UFC Baku main event fighters Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree get in an intense face off ahead of their fight!
Light heavyweight is one of the UFC’s most explosive divisions. Big guys who can knock anyone out cold with one punch, but also have the athleticism of lighter weight classes. The division has seen some incredible battles over the years, and this weekend’s UFC Baku main event featuring Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree promises to add another chapter to that legacy.
Both Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree are coming into this fight with something to prove. Hill, the former light heavyweight champion, lost his title to Alex Pereira in a brutal knockout last year. He then lost to another former title holder, Jiri Prochazka in his last fight. Rountree was on a tear before getting stopped by Alex Pereira in a brutal fashion. Now they are set to collide in Azerbaijan, and based on their recent face-off, there’s no love lost between these two warriors.
The UFC has taken this event to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. This is the first card that the UFC has brought to this place, opening another venue for it’s multiple cards. The face off between the main event fighters was nothing short of intense. Both Hill and Rountree looked ready to, both physically and mentally. Neither fighter was ready to lose the staredown. But in the end, it was all respect. The face off ended without incident and with this, fans can hope for a striking dream fight this weekend.
This fight was supposed to happen months ago at UFC Kansas City, but Hill had to pull out with an injury. That delay might have actually helped both fighters. They have had more time to prepare, more time to study each other’s weaknesses. When they finally step into that octagon in Baku, expect fireworks from the opening bell.
Jamahal Hill isn’t holding back his feelings about this fight. The former champion made it crystal clear that he doesn’t see Rountree as being on his level. The interesting thing about Hill is his striking background. He’s a former Golden Gloves boxing champion who transitioned to MMA. His hands are lightning fast, and he’s got serious knockout power. But that same aggressive style that makes him dangerous also leaves him open to counters. Pereira exploited that perfectly, and Rountree will be looking to do the same thing.
Khalil Rountree has had one of the most interesting career arcs in the UFC. Early in his career, he was known more for his wild fighting style than his technique. He’d come forward swinging for the fences. But something changed over the last few years. What makes Rountree dangerous is his ability to hurt his opponent from anywhere. His kicks are absolutely vicious, and he’s developed some serious boxing skills to go with his Muay Thai background.
This fight will showcase everything that MMA stands for. Both these guys are technically sound, well versed in the the major combat arts, and most importantly, they both possess massive heart. There will definitely be fireworks when these two forces collide at UFC Baku!
(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)
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