Jon Anik will be calling the action for the UFC 300 light heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill, with the main question surrounding Hill’s return from a ruptured Achilles after just nine months.
Jon Anik’s got the best view for the upcoming UFC 300. It’s a stacked event, ending with a thrilling light heavyweight title fight. The reigning champ, Alex Pereira, is up against Jamahal Hill.
Anik, alongside Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, will be calling the action. It’s all going down this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. There’s a lot of buzz around the main event, a lot of questions. But the biggest one? It’s all about the challenger, Hill.
Hill’s coming back from a ruptured Achilles. And he’s doing it in just nine months. That’s what Anik’s most curious about.
Anik’s pretty stoked about the main event. He told MMA Fighting, “This main event is unbelievable.” He thinks people are underestimating Pereira’s star power. Pereira’s got a presence, a certain something.
Pereira’s already a two-division UFC champion and future Hall of Famer. And he’s only 9-2 as an MMA pro. Anik believes Pereira’s earned his spot at the top of this card.
But what about Hill? Anik thinks he’s underrated. He’s got skills, but there’s that Achilles to worry about. Hill’s assured Anik it’s all good, though. He’s ready to go.
Anik’s excited for the fight card. But he admits, “I’m getting nervous.”
Hill won UFC gold against Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 in January 2023. But then he got injured in July and had to give up the championship before he could defend it. Pereira stepped up, winning his second divisional world title at UFC 295 by stopping former champ Jiri Prochazka.
Pereira’s bringing a quiet confidence to this bout. Hill, on the other hand, is channeling Ilia Topuria‘s energy from when he stopped Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. He’s changed his Instagram bio to UFC champ, he’s got swagger, and he’s almost dismissing Pereira.
If Hill wins, he’ll likely be the world’s best 205-pounder. But if he doesn’t, it could be a tough road ahead for the one-time champion.
Anik gets why Hill’s got this attitude. He thinks it’s because Hill doesn’t get the respect he deserves.
Anik’s former broadcast partner Brian Stann always said, “Self belief is just the most important thing when you’re trying to be pursuant of anything important.” Anik appreciates Hill’s self-belief. But what he really loves is Hill’s athleticism and a bit of that American arrogance.
Hill’s a willing grappler and an outstanding striker. He’s got a bit of a death touch when it comes to punches. But Anik wonders about his durability.
Pereira, on the other hand, is known for his work ethic. He’s always in the gym, always improving. Meanwhile, Hill’s been focusing on recovery.
Anik thinks it’s going to be a fascinating fight. The betting line suggests it could be a close one. But only time will tell.