UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jamahal Hill Vacates Title With Career Altering Injury

The UFC light heavyweight title is like a game of hot potato.

Since Jon Jones relinquished the throne in 2020, there have been four different champions who have held the UFC light heavyweight title. And now, the title has once again become vacant. Unfortunately, the current champion Jamahal Hill has chosen to relinquish the title due to a Achilles tendon rupture.

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A dejected Hill released a statement on his YouTube channel on July 14, stating "I have unfortunately suffered an injury... I've ruptured my Achilles. ...It's one that will require surgery [and] will require time and rehab." 

Hill explained that his original title shot opportunity came as a result of Jiri Prochazka also vacating due to an injury, "He gave up the belt [to keep the division moving forward] ... and I'll do the same."

Hill expressed that he will be focused on recovery, and that he is grateful for the UFC for supporting him, "I've been promised that I will fight for my title immediately as soon as I am able."

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This leaves the light heavyweight strap in a precarious spot. With Hill and Prochazka out, only Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev remain as viable top contenders, but they already fought to a draw last December. 

Blachowicz is scheduled to face light heavyweight debutant Alex Pereira at UFC 291 on July 29, and there is the possibility of the matchup being shifted to a light heavyweight title fight.

Hill and Prochazka are both now former champions recovering from injuries and they are both guaranteed title shots when they return. For now, light heavyweight is looking to be one of the most troubled divisions in the promotion.

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