Jamahal Hill announced early Friday morning that he is relinquishing his UFC light heavyweight title.
“I’ve ruptured my Achilles. … It’s just one of those things that happens. It’s one that will require surgery and time and rehab and things to be out for a while,” Hill said on his YouTube channel. “Also, with that, I was given an opportunity. I was given an opportunity. Jiri Prochazka was the champion. He suffered an injury, as these things happen and he had to — he gave up the belt and allowed for others to not hold the division up, to keep the division moving forward to make sure the people had a champion. I’ll do the same.”
Hill, 32, battered hometown favorite Glover Teixeira over five grueling rounds to capture the vacant light heavyweight title by unanimous decision at UFC 283 in January in Rio de Janeiro. The title had been vacant since November after Prochazka sustained a shoulder injury and relinquished the belt.
“On my road to recovery, I’ve been promised that I will fight for my title immediately as soon as I am able, as well as the other things that come with that,” said Hill, who sports a 12-1 record.
“Yeah, man — it’s just part of the story.”
Prochazka responded to Hill’s news on social media.
“Man, I’m so sorry, I was really looking forward to our Fight,” Prochazka wrote on Twitter. “I appreciate your release of the title. Only a person who has experienced this situation can appreciate such a thing.”
–Field Level Media