Jamahal Hill Confirms Move to Heavyweight, Targets Josh Hokit Debut
17-06-26

Former UFC champion Jamahal Hill is leaving light heavyweight behind and heading to the heavyweight division after a three-fight skid.

Hill, who most recently dropped a unanimous decision to Khalil Rountree at UFC on ABC 8 in Washington DC this past Sunday, made the move official while revealing he has been preparing his body for the jump.

"I'm going to go ahead and say it now: I'm going to heavyweight," Hill said. "That's the announcement, breaking news. So, I'm officially going to say it: I'm going to heavyweight. It's been something I've been working on now for a few months, putting on the necessary weight and putting on the muscle and everything like that to move up."

Hill also outlined big ambitions for his new weight class, including a potential run at a second UFC title.

"Yeah, wouldn't it be better if I came back and went and won the heavyweight title? I think that means more than winning the light heavyweight title again. They both mean a lot. I think double champ is better than two-time champ, though. I like the way it sounds."

For his heavyweight debut, Hill has a specific name in mind: undefeated contender Josh Hokit, who is 10-0 in MMA and 4-0 in the UFC.

"As far as Hokit goes, that's what I want," Hill said. "But yeah, 100 percent, Josh Hokit is a fight I want as my heavyweight debut. Why not? Former UFC champion, come on. Come get some."

Hill, who underwent knee surgery in the last quarter of 2025, is eyeing a return on one of the UFC's biggest stages.

"I would really like to fight on the MSG card. ... That’s the plan, to come back in 2026 at the latest."

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