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Khalil Rountree Hopes to Avoid War with Jiri Prochazka at UFC 320

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 10:09 PM ET

Khalil Rountree is set for one of the biggest fights of his career when he meets former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka at UFC 320. The bout, set for the main card, carries massive stakes the winner could very well earn the next crack at the 205-pound title.

While fans and analysts are billing the matchup as a potential Fight of the Night contender, Rountree says he hopes it doesn’t turn into the type of bloody war Prochazka has become known for.

“I hope not,” Rountree admitted at UFC 320 media day when asked if he wanted a violent fight. “I’m ready for whatever. Honestly, everything right now is light-hearted, but like I’m prepared for whatever. I think after that Alex fight, I proved to myself how far I can go and how far I’m willing to go if the fight goes there. But am I praying for this violent, bloody match? Absolutely not. If it goes there, it goes there. Can it go there? Absolutely, and I’m prepared.”

Khalil Rountree doesn't want it to be a violent fight against Jiri Prochazka but is "ready for whatever" at #UFC320:

"Am I praying for this violent, bloody match? Absolutely not. But if it goes there, it goes there." pic.twitter.com/SDg4BYyLZh

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 1, 2025

Staying Smart Against Chaos

Rountree has seen firsthand the dangers of engaging in reckless exchanges. He’s determined to show that he can separate himself technically from Prochazka rather than get dragged into chaos.

He knows, however, that both men possess the kind of mentality that could turn the fight into an all-out brawl.

“I think both of us won’t quit, and that’s what could make it a war,” Rountree said. “But the goal is to make it look easy to prove I deserve another crack at the belt.”

Underdog With Confidence

Though oddsmakers have pegged Rountree as the underdog, he enters the fight brimming with confidence. He views the matchup as not only exciting but also as the type of high-profile opportunity he’s been working toward.

“Big fight, big fight,” Rountree said. “Strong competitor. Great matchup. Exciting matchup.”

Rountree is coming off a statement win over Jamahal Hill, which helped him rebound from his TKO loss to Alex Pereira in a championship fight. With Carlos Ulberg recently surging into the conversation at 205 pounds, Rountree knows a decisive win over Prochazka would reinsert his name into the title picture.

“I’ve got all the tools to win,” he said. “This is my chance to show it.”

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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