Jamahal Hill believes Magomed Ankalaev rightfully won their fight this past Saturday.
This past Saturday, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira by unanimous decision at UFC 313 to win the UFC light heavyweight title. While some fans were disappointed, Hill had predicted this outcome.
“I’m going to brag a bit because I feel like my fight breakdown was really good. I gave an unbiased opinion, and it turned out to be accurate,” Hill said on his YouTube channel. “Everyone called me a hater, which is crazy. Why would I hate on another fighter’s success? I am successful myself.”
“Early in the fight, Pereira was aggressive and moved forward in the first round,” Hill noted. “But he couldn’t get a reaction from Magomed. Magomed didn’t give him the openings he was looking for and countered effectively. His counters were fast and hit Pereira, pushing him back or landing right in his face.”
Statistically, Pereira struggled, being out-struck in three of the five rounds and failing to score a knockdown for the first time since his light heavyweight debut against Jan Blachowicz. Despite this, the decision was controversial, but Hill disagrees with the criticism.
“There was a lot of controversy online afterward,” Hill stated. “Many Pereira fans thought he won, which I found surprising. I scored it 4-1 in real-time. I think Pereira only won the first round. He didn’t throw much volume or many significant shots.”
“I think Magomed did enough to win, regardless of my personal feelings. I’m being unbiased. Pereira had some moments, but no major impactful moments. When did Pereira land a shot that had the same effect as Magomed’s counters that knocked Pereira backward? We didn’t see many of those. Plus, Pereira showed more damage on his face than Ankalaev.”
Hill has a history with Pereira, having lost to him at UFC 300. Hill has been wanting a rematch, even confronting Pereira at the UFC PI. But despite their past, Hill is not happy about Pereira’s loss. In fact, it’s the opposite.
“People ask if I’m happy Alex lost? No, I’m not happy,” Hill clarified. “I didn’t care who won. Alex is a big star who brings attention to the division. We all benefit from him being champion. Now it’s Ankalaev’s turn to build his star power before I face him.”
Hill is currently focused on his upcoming fight against Khalil Rountree at UFC Kansas City on April 26.
