Khalil Rountree Jr. Dominates Jamahal Hill at UFC Fight Night
Khalil Rountree Jr. delivered one of the most outstanding performances of his career on Saturday, outclassing former champion Jamahal Hill in a unanimous decision after five rounds in the main event of UFC Fight Night held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Rountree (14-6) took control from the start and maintained the initiative throughout the fight. His kicks punished Hill’s front leg, hindering his ability to support weight, and sent him to the canvas twice during the third round. All three judges awarded a convincing victory to Rountree with scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46. Despite his clear superiority and takedowns, Rountree maintained a technical and measured approach. He dismantled Hill with precision, without taking excessive risks in search of the knockout once the result seemed assured.Rountree, 35, attributed this approach to lessons learned in his previous fight, a technical knockout loss in the fourth round to Alex Pereira in a UFC title fight in October. The two knockdowns in the third round brought Rountree’s career knockout total to 14, tying him with retired legends Chuck Liddell and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua for the most in light heavyweight history. He knocked Hill down with a left hook two minutes into the third round and again with a right hook in the final 30 seconds. However, the leg kicks were the most relevant factor, and the damage to Hill’s legs altered the dynamics of the confrontation. Hill, a natural southpaw, was forced to constantly change his stance to protect his front right leg, which significantly diminished his offensive ability. According to UFC statistics, Rountree outstruck Hill in total strikes with a difference of 94-63.I didn’t underestimate Jamahal. I had full confidence in myself and my abilities, but the plan was to be smart. I made some mistakes in the fight against Alex. This was the time to make different decisions. I don’t have to go all out all the time. If I’m winning a round, I can secure it and be a smart, professional, championship-level fighter.
Khalil Rountree Jr.
This was an important victory for Rountree, who saw his five-fight winning streak interrupted in his failed attempt for the title against Pereira. Rountree, ranked number 7 in the division, faced Hill, who was ranked number 4.
Rountree, a Las Vegas resident, has never fought current champion Magomed Ankalaev, who took the belt from Pereira in March. “I want to be champion. I know there are things that need to be done, but if I had to fight Ankalaev next, I would. Whatever gets me closer to fighting for the belt again,” Rountree declared.
