Jamahal Hill wants to help make light heavyweight a marquee division in the UFC again. He’s keen to impress, but he’s also in no rush to get to the top.
The Dana White’s Contender Series graduate remained unbeaten when he stopped Klidson Abreu in the first round this past Saturday at UFC on ESPN 9. Hill (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) even got some love from Oscar-winning actress and avid MMA fan Halle Berry, who texted Dana White about his performance.
But while Hill says he’s ready for the division’s elite, he isn’t looking to get fast-tracked at this stage of his career.
“I’m not even really looking at that,” Hill told MMA Junkie Radio. “People keep talking about, ‘Oh, you need to slow down – you’re not ready for Jon Jones.’ Skill-for-skill wise, I’m ready for anybody in the world. I’m going to make that (expletive) clear. I don’t care what nobody says. But at this time, I’m not really even looking at that.
“I’m just trying to get my fights in, establish myself in this game and in this company. Why hurry up and rush up to the top if I’m not going to be paid to be up there at the top? To me, that don’t make no sense, so I’m gonna take my time.”
After coming out unscathed from his most recent bout, Hill is already eager to get back in the cage and continue building on his momentum.
“I’m already looking at a quick turnaround, trying to get back in there,” Hill said. “I (didn’t take) damage. I made short work of it , and I want some more work.”
Hill might not be looking to fast-track himself to the top, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have big plans for his future. He just wants to build his way up gradually, putting on exciting fights along the way.
“I’m here to make noise,” Hill said. “I’m here to entertain, bring the show and all of that. I’ve got a lot of visions for myself on how we’ll hit the mark and things that I want to leave. I just hope the division is ready and they’re game for it.”
