Jamahal
Hill isn’t interested in easing his way into the
Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight division.
The former light heavyweight champion plans to move up to
heavyweight later this year, targeting the most polarizing fighter
in the division, Josh Hokit.
“Sweet Dreams” wants to break into the top tier of the division
rather than work his way up the rankings as he did at 205
pounds.
Advertisement
Jamahal Hill wants a Top 5 test as he begins his UFC
heavyweight run
Hill (12-4) revealed earlier this year that he’s committing to the
heavyweight division after a bittersweet run a division below.
While he went on to win the 205-pound belt by defeating Glover
Teixeira, injuries and a three-fight losing streak soon
followed. He now wants to earn a spot in the heavyweight division
that puts him close to a title shot.
“Top 5 – I’d love to fight the Top 5,” Hill said told media outlets
(via MMA Junkie). “I feel as though even if I
continued fighting at light heavyweight, it would be Top 5. I’d
like to see the same thing here.”
Hill then revealed that Hokit is the opponent he wants more than
any other.
“I want Josh Hokit first fight,” Hill said. “You know, that’s
definitely a fight I want more than any other fight. That’s the
fight that I want.”
Hill believes his fighting style will translate well to the heavier
division. The 35-year-old intends to bring the same pressure and
punching power that helped establish him as one of the UFC’s top
light heavyweights during his ascent.
“It’s something I’ve been considering for a while,” Hill said,
further elaborating on his move up. “I feel that now’s a good time.
Heavyweight can use some energy, can use some life, especially up
in the contenders and the rankings and things of that nature.”
Hokit (10-0) has never tasted defeat in his professional career.
The controversial heavyweight defeated Derrick
Lewis at
UFC Freedom 250 in his last bout and has a growing beef with
former two-division champ and interim heavyweight title challenger
Alex
Pereira.