Jamahal Hill Wants Josh Hokit for His Heavyweight Debut

Jamahal Hill plans to move up to the UFC heavyweight division later this year and has no intention of starting from the bottom of the rankings. The former light heavyweight champion wants to face one of the division’s leading contenders in his very first heavyweight bout, with Josh Hokit at the top of his wish list.

“The top five — I’d like to fight someone in the top five. I feel like even if I kept fighting at light heavyweight, I’d be in the top five. I’d like to see the same thing here. I’m here to bring energy and bring good fights. I believe my style is very exciting and translates very well to the big guys. I’m going to make them move. I’m bringing that action,” Hill told MMA Junkie and other media outlets.

Hill made it clear that Hokit is the matchup he wants most.

“There’s not going to be a lot of just sitting and looking at each other. I’m here to help the people, so that’s why I’m coming to heavyweight. I think heavyweight could use that, and I want Josh Hokit. I want Josh Hokit first. That’s definitely the fight I want more than any other. That’s the fight I want.”

Hill is currently riding a three-fight losing streak. He was stopped by Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka before suffering a decision loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. in June 2025. The American has not competed since then as he recovered from injury.

Moving up to heavyweight is an idea Hill has been considering for some time. The former champion believes his body needs a break from repeatedly cutting down to the 205-pound limit, while he also feels the heavyweight division could benefit from the addition of another exciting contender.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. I feel like now is the right time. Heavyweight could use some energy, could use some life, especially in the contender pool and the rankings,” Hill said.

“I’m not a small guy. People tell me that all the time when they see me in person. It’s always like, ‘Wow, you’re a lot bigger in person than I thought.’ With everything I’ve been through, I feel like this is a better move for me now, just to take some of the stress off my body from cutting weight.”

Hill has already been cleared to resume training and is gradually beginning preparations for his next challenge.

“I just got cleared to get back to training, so now I’ll be sparring. I’ll get back to rolling. It feels good to be back, and I’m just looking forward to new challenges,” the American added.