“I’ve got bad news for you,” Hill said in a video posted to his YouTube channel. “Everyone knows that I waited several months to fight Jiri Prochaska to defend my title, but unfortunately I got injured with a torn Achilles tendon. This is a serious injury that will require surgery and recovery time, so I will be out of the game for a while. I got the opportunity because Jiri got injured and vacated the championship belt to keep the division going and I will do the same. Show must go on”
“Now I will focus on my recovery, and I want to say thank you to the UFC, who completely supported me and took care of me. I was promised that I would fight for my title as soon as I could. This will be my test as a man and as a champion, and I take it as another challenge. I still believe that I am a true champion and look forward to proving it.”
Representatives of the UFC have not yet made any statements on this matter.
Jamal Hill, 32, got his chance after the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship was vacated by an injured Jiri Prochazka, while Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz failed to play for the vacant title, drawing the fight.