Light heavyweight action has been lined up to headline a UFC Fight Night event this August.
Thiago Santos (22-10) and Jamahal Hill (10-1, 1NC) are set to throw down atop the UFC’s August 6, 2022 card. Cageside Press confirmed the booking on Thursday, following an initial report by MMA Junkie.
The bout marks the first UFC main event for Hill, who has been steadily working his way up the 205 pound division since joining the promotion by way of Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019. Aside from a setback against Paul Craig, Hill has been all but spotless in the UFC (the less said about a 2020 win overturned to a No Contest due to Marijuana, the better). In his last two outings, he’s captured two Performance of the Night bonuses, stopping both Jimmy Crute and Johnny Walker.
Both fights ended inside of a round, both were knockout wins for Hill. The 30-year old from Chicago is currently ranked #10 in the light heavyweight division.
Brazil’s Santos will enter the fight off a decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev earlier this year. While he still holds the #6 ranking at 205lbs, “Marreta” is just 1-4 in his last five fights, dating back to his title bid against Jon Jones in July 2019.
Santos sustained multiple injuries to both knees in the fight with Jones, which later required surgery.
The UFC’s August 6, 2022 Fight Night event does not yet have a venue, location, or broadcast plan officially announced. No other fights have been reported for the card.
