked about the belt and I’ve one at residence too. Nevertheless, I do not need to simply contact it and go away it there.
“Now I perceive what the perspective is behind it, what I’ve to maintain inside myself to stay a champion. That is all the things. The principle motivation is to enhance life, to reside life to the fullest. If you wish to reside life to the fullest, you need to change your self. Do not be afraid of change, imagine and maintain going. That is what the struggle continues to reside on in me.”
Alex Pereira vs Jon Jones?
Pereira’s current feedback a couple of potential heavyweight superfight with Jon Jones complicate Prochaska’s championship aspirations. The present champion has expressed curiosity in taking up Jones, extensively thought to be one of many best fighters in blended martial arts historical past, in a landmark matchup scheduled for UFC’s inaugural White Home occasion in 2026. Prochaska has publicly acknowledged that though the trilogy with Pereira has private that means, his important goal is to proceed combating for the title whatever the id of his opponent.
Gentle heavyweight contender Carlos Wolberg has emerged as an alternate title challenger. Wolberg grabbed the eye of the division and established himself as a respectable title contender with a powerful knockout win over Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth simply earlier than UFC 320. If Pereira pursues a matchup with Jones, Ullberg might symbolize the following challenger.
Prochaska remained steadfast in his perception that he positioned himself as the highest contender within the division. His win over Rountree, coupled with an earlier cease over Hill, validates his present competitiveness. A fighter who as soon as doubted whether or not his combating potential might attain the following degree answered his doubts with a efficiency that warrants severe consideration for his possibilities at a title shot.
