Bio:
Jamahal Hill (born 5/19/1991) is an American professional mixed martial artist from Michigan. Hill competes in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Succeeding an undefeated amateur career, Hill turned pro in 2017. After winning his first 5 fights, Hill competed on Dana White’s Contender Series where he defeated Alexander Poppeck via 2nd round TKO. Immediately following the win, Hill was signed to the UFC. Since that point, Hill has gone a perfect 2-0 inside the octagon.
On December 5th 2020, Jamahal Hill defeated perennial contender and former interim title challenger, Ovince Saint Preux, via 2nd round TKO in the co-main event at UFC Vegas 16.
Jamahal Hill
- Professional Record: 8-0 (4 KO/TKO’s, 4 Decisions)
- Height: 6’4″ (193cm)
- Reach: 79 inches (201cm)
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Current training camp: Black Lion Jiu-Jitsu
- Fighting Style: Southpaw Striker
- Recent fights: Saint Preux (W TKO2), Klidson Abreu (W TKO1), Darko Stosic (W DEC), Alexander Poppeck (W TKO2)
- Previous Career Accomplishments:
- Contender Series 2019: Week 5 Winner
- KOP Light Heavyweight Champion
Upcoming Fight: Nothing booked
Most Recent Fight:
Ovince Saint Preux vs. Jamahal Hill
Jamahal Hill defeated Ovince Saint Preux via 2nd round TKO at UFC Vegas 16. In a pivotal light heavyweight showdown, Hill out landed OSP 68 to 36 in slightly over a round of action. Over the last year, all the undefeated (in the UFC) light heavyweight prospects have all had to take their first octagon defeats. Whether it’s Aleksandar Rakic, Dominick Reyes, Jimmy Crute, Michal Oleksiejczuk, or Alonzo Menifield, none of them were exempt from that first loss in the UFC.
Except for one. And that’s Jamahal “Sweet Dreams” Hill.
At UFC Vegas 16, Hill passed the test and catapulted himself right into the top 15 rankings of the re-emerging 205 lb division. Currently, Hill sits at #15 in a weight class filled with historic lineage. With a former dominant king in Jon Jones, 205 pounds is known for producing legends and hall of famers such as Rampage Jackson, Shogun Rua, Lyoto Machida, Chuck Liddell, and Forrest Griffin amongst others. Many thought that light heavyweight was starting to get a bit stale, enter Jan Blachowicz. With a new champion in Blachowicz and a bombardment of rising prospects, the 205 lb division is the most exciting it’s been in years.
After Jamahal Hill knocked out Ovince Saint Preux, the fans found out first hand that there is indeed a new force to be reckoned with in this re-building division. Hill has ended 50% of his fights by KO/TKO. Ultimately against Saint Preux, youth prevailed. Hill’s sheer activity and awareness in the octagon translated to another victory for the Michigan native.
The attribute that stands out most about the 29-year-old Hill, is his outstanding output. Hill lands a whopping 7.9 strikes per minute. It’s been a long time, if ever, that we’ve seen a 205’er that can not only knock people out in the first round but also land over 100 significant strikes in a 3 round duration. Enter Jamahal Hill. “Sweet Dreams” has the knockout power of a heavyweight, mixed in with the output of a bantamweight. That is a rare combination that we’ve likely never seen. In addition, Hill is very hard to hold down, as evidence in his UFC debut versus Darko Stosic, where he stood up undeterred every single time he was taken down, and immediately got back to his gameplan, which is to overload his opponents with his unique shot selection and overwhelming volume. After another dominating victory, it will be intriguing to see who the UFC matchmakers line Jamahal Hill up with next.
Jamahal Hill and Floyd Mayweather
Jamahal Hill has the support of Boxing great and fellow Michigan native Floyd Mayweather. In August 2020, Hill thanked the “Grand Rapids legend” on his Instagram and said that he “Had a great night talking, eating and hooping with @floydmayweather and the TMT!!! Appreciate the love and hospitality I’m just a sponge soaking up the knowledge!!!” In December 2020, Hill was seen at Mayweather’s The Money Team gym in Las Vegas, Nevada during fight week for his co-main event bout versus Ovince Saint Preux at UFC on ESPN 19. Hill said in a tweet “Shout to The Champ @FloydMayweather and TMT for looking out and always making sure I’m taken care whenever I reach out. I truly appreciate yall!!!”
Jamahal Hill and Halle Berry
Jamahal Hill made a fan in Halle Berry after his impressive TKO win at UFC on ESPN 9. The American actress texted UFC president Dana White immediately following Hill’s quick finish over Abreu that “Jamahal Hill is fire.” Former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier told Hill about Berry’s text during his post fight interview. Hill responded “thats unbelievable” and was appreciative of Berry’s support. Halle Berry has been a longtime UFC fan and even teamed up with UFC president Dana White to offer one lucky fan the chance to watch a live UFC event cageside with Berry sponsored by the All In Challenge foundation.
Jamahal Hill’s recent suspension
Jamahal Hill tested positive for marijuana after his UFC on ESPN 9 fight versus Klidson Abreu. Hill was issued a six-month suspension. According to a report from ESPN, Hill’s positive test was in-competition. However, Hill denies those claims and vows that he only smoked marijuana out of competition.
Jamahal Hill’s first round TKO win over Klidson Abreu was overturned to a no contest. Hill denounced his marijuana suspension as “dumb” and a “waste of resources” by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Many fans and fellow fighters including UFC strawweight Angela Hill came forth and showed their support for Hill on social media.
