The UFC light heavyweight division finds itself without a champion following a significant injury suffered by Jamahal Hill.
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The UFC light heavyweight division finds itself without a champion following a significant injury suffered by Jamahal Hill. Hill (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) made the announcement on Friday that he will be relinquishing the 205-pound belt due to a ruptured Achilles tendon that necessitates surgical intervention. Consequently, the title is now vacant, awaiting a new contender to claim the throne.
“Everyone knows that I’ve been waiting for months now to face Jiri Prochazka and defend my belt and my title – unfortunately we’re going to have to wait a little bit,” Hill said on his YouTube channel.
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After suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon, Jamahal Hill spoke about his injury, acknowledging that it is an unfortunate occurrence requiring surgery, time for recovery, and rehabilitation. Despite the setback, Hill expressed gratitude for the opportunity he had as the champion.
He mentioned that Jiri Prochazka, the previous champion, had also faced an injury and decided to vacate the belt to keep the division active and ensure continuity. Following in the same spirit, Hill announced that he will do the same and relinquish the title to allow the division to progress with a new champion.
“I’ve ruptured my Achilles. … It’s just one of those things that happens. It’s one that will require surgery and time and rehab and things to be out for a while. Also, with that, I was given an opportunity. I was given an opportunity. Jiri Prochazka was the champion. He suffered an injury, as these things happen and he had to – he gave up the belt and allowed for others to not hold the division up, to keep the division moving forward to make sure the people had a champion. I’ll do the same.”
At 32 years old, Jamahal Hill, who claimed the UFC light heavyweight title in January with a dominant unanimous decision victory against Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 in Brazil, expressed his desire to retain the championship throughout his recovery. However, he acknowledges the circumstances and understands the need to vacate the belt due to his injury.
Expressing his gratitude, Hill extended his appreciation to the UFC management for their unwavering support during this challenging period. He revealed that he has received assurance from the promotion that he will be granted the opportunity to compete for the title once he has made a full recovery and regained his health.
“On my road to recovery, I’ve been promised that I will fight for my title immediately as soon as I am able, as well as the other things that come with that,” Hill said. “Yeah, man – it’s just part of the story.”
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