Hill Calls Out Hokit In Heavyweight Move

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill is skipping the slow build at heavyweight. Hill told reporters he wants undefeated Josh Hokit for his first fight in the division, with no interest in climbing the ladder a second time.

Hill announced earlier this year that he is committing to heavyweight after a run at 205 pounds that saw him capture the belt by beating Glover Teixeira, then lose three straight fights while battling injuries. Now he is aiming straight for the top of the heavyweight hierarchy. "Top 5 — I'd love to fight the Top 5," Hill said, per MMA Junkie. "I feel as though even if I continued fighting at light heavyweight, it would be Top 5. I'd like to see the same thing here."

Hill's Plan To Bring Energy To Heavyweight Division

When pressed on a specific target, Hill named Hokit without hesitation. "I want Josh Hokit first fight," he said. "You know, that's definitely a fight I want more than any other fight. That's the fight that I want." Hokit carries a 10-0 record into his next bout and most recently defeated Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, as Sherdog reported. The unbeaten heavyweight has also been trading barbs with former two-division champion Alex Pereira.

Hill believes his pressure-fighting approach and punching power will translate cleanly to the heavier weight class. The 35-year-old sees himself as a needed spark in a division he described as lacking energy among the top contenders. "Heavyweight can use some energy, can use some life, especially up in the contenders and the rankings and things of that nature," Hill told media outlets.

Hill's record stands at 12-4. Whether the UFC books him against a top-five opponent immediately or directs him toward a gatekeeper remains to be seen, but Hill has made his preference clear. He wants Hokit next.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jamahal Hill targeting undefeated Josh Hokit in heavyweight move