Former light heavyweight champ Jiri Prochazka faced off with an ex-205lb title challenger in Khalil Rountree Jr. on the UFC 320 main card, a fight that would send one man closer to the top of the pack in the weight class.
While Carlos Ulberg had made a statement and might very well be facing the winner of Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2, the winner of Prochazka vs. Rountree would no doubt be close.
The first exchange saw Prochazka fire a kick, and Rountree return fire, a punch sailing over the ex-champ’s dome. Rountree’s every shot was accompanied by blistering power, including a left hand that hit the mark. Rountree also targeted the body, while Prochazka’s offense was mostly limited to body kicks while he worked to find his openings.
Prochazka would launch a jump knee in the final two minutes, but Rountree countered and did more damage with his left hand. A high kick from Rountree was blocked, but still made an impact. Rountree finished the opening round firing off a combo, and had almost certainly won the frame.
Round two saw Prochazka looking gunshy, standing in front of Khalil but throwing little of note. Prochazka finally moved in to fire off a combination, but wound up out of position. Jiri’s jab flashed, and his kicks were still there, but his offense was limited in comparison to Rountree Jr. And Rountree began to add leg kicks — bad news for Prochazka, whose movement had looked off even before any low kicks had landed. As the round wore on, Prochazka seemed to tire a little, not putting much behind any of his strikes.
Jiri Prochazka almost certainly needed a finish in round three, and early on, took the fight to Rountree. Under fire, Rountree was able to counter, swinging with wild lefts and rights. The firefight that ensued was exactly what fans had hoped for. Jiri pressed, and Rountree was suddenly retreating, his eye showing considerable damage. Prochazka, after two listless rounds, couldn’t seem to miss. A knee landed for Prochazka. Rountree was tiring, but managed to reverse the position, getting Jiri in a headlock. Rountree landed an elbow up top, but Jiri landed his own! A spinning elbow followed. Shots to the body. Prochazka backed Rountree up to the fence, and unloaded, a few more punches toppling a bloodied Rountree!
The come-from-behind victory for Jiri Prochazka, in a fight he was trailing in, is yet another reminded that the Czech former champ is always dangerous. And now, back in title contention, suggesting that a title shot might even be next.
Official Result: Jiri Prochazka def. Khalil Rountree Jr. by KO, Round 3, 3:04
