LAS VEGAS – Jamahal Hill wants to dive right in the deep end of the UFC heavyweight pool.
Hill, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, announced he’ll be taking his talents up to the heavyweight division later this year, and he wants to face the very top of the weight class right off the bat. Out of the names that are currently up in the rankings, there’s one that stands out for him: Josh Hokit.
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“Top five – I’d love to fight the top five,” Hill told MMA Junkie and other media. “I feel as though even if I continued fighting at light heavyweight, it would be top five. I’d like to see the same thing here. You know, I’m here to bring energy and bring good fights. I believe my style is very exciting, and it translates very well to the big boys. I’m going to get them moving. I’m going to get them moving. I’m coming with that action.
“It’s not going to be a whole lot of sitting back, looking at each other. I’m here to put my hands on people, so that’s what I’m coming for the heavyweight division. I think the heavyweight division needs that, and I want Josh Hokit. I want Josh Hokit first fight. You know, that’s definitely a fight I want more than any other fight. That’s the fight that I want.”
Hill is currently on a three-fight skid. He was stopped by Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka before losing a decision to Khalil Rountree Jr. in June 2025. Hill hasn’t fought since, as he’s been recovering from an injury.
This move to heavyweight is something Hill has been pondering for quite some time. He thinks his body needs a break from the weight cuts down to 205 pounds, and thinks the heavyweight division needs someone like him, who carries prestige and firepower into the cage.
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“It’s something I’ve been considering for a while,” Hill said. “I feel that now’s a good time. Heavyweight can use some energy, can use some life, especially up in the contenders and the rankings and things of that nature. I’m not a small guy. People tell me this all the time whenever they see me in person. It’s like, wow, you’re much bigger in person than I thought you were. With everything I’ve been through, I feel like this is now a better move for me, just to take a little bit of strain off my body from the weight cuts. I’m still not going to come in at the limit.
“… I’m just cleared now to get back to training, so now I’m going to be sparring. I’m going to be back rolling. … It’s good to be back, and I’m just looking forward to new challenges.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jamahal Hill wants Josh Hokit for UFC heavyweight debut
