A former UFC champion is ready to throw himself straight into the deep end after deciding that his future belongs in the heavyweight division.
Jamahal Hill has revealed plans to move up to heavyweight later this year, and he already has a specific opponent in mind for his debut: Josh Hokit.
“Sweet Dreams” wants no easy introduction to the division. Instead, he is calling for a matchup against one of the top contenders immediately.
Top five, I’d love to fight the top five,” Hill told MMA Junkie and other media. “I feel as though even if I continued fighting at light heavyweight, it would be top five. I’d like to see the same thing here.
Hill believes his aggressive style will translate perfectly to the heavier weight class and wants to bring a different level of excitement to the division.
I’m here to put my hands on people, so that’s what I’m coming for the heavyweight division,” Hill said. “I think the heavyweight division needs that, and I want Josh Hokit.
The former UFC 205-pound champion made his preference even clearer when discussing his first matchup at heavyweight.
I want Josh Hokit first fight,” Hill said. “That’s definitely a fight I want more than any other fight. That’s the fight that I want.
The move comes after a difficult stretch at light heavyweight. “Sweet Dreams” has lost three straight fights, suffering stoppage defeats against Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka before dropping a decision to Khalil Rountree Jr. in June 2025. He has not competed since, spending the time recovering from an injury.
Hill, who owns a 12-4 professional record, believes moving up will allow him to reduce the physical strain associated with repeatedly cutting to 205 pounds.
