Jamahal Hill still has his eyes on reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight title, but he’s also contemplating a potential move up to heavyweight as well.
First things first, the former champ wants to get his hands on fellow former titleholder Jan Blachowicz. That would be an important fight for Hill to get back on track after a three-fight skid to work his way back to a title rematch against Alex Pereira.
Advertisement
“He’s still up there, he’s still the top guy, he’s still up there, so we’re hunting for the top,” Hill told The Schmo. “We’re hunting for the head of the division.”
Considering the UFC tends to show former champs favor, Hill’s path back to a title shot could be short. However, if he does successfully rebound, Pereira may not be there, as “Poatan” could chase history as the first three-division champion by moving up to heavyweight. Giving credit where it’s due, Hill could see Pereira having success against Tom Aspinall to accomplish that feat.
“It’s possible, especially after what we just seen in the last fight, Aspinall against Ciryl Gane,” Hill said. “You know, Ciryl Gane, how effective the jab was, and you seen how his hands – he can be out-boxed. It’s a possibility for him to be out-boxed.
“I still think that’s a tough one. That’s a tough ask for him just for the simple fact of he’s gonna grapple. He’s gonna grab him. ‘Poatan’ has been able to defend a takedown, but he’s been put down on the ground at 205. Those big guys at heavyweight, they’ll just lift him. They’ll be able to actually lift him. … It’s possible. All it takes is one punch.”
Advertisement
While there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the heavyweight title picture at the moment, Hill, who may have been just puffing his chest out – or maybe not – said he may make a run at the heavyweight crown in the future.
“I have an appetite for gold as well,” Hill said. “I might want more than one division myself, too. We’re talking about just Pereira over here, I might want a couple of divisions myself.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Former UFC champ sees pros and cons of Alex Pereira at heavyweight
