Jamahal Hill Vacates The UFC Light-Heavyweight Title
The UFCs Light-Heavyweight division has taken another seminal blow. Light-Heavyweight Champion Jamahal Hill has vacated his title due to rupturing his Achilles tendon, per Jamahal Hill via YouTube.
Per Damon Martin, Jamahal Hill suffered the injury during a basketball game that took place before UFC 290 against other fighters, including Daniel Cormier.
The title history at Light-Heavyweight has not been pretty since November 2022, when Jiří Procházka was forced to vacate his title due to suffering a shoulder injury. This led to the fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz getting bumped to the main event of UFC 282, as they faced each other for the title. However, the bout would end in a draw, leading to Jamahal Hill being rushed into his first title fight at the start of the year, headlining UFC 283 on a month's notice against Glover Teixeira for the vacant Light-Heavyweight strap.
Hill would dominate the fight, breaking the record for most significant strikes landed in a Light-Heavyweight matchup at 232 and would be crowned Champion via unanimous decision. Fans have eagerly awaited the announcement of a matchup between Hill and Procházka, but the fight will be on the sidelines for some time.
Jamahal Hill mentioned during his announcement that the injury would require surgery, and he will vacate the title. He is now focused on recovery but didn't reveal when he plans on fighting in the future, meaning we may not see "Sweet Dreams" until 2024.
Who do you want to see challenge for the vacant Light-Heavyweight title? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your prediction in the comments below.
