New UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill is not short on opponents, but an opportunity has just fallen on his lap. Middleweight champion Alex Pereira called Hill out and has signaled his willingness to climb a division to face him.
While Hill is likely to face former champion Jiri Prozchaka once he’s recovered from a shoulder injury that led to him vacating the title, Pereira is no closer to finding an opponent at middleweight. Pereira ended the long reign of Israel Adesanya by knockout at UFC 281.
“Poatan” has faced and beaten Adesanya three times going back to their kickboxing days under. Adesanya’s shocking defeat has left the division in a state of flux with no clear contender emerging outside of a fourth fight between the two.
The concept of Pereira and Hill facing off isn’t as farfetched as it seems. Historically speaking, however, fighters moving up in weight for a fight of this magnitude often catch a lopsided loss before moving back down to their comfort zone.
Jamahal Hill vs. Alex Pereira would be a super fight
Make no mistake, Hill vs. Pereira would be the biggest fight of 2023 if it were to happen. The fight would be a blockbuster event, pitting two champion in their primes with pound-for-pound supremacy on the line. Whoever would come out on top would no doubt be branded a superstar.
With Hill and Pereira both seemingly receptive to the bout, there’s really no reason to not explore it as a serious option. Hill might not get Prozchaka right away as the former champ will take a tune up before trying to regain his title. Fights with the likes of Magomed Ankaleav or Jan Blachowicz are good fights, but nowhere near as enticing as Pereira.
This budding rivalry might turn into something big. We’re hoping that at some point, these two cross paths in the octagon.
