UFC news: Jamahal Hill feels that his battle IQ sets him apart from 'every champion ever'

Jamahal Hill has quickly ascended the UFC light heavyweight rankings, but he is unsurprised by his success. Hill (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is gearing up for his second straight main event fight after finishing two difficult opponents in the first round. At a next UFC Fight Night event on Aug. 6, he will face Thiago Santos (22-10 MMA, 14-9 UFC), a former UFC championship challenger. It will be the veteran of Dana White’s Contender Series’ eighth trip to the UFC cage, and he has always known his abilities will lead to huge things.

Jamahal Hill speaks on his evolution

While speaking with MMA Junkie Radio, he said, “That’s the difference, is I’ve been this good,” Hill told MMA Junkie Radio. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m evolving. My evolution comes from the understanding and knowledge of fighting, in the fight, what I can do, and things like that. But as far as these abilities, I’ve always had them.

“The main thing that I feel is my best asset in the fight is my IQ, my mind,” Hill said. “I have a very good awareness of what’s happening in the fight, where I am, where I stand, just situational awareness. Things like that.”

READ MORE: Top 3 MMA fighters with the most UFC title wins

Hill believes in having a smart approach to a fight

Being able to finish a fight in the blink of an eye with tremendous knockout power is advantageous, but when paired with a strategic approach, astounding results may be achieved. Hill feels that knowledge is what separates him from his colleagues, both past and present.

Hill added saying, “That is what I feel like separates me from every champion there’s ever been. Not just recent and things like that, just all of them, period. Not only that, I have some good physical gifts myself. I’m not small. Regardless of somehow this narrative’s been built that I’m small just because I’m not big and bulky, I can throw as long as I need to, and you don’t want to feel these things – and they’re fast.

“There’s nobody in this division that’s faster than me. Period. Hands down. Pick someone, find ’em. I dare ’em to test it.”