This past Saturday in the main event of UFC Vegas 48, light heavyweight knockout artists went toe-to-toe. Arguably the top prospect in the division, Jamahal Hill (10-1, 1 NC), was getting a stiff test in taking on Johnny Walker (18-7).
Walker knows all about the situation that Hill was in at UFC Vegas 48. Just a few years ago, it was Walker who was knocking out all challengers and surging up the ranks at light heavyweight. Now, he was looking to turn away that same type of prospect.
However, Hill had other plans. Hill was wanting to continue his dominance by showing Johnny Walker that he wasn’t on his level. Well, at UFC Vegas 48, that’s exactly what Jamahal Hill did.
Early on in the first round, I wasn’t a fan of Hill’s approach. He was going after Walker, but he was really lunging forward and missing with hooks. He wasn’t as tight in his striking as we’ve seen him past fights.
However with Hill, it only takes one shot and he found that shot. Late in the first round, Hill found a massive overhand right that put Walker out cold immediately. It was a huge statement and Hill put the light heavyweight division on notice at UFC Vegas 48.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 48?
Hill announced to the division that he’s a true contender on Saturday, but the road is only going to get tougher. That said, the UFC’s light heavyweight division is relatively shallow which could cause a quick rise to the top for Jamahal Hill.
Once the rankings come out, he should be in the top ten and he should be getting a top ten opponent next. With that, who should the UFC pair him with? Well, one contender has already called him out and that contender is a former title challenger.
After UFC Vegas 48, Volkan Oezdemir (17-6) said that he wasn’t impressed with Hill. Of course in saying that, he was calling him out to see just how good “Sweet Dreams” is. That seems like a logical next step for Hill.
I don’t think the UFC needs to overly rush Hill given the state of the division. I think a matchup with Oezdemir gives him a favorable matchup and it’s a good next step up in competition.
Sound Off: Who do you think should be next for Jamahal Hill? Let us know in the comments!