Count this Hollywood star as part of former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill’s fanbase.
Hill is fast approaching his next assignment on MMA’s biggest stage, with the American gearing up to headline the UFC’s debut event in a new country.
On June 21, Hill will battle Khalil Rountree at UFC Baku, as the Octagon touches down in Azerbaijan for the very first time.
In ‘Sweet Dreams,’ the local fans will be witnessing a man with an extensive highlight reel in the UFC, comprising many notable knockouts.
And one of Hill’s most impressive stoppages en route to becoming the first alum from Dana White’s Contender Series to win UFC gold came in just his second fight.
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Jamahal Hill caught Halle Berry’s attention with brutal UFC finish
After knocking out Alexander Poppeck to earn a contract and debuting successfully with a decision win over Darko Stosic, Hill was matched against Klidson Abreu.
The Brazilian hadn’t been finished in the UFC at the time, but that swiftly changed when he shared the cage with the then-future light heavyweight king.
Hill knocked Abreu out at UFC Vegas, needing less than two minutes to make a statement in his second Octagon appearance at the Apex.
After dropping Abreu early, Hill didn’t let up and utilized vicious knees in the clinch to get the finish.
Among those watching on was film star Halle Berry, a well-known fan of mixed martial arts. Clearly impressed, the celebrity got in touch with the UFC president.
Daniel Cormier passed along the news to Hill during the post-fight interview, revealing that Berry’s one-word text regarding his performance to White simply read, “Fire.”
Unfortunately for Hill, what wasn’t so “fire” was the fate that awaited that result.
‘Sweet Dreams’ later had the win chalked off and overturned to a no contest after he tested positive for marijuana.
Jamahal Hill has been the victim of back-to-back knockouts
Hill continued his charge after dispatching Abreu with similar violent performances against Jimmy Crute and Johnny Walker. And his unbeaten run in the UFC culminated in a title win over Glover Teixeira.
But ‘Sweet Dreams’ had his reign unceremoniously ended by a ruptured Achilles and hasn’t been able to reestablish himself at the top of the division.
Since returning from injury, he’s been brutally finished twice. Hill was first knocked out by Alex Pereira at UFC 300 in April 2024 before being sent to a similar fate by Jiri Prochazka at UFC 311 this past January.
With those results in mind, Saturday’s event in the Azerbaijani capital is crucial for Hill’s plan to return to the title picture and, ultimately, the light heavyweight throne.