Jamahal Hill understands that significant improvement is necessary following his disappointing outcome at UFC Baku.
In June, Hill was one of the fighters featured in the UFC`s first-ever event in Azerbaijan. However, `Sweet Dreams` was unable to deliver a performance that would excite the local audience.
Instead, Khalil Rountree Jr. achieved a comfortable and one-sided decision victory over Hill, a win that helped Rountree Jr. re-enter the conversation for the light heavyweight title.
Meanwhile, the former champion is left to process another difficult loss after the event in Baku.
Hill Admits He Hasn`t Been at His Top Level for Some Time
Once known for his undefeated run, `Sweet Dreams` has become familiar with defeat lately. Since securing the title against Glover Teixeira in early 2023, the American fighter has lost all three of his subsequent bouts.
Returning from the injury that led him to relinquish the light heavyweight belt, Hill was brutally knocked out by Alex Pereira at UFC 300. Earlier this year in January, the 34-year-old suffered a similar knockout loss to fellow former champion Jiri Prochazka.
The decisive loss to Rountree Jr. last month means Hill is now on a three-fight losing streak, placing him far from the title picture in the 205-pound division.
Reflecting on this series of results, Hill provided an honest evaluation of factors outside the competition.
On his YouTube channel, Hill stated, “To be honest, I haven’t been on my level. I haven’t been on my level now for quite some time.”
He believes the severity of the injuries he`s faced is often underestimated. “I think people severely underestimate the injuries that I’ve dealt with. … An Achilles tear, to an athlete, is a career-ender. Then you compile that with the injuries I’ve also dealt with, the tears in the knees, from trying to come back and force my way back in the timing that I did.”
Hill admitted to disregarding advice. He contrasted his current situation with his past: “I’ve gone against a lot of advice. Before injuries, I was a natural. I’m a natural talent. Things came naturally to me.”
He acknowledged the necessity of increasing his effort: “My work and my output has to go up. I have to do more. I have to work harder, I have to grind harder. I’ve entered my last three camps, the lowest was maybe 260 pounds….that goes into that work. I cannot spend camp trying to make weight.”
He offered an apology to his supporters: “In that regard, I apologize to the people that have supported me. I have to be better. I have to be better with how I take care of my body.”
Hill Not Planning a Quick Return After Third Straight Setback
In the same video, Hill suggested that fans should not expect to see him compete in the Octagon again in the immediate future.
Believing that his premature return from injury contributed to his recent losing streak, ‘Sweet Dreams’ intends to recover fully before his next fight.
Hill stated, “For now, I’m gonna take time. Take the time I need to make sure that I can get my injuries (healed), focus on my injuries, give them the time they need.”
He added, “I haven’t felt like myself in quite some time now. I haven’t been able to do the things I like. I haven’t run since the injury…that’s something that has to change.”
