Jamahal Hill

In an interview published August 11, 2026, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill confirmed he is moving up to the heavyweight division later this year and specifically called for a fight with undefeated prospect Josh Hokit. Hill said he wants to “dive right in the deep end” at heavyweight and identified Hokit as the opponent he wants more than any other. He also noted that he has recently been cleared to resume full training, including sparring and grappling, after time off due to injury, making this callout a key marker in his comeback plans.

Following his bout at UFC Vegas 120, heavyweight Steven Asplund used his post-fight microphone time on August 10, 2026 to publicly call out Jamahal Hill. Asplund said, “I want Jamahal Hill,” and disparaged him as a “fat boy who just came up to heavyweight,” referencing Hill’s recent decision to move up from light heavyweight. The callout adds a layer of trash talk and potential future rivalry as Hill prepares for his debut in the division and other heavyweights begin to target him as a desirable matchup.