Jamahal Hill has opened up about what happened in the main event of UFC 300 vs. Alex Pereira.
The former UFC champion’s bid to regain light heavyweight gold came to an abrupt end at 3:14 of round one when Pereira (10-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) left hook and follow-up punch. Most online praised the ending, but some later criticized the moment.
Hill (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) clipped Pereira along the cup with a kick, prompting referee Herb Dean to intervene and pause the bout. Pereira calmly called Dean out, as if to tell him he could continue and didn’t want to take a break. Dean left and the fight continued. The knockout sequence began with Pereira’s next punch.
The former champion believed he was landing well and finding openings for Pereira until the moment of the match occurred.
“I’ve seen people talk about the controversy after I kicked Alex in the hip and the suspension of the match with Herb and things like that, but it seemed like it was a light blow,” Hill said. said in a video on his YouTube channel. “All I want to say is to protect yourself at all times.
“Honestly, it doesn’t matter how I feel about it, just the simple fact that a lot of people didn’t like the way I sold the fight. They didn’t like how the fight went. I personally don’t like it. It’s irrelevant, just take it as a lesson learned and grow from it. Always be careful and stay focused, knowing that it’s always about protecting yourself. Let’s keep it. No matter what happens. Whether it’s through command or gamesmanship. ”
Part of the criticism at this time was the idea that Hill might not have been ready to continue the fight after Pereira shook off Dean. However, Hill threw his first punch, which Pereira countered with several follow-up shots on the canvas that ultimately led to the finish.
Despite the knockout loss, Hill bounced back quickly and is booked to face Khalil Rountree on June 29th at UFC 303 during International Fight Week. This matchup will be a big opportunity for Rountree, who is on a five-game winning streak, including four canceled games.
Just like before the Pereira fight when many had doubts about Hill’s return from a torn Achilles tendon, he will now go into his next fight with doubts, but this time against one of the hardest hitters. It’s about making a comeback so quickly after a vicious knockout. In the game.
Hill insists he did not take any damage from the fight against Pereira and plans to fight Rountree.
“There was no damage,” Hill said. “Most of the falls were mine. I remember everything. I remember looking up and seeing his legs. He came in, tried to block, and got an underhook. I remember trying to reach out. He was able to land some shots and threw me off balance on the other side, but I was consistent throughout for the most part.
“Okay, let’s take this on. We move forward. Okay, let’s put it on the next guy, Khalil Rountree. He’s got to feel it. You have to feel the frustration and everything. I want Alex back. I want that fight again.”
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