A thrilling showdown took place at UFC Baku on Saturday, marking the organization’s inaugural event in Azerbaijan. The night culminated with a main event featuring Khalil Rountree Jr. against Jamahal Hill, a former light heavyweight champion. This bout was especially significant as Hill aimed to end a two-fight losing streak after being defeated by Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka, while Rountree sought to bounce back following his own loss to Pereira.
As the fighters entered the Baku Crystal Hall, the tension was palpable. There was no glove touch to initiate the fight; instead, Rountree and Hill exchanged hard stares before getting straight to the action. Rountree displayed a slow, deliberate pace, attempting to get inside Hill's head. The beginning of the fight was cautious, with both fighters measuring each other up, but Hill finally kicked things off with a leg kick after a minute of tentative exchanges.
In the opening round, the fighters began with feints and footwork, testing each other’s defenses. Rountree landed a few leg kicks while Hill connected with some punches. However, Rountree's calf kicks were particularly effective, nearly sending Hill to the canvas with a fierce strike. By the end of the round, while both fighters found success, Rountree appeared to be delivering the more powerful blows.
The second round began with Rountree continuing his assault, landing sharper leg kicks and jabs. Hill attempted to switch stances, but he looked noticeably flat-footed and struggled with mobility. Rountree’s strikes seemed to have a significant impact, and as the round progressed, he dropped Hill with a powerful left hand. Hill quickly recovered, but the damage was evident, and the round concluded with Rountree scoring another knockdown, leaving Hill visibly shaken as he returned to his corner.
Between rounds, Hill received treatment on his legs, hoping to regain some mobility. As the third round commenced, he had to know the urgency of the situation. Rountree continued to press the action, landing devastating blows and additional leg kicks that left Hill struggling to respond. With moments left in the round, Rountree dropped Hill once again with a right hook, solidifying his dominance in the fight.
Heading into the fourth round, Hill had to face the reality of being down in the judges' scorecards. He recognized that a finish was necessary, but Rountree maintained control, landing combinations that kept Hill on the defensive. The former champion appeared to be in trouble as Rountree unleashed another two-punch combination, further pushing Hill into a precarious position.
In the final round, Hill's goal was clear: secure a stoppage victory. Unfortunately, Rountree had not shown signs of being in peril throughout the match. Rountree quickly took the initiative, pushing the fight towards Hill, who struggled to respond effectively. With limited mobility, Hill could not string together the necessary combinations to mount a comeback. Although he pressed forward, Rountree’s counterattacks consistently kept him at bay, and Hill could not find a way to close the distance.
The fight concluded with Khalil Rountree Jr. achieving a unanimous decision victory over Jamahal Hill. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 50-45, and 50-45, reflecting Rountree’s clear dominance in the octagon. This victory not only bolstered Rountree’s standing in the division but also raised questions about Hill's future prospects after a challenging night in Baku.
