Seeking To Reclaim What He Never Lost, Jamahal Hill Headlines UFC 300

“I understand the moment and what I’m creating, but right now, I have no time to think about it–and no time to rest.”

As Jamahal Hill approaches the most significant fight of his career, he reflected on the bout that put him on the UFC’s radar.

It was July of 2023, and Hill had just finished obliterating Alexander Poppeck on the Contender Series. After the fight, while walking the back halls of the UFC Apex, White was approached by Dana White.

“Dana congratulated me on my win,” recalled Hill. “Then he asked me a question. I still can’t believe he said this–Dana asked if I ever would consider going to 185.”

Jamahal Hill/The Contender Series / Courtesy Zuffa LLC

White was referring to the middleweight division, a 185-pound weight class. And Hill was apoplectic over the suggestion.

“Dana told me the dudes at 205 are killers,” said Hill. “He said that to me. I was like, ‘What do you think I am?’ So I told him the truth when I said I’m not here to fight, I’m here to put a pounding on people. Put me in the deep water and let me swim.”

That is precisely how his career in the UFC has unfolded. On a four-fight win streak, Hill (12-1, 1 NC) steps into the cage tomorrow to headline UFC 300 in a bout against reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

This is a pivotal bout for Hill, marking his return from a ruptured Achilles that forced him to vacate the title last year. Standing in his way is Pereira (9-2), a kickboxing star who has dominated at both middleweight and light heavyweight in the UFC.

“I looked at my injury as a challenge,” said Hill. “We all go through adversity. It’s not fair sometimes, but it’s all about how you respond. I’m going to respond with triumph.”

The Achilles injury was suffered during a game of pickup basketball. When it occurred, Hill shook it off, brushing it off as a minor setback.

“I thought I twisted my ankle,” said Hill. “I had no idea it was as serious as it was. When it happened, it was like a tweak. A couple days later, it felt worse. I went for an MRI, and I’m thinking, worst-case, maybe it’s a partial tear. Then I found out it was a complete, complete tear.”

In his absence, the division kept progressing. After Pereira won the vacant title in November at Madison Square Garden, he seemed more focused on a trilogy bout against longtime rival Israel Adesanya. Somehow, lost in the background, there stood Hill–who patiently rehabbed and now returns at full health.

Jamahal Hill strikes Glover Teixeira / Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Pereira has yet to fight anyone in the light heavyweight division with the sharpness and speed of Hill. While Hill’s power in the division is unmatched, the deciding factor in this bout will likely be his fight IQ. A cerebral fighter, he knows how to find an opening and exactly where to land.

“It’s coming down to the X’s and O’s,” said Hill. “And I know them really f------ well.”

For Hill, this is a chance to place the injury in the past. He can restore his place in the division, regain the title he never lost, and re-alter the UFC power structure–all, of course, permitting he is victorious against Pereira.

“This fight isn’t personal,” said Hill. “I really am a fan of Alex. I love that he brings his sons with him–I have a lot of respect for him as a father. But I’m a competitor and I want to be the best. Outside of that, we’re two men with dreams and goals.

“This is what I wake up every day to do. I understand the moment and what I’m creating, but right now, I have no time to think about it–and no time to rest.”