Baku, Azerbaijan – In a battle that initially promised fireworks between two elite light heavyweights, Khalil Rountree Jr. turned a slugfest into a calculated, technical display, earning a dominant unanimous decision victory over Jamahal Hill at UFC Fight Night on Saturday.
Rountree’s Strategic Performance
Rountree (14-6, 1 NC) put on a smart, methodical performance, showcasing lessons learned from his recent title fight loss to Alex Pereira in October.
The 35-year-old demonstrated maturity in his decision-making, avoiding reckless aggression and instead opting for calculated, precise strikes. He earned three knockdowns against Hill (12-4, 1 NC) throughout the fight, leading to a 49-46, 50-45, 50-45 scoreline on the judges’ cards. CBS Sports also scored the bout 49-46 in favor of Rountree.
“I didn’t come in here underestimating Jamahal. I had full belief in myself and my abilities but I didn’t underestimate him,” Rountree said post-fight. “The plan was to be smart. I had made some mistakes in the Alex fight. In this one, I was able to make different decisions. If I’m winning the round, I can secure that and be a smart, professional, championship-level fighter.”
Dominance Through Leg Work and Knockdowns
Rountree’s strategy involved targeting Hill’s right leg early on, hitting it with calf strikes that slowed down Hill’s movement by the second round. With his leg compromised, Hill struggled to execute his usual aggressive game plan and was forced to switch stances to orthodox, which further hindered his effectiveness.
In Round 3, Rountree capitalized on Hill’s declining mobility, scoring two flash knockdowns with precise combination punching and counter shots, particularly with his right hand.
Rountree’s calculated attacks continued into the fourth round, where he stunned Hill with a looping left hand and followed up with a body shot that sent Hill to the canvas once again.
Hill’s Struggles and Lack of Urgency
As the fight continued, Hill, the 2023 UFC light heavyweight champion, struggled to mount any significant offense. Despite his corner’s plea to push the pace and take risks in Round 5, Hill was unable to create any substantial pressure. Instead, he was countered repeatedly by Rountree’s calculated shots, and his output continued to dwindle.
Rountree’s control of the fight remained evident even as the crowd expressed their frustration through boos during Round 4 due to the slower pace. Hill’s lack of urgency in the final round led to a resigned performance, allowing Rountree to coast to a unanimous decision victory.
Rountree’s Journey to Title Contention
The victory marks a major milestone in Rountree’s career, following a turbulent period in 2021 when he went 1-3 in his four-fight stretch. With this win, Rountree improves to 6-1 in his last seven fights, solidifying his position within the UFC light heavyweight title picture.
As the division awaits Magomed Ankalaev’s upcoming defense against Pereira later this year, Rountree is ready for whatever challenge comes next, including a potential title fight. “Everybody knows, and I say it over and over again, I want to be a champion,” Rountree stated confidently.
“I know that there are things that need to be done. But, for me, if I had to fight Magomed Ankalaev next, I would do it. If I had to fight somebody in between that, I will do it. But whatever gets me closer to fighting for that belt again.”
Hill’s Struggles Continue
For Hill, the loss marks his third consecutive defeat after a pair of knockout losses to Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka. Hill, who had vacated the light heavyweight title due to injury earlier this year, has now found himself at a crossroads, as his once-promising championship run has taken a significant setback.
