Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill bounced back from his first UFC loss with a wild first-round finish.
After a serious arm injury suffered against Paul Craig at UFC 263, many didn’t know what to expect from Jamahal Hill in his return in December 2021. But true to his ‘sweet dreams’ moniker, Hill tallied one of the nastiest finishes of his career at the UFC Apex.
Hill and Jimmy Crute featured in a pivotal light heavyweight matchup at the UFC Apex, on a card headlined by UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo. Hill and Crute were Dana White’s Contender Series alumni before getting booked against each other inside the cage.
When Hill and Crute squared off in the Octagon, a new light heavyweight contender emerged in jaw-dropping fashion.
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Jamahal Hill felt right at home at the UFC Apex with memorable one-punch KOs
Hill and Crute wasted little time getting after it in the Octagon. Crute had some strong moments early, landing an early head kick that briefly wobbled Hill.
But Crute’s head kick would end up being his biggest moment in the fight, as Hill countered in a big way. As Crute moved forward with a right hand, Hill weaved through Crute’s pressure and countered with a right hook that collapsed his opponent.
Watch Hill clinch the win below.
After finishing Crute, Hill declared the UFC Apex as ‘Sweet Dreams Stadium’, expressing his love for competing at the Las Vegas facility. Hill’s position was in stark contrast to many fighters who opposed competing at the Apex in favor of larger venues.
Hill was one of several top names who blossomed to stardom thanks to their performances at the UFC Apex. Ahead of his return at UFC Baku this Saturday, Hill is looking to add to his highlight reel against another Alex Pereira rival.
Jamahal Hill looks to snap first UFC losing skid at UFC Baku
Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. headline an intriguing card this Saturday in Azerbaijan, marking the first UFC event in the country. Both Hill and Rountree are coming off of recent knockout losses to Pereira as they look to get back into the title mix.
After Magomed Ankalaev defeated Pereira at UFC 313, the light heavyweight title picture’s door is open for Hill and Rountree to make a statement. Rountree returns for the first time since a late-round TKO loss to Pereira at UFC 307.
If Hill and Rountree’s UFC resumes are indicators of what we can expect this weekend, expect a wild firefight between two of the light heavyweight division’s top contenders.
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