TLDR
- Jiri Prochazka won UFC’s 2025 Comeback of the Year for his knockout of Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320
- Prochazka rejected the award, saying he controlled the entire fight despite losing the first two rounds
- All three judges scored the first two rounds for Rountree before Prochazka’s third-round knockout
- Prochazka earned $100,000 in bonuses from the fight and is targeting another title shot
- Negotiations are ongoing for a potential April fight, though Prochazka’s first child is due that month
Sources: Bloody Elbow | MMA Mania | Sherdog
Jiri Prochazka won the UFC’s 2025 Comeback of the Year award but says the organization got it wrong. The former light heavyweight champion believes his third-round knockout of Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320 was not a comeback at all.
The UFC announced Prochazka as the winner of the fan-voted award on January 13, 2026. He thanked fans for the recognition but quickly disagreed with the comeback label.
“Appreciate it and one more thing. It was not comeback,” Prochazka wrote on social media. “I watched that 2 days back, and here is my result. I controlled my opponent all the fight.”
Prochazka explained that he controlled the distance, rhythm, and precision throughout the bout. He admitted Rountree landed successful techniques but maintained he was in control from start to finish.
The Fight That Sparked Debate
The UFC 320 bout appeared different to viewers and judges watching live. Rountree dominated the first two rounds with superior striking and frustrated Prochazka’s attacks.
All three judges scored the first two rounds for Rountree. The American kickboxer was landing more strikes and disrupting the Czech fighter’s offense.
Jiri Prochazka explains why the UFC is wrong to give him end-of-year award https://t.co/AKWqW7tfru pic.twitter.com/nCq1QsmUjU
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) January 14, 2026
Prochazka turned the fight around in the third round with a knockout finish. The dramatic reversal earned him two $50,000 bonuses for Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night.
Fans on social media joked that Prochazka controlled the first two rounds “with his face.” Despite the criticism, Prochazka stands by his assessment of the fight.
What’s Next for Prochazka
Prochazka has won back-to-back fights by stoppage and is eyeing another shot at the light heavyweight title. He previously held the championship before vacating it due to injury.
The UFC reportedly offered him a fight against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 in Miami this April. Prochazka said those reports were premature and negotiations are ongoing.
He recently stated that April is a difficult time because his first child is due to be born. Prochazka said he would only fight in April for a title shot, not a regular bout.
Rumors suggest current champion Alex Pereira may move up to heavyweight for an interim title fight. This could open the door for Prochazka to compete for the vacant light heavyweight crown.
Prochazka ended his social media post about the award with a forward-looking message. “Now is time to make a step up and show it,” he wrote.
Days after clarifying his fight status, he posted a training video with the caption “Preparation started.” The post suggests he may be fighting sooner than his April baby due date would allow.
The UFC Honors awards are fan-voted and recognize the best moments from the previous year. No bonus money is awarded to winners of the year-end honors.
