Jamahal Hill is assessing his career path after recent setbacks. At UFC Baku, the former light heavyweight champion extended his current career-low streak to three consecutive losses. Headlining the Azerbaijan event against Khalil Rountree, Hill was defeated by decision in a bout that lacked significant action.
Speaking on his YouTube channel about the defeat, Hill acknowledged that he hasn`t been performing optimally and stated that adjustments are necessary to recapture his previous form.
“To be honest, I haven`t been on my level for quite some time,” Hill said, addressing his pre-fight remarks about Rountree not being on his level. He added, “I think that people severely underestimate the injuries that I`ve dealt with and the things and the challenges that I`ve had to overcome with that.”
He highlighted the impact of an Achilles tear, calling it a potential career-ending injury for many athletes, and mentioned further knee injuries sustained while attempting to rush his return. Hill admitted he disregarded advice to take more time for recovery, acknowledging that his struggles stem partly from this decision.
The 34-year-old fighter won the vacant UFC light heavyweight belt at UFC 283 by defeating Glover Teixeira decisively. Just six months later, he relinquished the title due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered during a basketball game. His initial return fight at UFC 300 resulted in a knockout loss to champion Alex Pereira, and he has not secured a win since.
Hill did not specify a return date but indicated his intention to take a break. This time off will be used to allow his injuries to heal completely and to implement necessary adjustments to his training regimen.
“For now, I will take the necessary time to concentrate on my injuries,” Hill stated, “give them the chance to regain strength so I can feel like myself again.” He added that he hasn`t felt right for a while, mentioning his inability to run since the injury and a lack of leg strength. “That’s something that has to change,” he stressed. “I have to change the amount of work that I’m willing to do, the amount of push that I give in my preparation. I’m fighting the best in the world right now and I’m at a championship level and I must live like a champion.”
He concluded by saying, “I’m going to step away for a bit to return to the level I know I can reach and become the exciting, dominant champion I know I am.”
Evaluating the Rountree Fight
Hill appeared surprised when the judges` scorecards were announced after the Rountree fight, specifically by the two 50-45 scores, which he felt did not accurately represent the fight`s competitiveness. He also mentioned a brief exchange with Rountree post-fight about the uneventful nature of the bout, though the issue was quickly resolved.
Despite his disappointment with the fight`s dynamic, Hill made sure to credit Rountree for his performance.
“Congratulations to Khalil Rountree on the win and entering the top 5,” Hill said. “He`s been hungry and working hard. He earned a shot at contesting for the title with this victory.” He noted Rountree`s effective game plan of targeting his legs, observing that his opponent remained focused on it throughout.
Hill admitted the fight was “a little more boring” than he anticipated, expecting Rountree to engage more and create a more exciting performance. However, he ultimately took responsibility, stating, “The onus is on me to go in and make fighters fight the fight that I want them to fight. That didn’t happen in this one.”
