UFC 300 was a massive occasion for the combat sports world. On a night when we saw some of the biggest UFC stars take to the Octagon, there were many winners and losers. Among the latter was former champ Jamahal Hill who is seemingly keen to get back to title contention as soon as possible.
For those unaware, Jamahal Hill (12-2) previously claimed the vacant light heavyweight title after beating Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 in 2023. However, owing to an Achilles injury, Hill had to undergo extensive rehabilitation, relinquishing his title in the meantime. Returning less than a year after his injury, Jamahal took on Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 300.
Easy day in the office for @AlexPereiraUFC 😮💨
He gets the first round TKO to retain his LHW belt! #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/7Qbx3xB7GE
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024
Seeing that the general consensus was against him, Hill was very vocal and animated in the buildup to the fight. However, despite all that and his promises to knock out Alex Pereira, it was Jamahal himself, who was on the receiving end of a first-round knockout, which was further followed up with some taunting gestures from Pereira. Naturally, all these things have not gone down too well with the former champ.
Jamahal Hill returns against Khalil Rountree at UFC 303
As a result, Jamahal Hill is keen to get back to action as soon as possible to try and set things right. A fierce competitor, Hill will feel uneasy after seeing how easily he was dispatched by Alex Pereira. For the most part, his words and demeanor had managed to sway many people in his favor as well, with many fans and experts touting him for a knockout win against Pereira.
Thus, following the loss, ‘Sweet Dreams’ was adamant to return and get his revenge against Pereira. Whilst he initially called out Jiri Prochazka, who won against Aleksandr Rakic at UFC 300, it seems that the UFC has offered him Khalil Rountree instead. Notably, the showdown takes place at UFC 303 on June 29 at International Fight Week, headlined by Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.
Another banger coming to International Fight Week 😤@JamahalH vs @KhalilRountree is locked in for #UFC303 pic.twitter.com/Cyzn4EWWgO
— UFC (@ufc) April 20, 2024
Rountree (14-5) is currently ranked at #8 in the light heavyweight rankings following a demolishing win over Anthony Smith. With most of the top 10 either booked or on medical suspension, the matchup is a very exciting one that the fans believe will surely deliver. Despite an inconsistent start to his tenure, Rountree has racked up bonus-winning knockouts of Anthony Smith, Chris Daukaus, and Karl Roberson in his last four outings.
Is Jamahal Hill returning to action too soon for his own good?
All things considered, the initial reception to the fight has been very positive. With two hard-hitting knockout specialists, it is highly unlikely that there will be a stagnant moment during the fight. Considering the state of some of the cards following UFC 300, 303 is shaping up nicely with more high-profile fights yet to be officially confirmed. However, at the same time, many have expressed a lot of concern with Jamahal Hill returning too soon.
For the most part, Jamahal already fought ahead of his originally intended UFC 301 in May. Not only that but fighting again a little over three months after a brutal knockout has many concerned for his health. Although there are no reports of his receiving any lengthy medical suspensions, one would assume that he would need some time off regardless. However, seeing that he missed the entirety of 2023, he is seemingly making up for lost time.
Whilst some believe that Hill should have taken more time off, others feel that he wasn’t really able to showcase any of the work he had put in for the Pereira fight. Either way, the fans will be feasting with this matchup which very much hangs in the balance, thanks to Rountree’s recent resurgence. Whether or not it will be too short a turnaround for Jamahal Hll, only time will tell.