Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka returns to the octagon this Saturday at UFC 320, where he’ll face surging contender Khalil Rountree Jr. in a matchup that could shake up the division’s title picture.
Prochazka (31-5-1) enters UFC 320 confident that his unique style and experience set him apart from Rountree Jr. Still, the former champion emphasized he isn’t underestimating his opponent, preparing instead for the best version possible on fight night.
“Just yesterday I just saw some past opponents of mine and Khalil. I said to myself man he didn’t face somebody like me,” Prochazka told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“This can be my advantage, but I’m not betting for this. In the end, doesn’t matter, I count with the best version of Khalil. This is for what I am prepared.”
While Prochazka’s focus is firmly on Khalil Rountree Jr. this Saturday, another potential challenger may already be looming. #3 ranked Carlos Ulberg made waves with his highlight-reel knockout of Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth last weekend.
If Ulberg doesn’t land a title shot from that performance, a matchup with Prochazka could be on deck, though the former champion noted that Ulberg already passed on an opportunity to face him.
“I really don’t care what he wants. I want to, right now, go through Khalil and go for the title,” he said.
“That’s all what I can say. He already had the chance to face me and I wanted to go to Australia to fight him. He declined that so what I can say? Right now biggest challenge is every time to be the champion. Every time.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Jiri Prochazka above. He faces Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320 on Saturday night.
