1. The Condition of Jamahal Hill
Taking the headlining spot on the seminal card means taking the headlining spot on the list.
Stepping up to fight champion Alex Pereira will be the surging Jamahal Hill who vacated the title late last year when an ankle injury forced him from a potential headlining spot in Madison Square Garden last year.
He wants his belt back 👀@JamahalH is heading into #UFC300 with one goal in mind 🏆 pic.twitter.com/GNkC1O2TI9
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2024
It is that same injury that is the question looming over the main event. Hill has said he was paid well to step into the headlining spot, expediting his return and preparation by roughly a month to be the promotion’s third championship bout on their seminal night. While it is anticipated that Hill will do everything in his power to make it to fight night even if he were to reaggravate his injury in training, the exact condition it will be in when the cage door closes is another matter.
Leading up to his shot at the title, Hill was on a path of destruction with stoppages of Jimmy Crute and Thiago Santos before stepping up to face Glover Teixeira in enemy territory in Brazil. It was a sublime performance, showing the full versatility of Hill’s game as he withstood a great effort from Teixeira while continuing to change stances and give different looks to the former champion across the full five rounds.
The Hill we saw last January is a handful to deal with for any light-heavyweight on any given night. But on the other side of the Octagon stands Pereira, a decorated former Glory kickboxing champion who is known for his ability to find his target regardless of any adversity he finds himself in before then. Should Hill’s movement or durability on said leg be compromised in any way, then it could be a disheartening end to what is expected to be the most epic of nights.
Exactly how far along was Hill’s recovery and how strong is he on fight night on the ankle? Perhaps only he and those closest to him know exactly for sure. What is known is if he should triumph under the circumstances, it would be a resurgence of proportions worthy of a historic night as UFC 300.
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