Prochazka Trains Under Ice Ahead of UFC 320 Showdown

Las Vegas, Nevada — Jiri Prochazka is preparing for his light heavyweight bout against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320 with some unique training methods that push the limits of his mental and physical endurance. The former champion detailed one of his latest techniques, swimming under ice, during a media event on October 2, 2025.

Prochazka, known for his unconventional approaches to training, described the chilling experience of swimming 30 meters beneath a frozen lake surface. He emphasized that while he was supervised and safety measures were in place, the reality of being submerged in pitch black water was daunting. “When I first went under the ice, I thought, ‘This isn’t a game; you must be fully committed or you could die,’” Prochazka said.

The former champion believes this cold immersion training helps sharpen his focus and prepares him for the physical demands of fighting. He noted, “When you face the essence of loss or death in training, you learn to value life and sharpen your mind.” Prochazka has adopted similar practices, including sprinting without breathing, focusing on enhancing his carbon dioxide tolerance and overall endurance.

He mentioned that this method, introduced to him by a coach from the Czech Republic, has significantly aided his conditioning. “It works for your tolerance for carbon dioxide. So you have more endurance, more power,” he explained.

In addition to his rigorous physical training, Prochazka has recently achieved personal success by earning his Master’s degree, emphasizing the importance of education in his life. “What can I say? For one month, I totally changed my life. Totally,” he remarked, highlighting the dedication required to achieve this goal.

As he prepares to face Rountree, who is known for his striking skills, Prochazka promises a focused and intense performance. “I don’t underestimate anybody, especially Khalil Rountree. He has really good, dynamic starts, good kicks, combinations, and this is where all my preparation comes together,” he stated.

The fight, set to take place on October 4, 2025, follows Prochazka’s prior victory over Jamahal Hill at UFC 311, placing him in a key position in the division.