UFC 320 Backup Plan Revealed: Jiri Prochazka Locked In if Main Event Falls Apart

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka has confirmed he’s officially serving as the backup fighter for the UFC 320 main event—a high-stakes rematch between current champion Magomed Ankalaev and former double champ Alex Pereira.

Prochazka, who is already scheduled to fight Khalil Rountree on the October 4 card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that the UFC tapped him as the go-to replacement if anything derails the title bout.

“That was the deal with UFC,” Prochazka said. “If something happens, I’m ready.”

🏆 Title Shot on the Line vs. Khalil Rountree

While serving as insurance for the main event, Prochazka emphasized that his co-main bout with Rountree carries major weight: the winner is expected to receive the next title shot at 205 pounds—regardless of whether Prochazka steps into the main event or not.

Prochazka’s journey back to the top has been anything but smooth. After claiming the belt with a legendary comeback win over Glover Teixeira at UFC 275, he vacated the title due to a shoulder injury. He’s since lost two title bouts to Pereira but bounced back with a statement knockout over Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 in January.

🔄 Ankalaev vs. Pereira II: What’s at Stake

• Ankalaev enters UFC 320 on a 14-fight unbeaten streak, having defeated Pereira by unanimous decision at UFC 313 to capture the gold.
• Pereira, once the king at both middleweight and light heavyweight, saw a five-fight win streak snapped and is gunning for redemption.

With Prochazka lurking just one call away, the stakes couldn’t be higher for all three fighters involved.

🎙 MainEvent.News | Backstage Take

Jiri Prochazka may not be in the headline slot just yet but his presence looms large over UFC 320. The UFC isn’t just giving him backup duties; they’re betting on him to either steal the main event or launch himself back into title contention with another highlight-reel finish. Pereira-Prochazka III? Ankalaev-Prochazka II? Either sells itself.