When Jiri Prochazka landed a third‑round knockout over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320Las Vegas, the former light‑heavyweight champion walked away with a $100,000 double bonus – a rarity in mixed‑martial‑arts history. The night, held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, also saw Alex Pereira reclaim his 205‑pound title by stopping Magomed Ankalaev with a barrage of newly legal 12‑6 elbows. Fans left the arena buzzing, knowing the outcomes would reshape the light‑heavyweight division for months to come.
Night of Surprises at UFC 320
The card was headlined by a light‑heavyweight showdown that felt like a roller‑coaster. Rountree dominated the first two rounds with crisp striking and a noticeable reach advantage. Attendance numbers hit 19,300, and the Pay‑Per‑View buyrate topped 820,000 – the strongest figures since UFC 285.
But the real drama unfolded in the third round. Prochazka, after weathering a barrage, unleashed a kinetic mix of knees, elbows, and a left‑hand thunderbolt that rocked Rountree. He followed up with a right‑hand knockout punch that sent the Czech fighter’s opponent crashing to the canvas. The crowd erupted, and the bout instantly qualified for the Fight of the Night bonus.
Prochazka's Double Bonus – A Historic Feat
UFC typically hands out two $50,000 bonuses per event: one for Fight of the Night and one for Performance of the Night. Prochazka snagged both, pocketing a total of $100,000. "When the fight hit that third round, I just felt the tide turn. I went all‑in because I knew a title shot hinged on this," Prochazka told reporters backstage.
Statistically, his comeback was impressive: 45 significant strikes landed in round three alone, a 68% strike accuracy compared with Rountree’s 42% across the whole fight. The fight earned an 8.9/10 rating on the UFC Fight Metric system – the highest of the evening.
UFC President Dana White praised the performance, noting, "You don’t see a double‑bonus performance that often. It reminds us why the sport lives for the unexpected."
Title Fight Recap: Pereira vs. Ankalaev
In the co‑main event, Alex Pereira demonstrated why he’s considered one of the most powerful strikers in the division. Early in the second round, he caught Ankalaev with a blistering 12‑6 elbow to the torso, a move that the UFC had only recently legalized after a rule clarification in July 2025.
The fight ended at 2:07 of round two via TKO. Pereira logged 34 total strikes, 28 of which were power blows, while Ankalaev managed just 16. The victory secured Pereira another Performance of the Night bonus and set him up for a potential unification bout against the current champion later this year.
Other Standout Performances
Opening the main card, Joe Pyfer submitted Abus Magomedov with a rear‑naked choke in the first round. Pyfer’s ground game earned him the final Performance of the Night bonus, bringing the total bonus payouts for the night to $250,000.
- Four fighters received the standard $50,000 bonuses.
- Prochazka took home $100,000, the only double‑bonus winner.
- Average fight time on the card: 13 minutes, 27 seconds.
- Overall, the event featured 12 finishes – 8 knockouts, 4 submissions.
Implications for the Light Heavyweight Division
Prochazka’s victory thrust him back into title contention. With the current champion, Alex Pereira, now slated for a unification bout, the division looks primed for a blockbuster clash. According to analyst Megan Stevenson of FightMetrics, "Prochazka’s power and unpredictability make him a perfect foil for Pereira’s striking precision. If they meet, it could be the fight of the year."
Meanwhile, Rountree’s loss drops him to a ranking of #7, but his strong first‑two‑round performance suggests he’s still a dangerous contender. A possible rematch on a future card is already being whispered about in the locker rooms.
What’s Next for the UFC?
The promotion is edging toward the final months of its broadcast agreement with ESPN, which expires in 2026. UFC 320’s strong PPV numbers have reignited confidence among stakeholders that the brand can command premium viewership even without a new network deal. Upcoming events include a heavyweight showdown in Miami and a featherweight title fight slated for January 2026.
Fans can expect the UFC to lean into “bonus‑heavy” cards, a strategy that appears to be paying off both financially and in terms of fan engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Prochazka's double bonus affect his future earnings?
The $100,000 payout not only boosts his immediate bankroll but also raises his marketability. Sponsors are likely to offer higher‑value contracts, and the UFC may negotiate a more lucrative fight purse for his next title‑contending bout.
What rule change allowed Pereira's 12‑6 elbows?
In July 2025 the Nevada State Athletic Commission clarified that elbows delivered in a straight‑downward motion are legal across all weight classes. Pereira exploited the change, delivering a decisive elbow that halted Ankalaev.
Who else received a performance bonus at UFC 320?
In addition to Prochazka, the Performance of the Night bonuses went to Alex Pereira for his title‑reclaiming stoppage and Joe Pyfer for his first‑round submission. The Fight of the Night bonus was shared between Prochazka and Rountree.
What does this event mean for the UFC‑ESPN broadcast deal?
UFC 320’s strong PPV numbers and solid live‑gate suggest the promotion remains a ratings powerhouse. Those figures give UFC leverage in renegotiations, potentially securing a more favorable revenue split when the current contract ends.
When can fans expect a possible Prochazka vs. Pereira matchup?
While no official date has been set, insiders hint at a summer 2026 showdown. Both fighters are expected to stay active in the interim, with Prochazka likely taking a tune‑up fight in early 2026.
Dean Obijekwu
October 6, 2025 AT 00:08What a night, Prochazka! 💥