UFC 320 delivered fireworks inside the Octagon, but the drama wasn’t limited to the fights themselves. Alex Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title in 56 seconds, but not everyone was on the same page about what should come next. Amid the celebration, Israel Adesanya has quietly shifted the narrative, suggesting that Jiri Prochazka, who has been waiting for a third fight with ‘Poatan,’ might not be the next in line.

Earlier in the night, ‘Denisa’ proved why he is one of the division’s toughest fighters by knocking out Khalil Rountree Jr. in the third round with his signature combination of precision and power. But as Pereira destroyed Magomed Ankalaev in the main event, cameras caught Prochazka nodding and crying.

Israel Adesanya indifferent to Jiri Prochazka’s sentimental display

The tears were a raw display of emotion from the normally high-spirited warrior. Respect, admiration, and lingering ambition were all written onto his face, reflecting the depth of his feelings for his competitor. However, according to Israel Adesanya, his feelings won’t help him get his hands on another title opportunity anytime soon.

The former middleweight champion’s post-fight comments on his YouTube channel fueled the developing narrative. When asked if ‘Poatan’ should continue at light heavyweight or switch to heavyweight, ‘The Last Stylebender’ was clear: “I think [Car]los vs. Alex. I like that, yeah. That should be next.”

By naming teammate Carlos Ulberg as the next challenger, ‘Izzy’ has virtually rejected Prochazka, suggesting that the anticipated trilogy may not be the UFC’s immediate priority. Still, Jiri Prochazka isn’t letting anyone slow him down. Speaking to the press after UFC 320, he remained firm: “I believe I’m in position to get the belt. It doesn’t matter how. I will find a way.”

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He also reflected on his two prior losses to Pereira, saying, “I would take all these two fights, what I learned from, and I will not repeat my mistakes. I will be just better.” His competitive spirit remains undimmed, fueled by both respect for Alex Pereira and a desire for redemption. But while Jiri Prochazka looks for his next fight, his opponent, Khalil Rountree Jr., is taking the time to introspect.

Khalil Rountree Jr. responds to devastating loss to Jiri Prochazka

Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. faced off in an exciting fight at UFC 320, with Prochazka earning a dramatic late-round knockout to re-enter the title race. ‘The War Horse’ had started well, winning the first two rounds on the feet, but Prochazka’s late surge completely changed the fight, forcing the American to reflect on what slipped away.

Rountree Jr. lamented the loss via Instagram, writing, “Close. So close. I’m OK, in good spirits.” He thanked fans, coaches, and family for their support, saying, “Never stop living! Never stop fighting the good fight! For yourself, for your families, for humanity till the end.”

He also promised a comeback stronger than before: “This loss isn’t easy; it’ll take time to heal & learn from this, but I promise you when I say that I’ll never be the same again. See you in 2026.” But while UFC 320 handed Khalil Rountree Jr. nothing but some nasty scares and bad memories, the night also netted Prochazka a double bonus, adding to his increasing collection of UFC performance awards.

For ‘The War Horse,’ the setback is a difficult lesson in resilience, but his mindset indicates that he is already looking ahead, prepared to return sharper, hungrier, and ready to face the division’s best once again. What do you think? What’s going to take place in this fully stacked light heavyweight division in the coming weeks? Let us know in the comments.