Jamahal Hill Reflects on Contender Series, Awaits Return to the Octagon

“When the king comes back, I’m bringing hell with me.”

Week two of Dana White’s Contender Series takes place tonight. Last week, five contracts were awarded. But throughout the six-year history of the show, only one fighter from the Contender Series has won UFC gold.

Jamahal Hill is the lone champion from the Contender Series. He was the reigning light heavyweight champion until last month, when a ruptured Achilles tendon forced him to relinquish the belt.

Hill, who announced the news on his YouTube channel, had just won the title this past January in a spectacular victory against Glover Teixeira.

It is devastating to lose the title without even defending it, but Hill is not allowing himself to wallow in misery.

“It didn’t really hit me until I finished making the video,” says Hill. “I was like, damn, I’m not the champion anymore. A lot went through my head, but I know I need to focus on the things I can control.

“I’m focused on improving every aspect of my life that I can. And mentally, I’m locked in to do what I have to do to get back.”

Hill’s UFC career began in the summer of 2019, when he TKO’d Alexander Poppeck a mere 22 seconds into the third round of their Contender Series bout. The victory propelled Hill to a UFC contract, where he has only lost once in eight fights.

“I wasn’t as experienced in that fight,” says Hill. “I remember trying to get comfortable and find my rhythm. I needed to find a way to get going.”

Hill found his rhythm in the third, forcing Poppeck to absorb a brutal array of knees, punches, and elbows.

“I got in with a few good shots to the body,” says Hill. “When he started grimacing, I knew he was hurt. So I wanted to jump on him and get the finish.”

This Saturday at UFC 292, Sean O'Malley will join Hill, Alex Perez, and Taila Santos as the only Contender Series alums to fight for a UFC title. If O’Malley defeats bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, he will follow Hill as the second champ from the show.

“It’s an honor to be the first champion from the Contender Series,” says Hill (12-1, 1 NC). “Contender Series continues to find the best fighters. It’s the best recruiting tool to fight for the UFC. I’m happy to solidify that and be part of that.”

Hill has roughly nine more months of recovery before he can re-enter the Octagon. Until then, he plans to keep everyone updated on the Champ Chat Podcast airing on his YouTube channel.

“I’m creating a platform, and it’s a way to stay connected,” says Hill, who recently engaged in a war of words with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. “It’s also a chance to interact with the fans. The people who have supported me, it means everything.

“I’m having fun with it. It’s a crazy ride, so I’m just trying to take it all in.”

As for the future of the division, there will be plenty of activity atop light heavyweight. The fight for the vacant title will likely pit former champ Jiri Prochazka (who also relinquished the belt due to injury) against former middleweight champ Alex Pereira, who made a successful light heavyweight debut at UFC 291 when he defeated Jan Blachowicz.

“From what I know, Jiri and Alex will be booked for the 205 championship,” says Hill. “Everyone at the top has been booked. Magomed [Ankalaev] and Johnny Walker have been booked. Nikita Krylov is fighting [Aleksander] Rakic, so the division is moving forward. It’s on the guys to carry that flame and rep the division.”

Hill extended well wishes to everyone in the division. He believes there will be plenty of opportunities to flourish during his absence, though that will change upon his return.

“I hope everyone goes for it all now,” says Hill. “When the king comes back, I’m bringing hell with me.”

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.