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Prochazka Rejects 'Comeback' Label for Knockout Win
14 Jan
Summary
- Jiri Prochazka won a spectacular knockout against Khalil Rountree Jr.
- The UFC awarded the fight Comeback of the Year for 2025.
- Prochazka is aiming for a championship fight in 2026.
Jiri Prochazka, a former light heavyweight champion, has voiced his perspective on receiving the UFC's 2025 Comeback of the Year award for his fight against Khalil Rountree Jr. Prochazka feels the award's premise misunderstands the fight, as he views his spectacular third-round knockout victory not as a comeback, but as a demonstration of his resilience and power.
Despite his reservations about the award's framing, Prochazka had a standout year in 2025, securing impressive stoppage wins against both Rountree Jr. and former champion Jamahal Hill. These victories have positioned him strongly within the light heavyweight rankings and have set the stage for his future ambitions within the promotion.
Looking ahead to 2026, the 33-year-old Czech fighter is focused on securing a championship bout. He is open to a trilogy match against Alex Pereira, against whom he has a current record of 0-2, or potentially an interim or vacant title fight against Carlos Ulberg, depending on Pereira's potential move to the heavyweight division.
