Jamahal Hill's return season will likely have to wait a little longer.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Hill was scheduled to embark on a rapid return following his knockout loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 300, earning a co-main event slot against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 303 on June 29. With two weeks to go until the event, Hill was forced to withdraw due to injury, and recent training partner Anthony Smith took his place.
Hill then revealed the extent of the injury that forced him to withdraw from the card that closes UFC's International Fight Week.
“I have two torn menisci, a sprained ACL, a Baker's cyst leaking fluid behind my knee, and IVs in several joints!,” Hill wrote on Instagram. “Actually three of these! Looking at this is making me hungrier and hungrier! I'll be back soon!”
It's unclear whether Hill's torn meniscus in his knee may require surgery, but based on the wording of his message, it sounds like he may avoid surgery for this particular injury. Meniscus tears are assessed based on the severity of the injury, and mild tears usually require rest and rehabilitation rather than surgery.
Hill's manager, Brian Butler of Sucker Punch Entertainment, did not respond to a message from MMA Fighting seeking comment on the severity of Hill's injury.
Either way, Hill will not compete in the June 29 bout, capping an eventful year for the 33-year-old light heavyweight.
After winning the 205-pound title with a win over Glover Teixeira at UFC 283, Hill ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing a pickup game of basketball with other fighters during International Fight Week 2023, setting him up for a clash with former champion Jiri Prochazka.
He ultimately relinquished the title while recovering from surgery to repair his Achilles tendon.
Hill served as one half of the main event of the historic UFC 300 card and made an earlier return than expected, only to be knocked out by Pereira in the first round, bringing his night to an early end.
Hill missed UFC 303 and there is no clear date yet for when he will be able to compete again.
