UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill has a name in mind for his first title defense, and it’s a big one.
The newly crowned champ is looking to fight against the man who last wore the belt and who never lost it, Jiri Prochazka.
Hill (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) won the vacant 205-pound title by defeating Glover Teixeira (33-9 MMA, 16-7 UFC) this past Saturday in the main event of UFC 283 in Brazil. The belt had been vacant since Prochazka relinquished it in November after suffering a shoulder injury.
Hill hopes Prochazka can be his first title defense. It’s a big fight and one that “Sweet Dreams” is certain he’ll win.
“I’m hoping that it’s him, because I’ve wanted the Jiri fight for a long time,” Hill told MMA Junkie on Tuesday. “I know that’s a big fight. The magnitude of that fight would be really great, and I think I win. I think I’m better than Jiri everywhere.”
It’s uncertain when Prochazka will be fit to return to the octagon. Hill has no problem waiting for a good six months, but if it’s anything beyond that, he’ll just take the next contender in line.
“I’m willing to wait till July, August, but past that I think it’s next man up,” Hill explained. “I don’t think they (UFC) feeling Magomed (Ankalaev) like that just because, you know, the way he responded to the decision of being a draw, talking about like, ‘I’ll never fight for the UFC again.’ That’s not going to get you a title shot, bro. They might put him through another test. I want the Jiri fight, but I’m willing to fight whoever is next man up. I’m here to roll everybody. I achieved my dream, now I’m dream blocking.”
