UFC Light Heavyweight Jamahal “Sweet Dreams” Hill is ready to prove that he is a threat to all in the division. With a record of 7-0, 29-year-old Hill will make his return to the octagon for the second time this year. He will face Klidson Abreu (MMA record 15-4) at UFC Fight Night 173 on May 30. With all eyes on the UFC on May 30, Hill will show why he is a real prospect in the light heavyweight division.
“I’m here to take sh*t from people,” said Hill when discussing his place in the light heavyweight division. Hill went on to say, “I’m here to take people’s dreams. I’m here to take people’s paychecks. It ain’t no nice way to be about it. I’m respectful to my people, my craft, and everything like that. At the same time, I know what I’m here to do.”
It’s been less than three years since Hill started his MMA career. Hill began his career with a unanimous decision to win over Alex Davidson under the promotion Knockout Promotion on September 30, 2017. Hill soon found himself under the UFC’s radar in 2019 with a record of 5-0. He got his opportunity to fight for the UFC against Alexander Popick on Dana White’s Contender Series on July 23, 2019. When discussing fighting on the show, Hill said, “It was a first little taste of what the next level is.” Hill defeated Popick by TKO in the second round to earn a UFC contract. Speaking on getting signed by the UFC, Hill said, “I wanted to get signed by the UFC my whole career. That’s what the goal was. The goal was to fight with the best promotion in the world, so It was a dream come true.”
Hill had his first fight with the UFC against Darko Stosic at UFC Fight Night 166 on January 25. Hill showed why he belonged in the UFC in the contest, mixing up his striking beautifully against Static. He defeated Stosic by unanimous decision to extend his record to 7-0. When speaking on his debut fight, Hill said, “I just enjoyed it. The lights, the energy, and the excitement of the moment. It was dope.”
The light heavyweight division has been looking for new contenders for the light heavyweight championship over recent years. Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has proven to be one of the greatest of all time in MMA. Jones has defeated every challenger that has faced him, creating a need for fresh matchups in the light heavyweight division. Hill has the ambition to become a contender and get into the UFC rankings. Hill said, “Honestly, I feel like I am the best in the world when speaking on the division. I’m getting to that point where I can be dominant, the best in the world.”
Hill will have his chance to get one step closer to getting into the UFC rankings with a win over Abreu. UFC Fight Night 173 is Hill’s opportunity to make his name known to the sports world and prove that he is the real deal. If Hill continues to excel, he may find himself as a future title contender for the light heavyweight title in the future.
Check out my full interview with Hill below.