While Jamahal Hill was caught off-guard by the sudden announcement he would fight Glover Teixeira for the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 283, he’s not shocked in hindsight.
On Saturday, following a disappointing split draw decision between Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282 that was supposed to crown a new light heavyweight champion, UFC President Dana White announced the promotion had booked a bout between Hill and Teixeira for the vacant belt in the main event of UFC 283 in January.
The speed with which the UFC put the fight together shocked just about everyone, including “Sweet Dreams,” who was at home watching the event when he got the phone call. But, Hill said, when you think about the position the UFC was in, the quick decision makes a lot of sense.
“I got a call from my manager, and he asked me if I wanted to fight Glover in Rio for the belt,” Hill told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. “Easy yes.
” It was surprising how quickly they called. But, it is not surprising when you consider the current state of the division. I had a feeling they didn’t want to leave the belt vacant, you’ve got me and [Anthony] Smith scheduled to fight… It was possible. Because Smith had suffered a leg injury, I assumed I’d be the next to line. He lost the fight so I decided I’d be next .”
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Prior to the tumult of UFC 282, Hill was scheduled to face Anthony Smith in the main event of a UFC Fight Night card in March.
The opportunity to headline a pay-per-view and fight for a title is obviously a big step up, but it does come at a cost: Hill only has six weeks to prepare for his first-ever title shot, where he will face a former champion with much more experience. And while he acknowledges it’s not ideal, he ultimately isn’t bothered.
“I’m locked in,” Hill said. Hill said, “I am just focused on my assignment. I’m focused on getting in the work and getting it done.” I would have liked more time, but it is what it is. Most of my time, I’ve already started to settle into camp. That’s why I wasn’t in Vegas, because I was buckling down and getting locked in. It is as it is. Six weeks. If I can’t come out and display that I’m the best in six week, then am I really him? Am I truly who I say I am ?
The other problem for Hill is its location. UFC 283 takes place in Teixeira’s home country of Brazil. It will be Hill’s first UFC card in Brazil in almost three years. Brazilian fans are known for being hostile towards foreign fighters, so he is most likely to confront one of the more hostile audiences of his entire career. But Hill is actually excited about that part of it.
“I think it’s going to be lit,” Hill said. Hill said, “I have seen Brazil’s cards, witnessed the excitement, and seen all the hype. I always figured if I was going to fight in Brazil, I was going to be fighting a Brazilian. … I’m going to enjoy it. The energy and the excitement will be a joy. It’s a great feeling to finally be here. This is a moment that many have dreamed of. Many have walked through the UFC octagon doors and dreamed of fighting for a title. I’m one of the few that get to do it. Is there anything better? What is there not to be grateful for?”
Teixeira is similarly happy and gracious with this turn of good luck, noting over the weekend that Hill is a “tough, tough opponent,” and saying he wants to fight the best. Hill also praised Teixeira’s performance, although he said that “Sweet Dreams”, when Rio closes, he will not be kind.
” I think that I win dominantly,” Hill stated. Hill said, “Dominantly because that is what I train for. Dominance is what I train for. I don’t care who it is, I don’t care what pedigree everybody thinks and says he has over me, matchups make fights. Everyone keeps repeating this but in a matchup, there are many things people do and I’m different. I am different.
“I think it could very well end early, but if I need to put it on him — he’s durable. He’s durable and he’s willing to bang out, he’s willing to go through the fire.
UFC 283 will take place Jan. 21 in Rio de Janeiro.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/13/23506128/jamahal-hill-reacts-to-ufc-283-title-shot-the-guns-are-on-deck-with-glover-teixeira?rand=96749
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