Jamahal Hill is set to return to the UFC to face champion Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 300 in Las Vegas, after recovering from a ruptured achilles that ended his reign as light heavyweight champion.
Jamahal Hill is all set for his second UFC title fight. He’s not taking it lightly, though.
At 32, Hill is back in action this Saturday. He’s up against champion Alex Pereira in UFC 300’s main event in Las Vegas. After a year mostly spent off the field, Hill’s stepping into the octagon with a fresh outlook.
“Appreciate the moments,” Hill shared. His voice echoed the gravity of his words, “It could have all been over. For me, it really could have.”
Flashback to UFC 283, about fifteen months ago. Hill’s star was on the rise, and fast. He defeated Glover Teixeira, claiming a vacant light heavyweight title. But, six months later, a pickup basketball game ended with a ruptured achilles for Hill. Just like that, his reign ended.
Hill reflected on his journey, “There are athletes who’ve suffered this same injury and had to give up their dreams. I’m lucky enough to be in a time and place where the best medicine was available to me.” He added, “I used the resources to make my way back. People can’t seem to believe the speed of my recovery.”
The announcement of Hill and Pereira headlining UFC’s landmark event surprised some. After all, Hill’s injury was severe. There were hints of this matchup though, as the two frequently mentioned each other in interviews. The timeline for Hill’s return wasn’t clear until the UFC 300 main event announcement.
For Hill, self-belief was crucial. It’s been his driving force since childhood. “If someone told me three years ago I’d be headlining UFC 300, I’d believe it,” he confessed. “I’d believe it because I know myself. I’ve always had faith in myself. It would’ve hyped me up, though. I’ve always planned on being in these moments since I was a kid.”
Hill’s father can vouch for his son’s determination. “From the time I was a kid, I believed I’d be one of the best at whatever I did. Football, basketball, and then fighting. I knew I’d be here, fighting for championships,” Hill stated.
Hill, a UFC signee from Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019, has only one loss in 14 pro fights. He’s currently on a four-fight winning streak. After his injury, the title remained vacant until Pereira defeated Jiri Prochazka last November. This brought some order back to the light heavyweight division.
Since then, Hill’s been eyeing a chance to fight Pereira and reclaim the belt. Despite their professional rivalry, they shared a respectful moment during fight week.
Hill appreciated Pereira’s gesture, “I’m grateful he took the time to sign that for me. It’s something I wanted from this week. I’m just enjoying the time. Life is fleeting, so I’m going to savor it. This is a special moment, a special card, a special week and fight. I just want to soak it all in.”