Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamal Hill is preparing to make his debut at heavyweight and has called out Sergei Pavlovich as his desired opponent. Hill has been inactive since losing to Khalil Rountree at UFC Baku more than a year ago.
Jamal Hill is targeting a move up to heavyweight and has publicly called out third-ranked contender Sergei Pavlovich as the opponent he wants to welcome him to the new division.
Hill, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, has been out of action for more than a year following his loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Baku. Rountree, ranked seventh at light heavyweight, stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and lands 3.88 significant strikes per minute. The 36-year-old southpaw handed Hill the defeat that has preceded this divisional shift.
Pavlovich, 34, represents a formidable target for any fighter looking to make a statement at heavyweight. The Russian, who trains out of Eagles MMA, carries a 20-3-0 professional record and sits third in the UFC heavyweight rankings. Standing six-foot-three with an 84-inch reach, the southpaw lands 4.43 significant strikes per minute at 44 percent accuracy, making him one of the most dangerous strikers in the division.
Why it matters
- Hill moving up from light heavyweight to heavyweight is a significant jump of roughly 25 pounds, testing how his skill set translates against larger opposition.
- A win over a top-three heavyweight like Pavlovich would immediately establish Hill as a serious contender in the new weight class.
- Both fighters are southpaw strikers with high output, setting up a potential fireworks matchup if the bout is made.
- Hill's long layoff means questions remain about his current form heading into what would be unfamiliar divisional territory.
