Former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill has spoken out publicly for the first time regarding referee Herb Dean's non-stop behavior at UFC 300.
Hill (12-2 MMA) made his return to action for the first time since January 2023 in the headliner of last weekend's UFC 300 event, where he has never lost a match against reigning division champion Alex Pereira. He was aiming to regain the light heavyweight title (10-2 MMA). Of course, 'Sweet Dreams' defeated Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 to win the promotion's vacant light heavyweight championship, but was later forced to relinquish the belt after tearing his Achilles tendon. .
Unfortunately for Jamahal Hill, his return fight at UFC 300 didn't go as planned. “Poitin” was able to drop the American with a big uppercut midway through the opening round and promptly ended the bout with ground and pound. Adding salt to the wound was the fact that referee Herb Dean intervened just before the end of the match and attempted to suspend the match with a low blow, but it was waved off by Pereira, who survived the foul. Hill was removed from the show soon after.
(via Zuffa LLC)
Although some fighters felt the result was a bit controversial, veteran referee John McCarthy was quick to back Herb Dean's actions.
“Hearing people who supposedly know the sport of MMA denigrate the practice of MMA is inherently bad for the sport and incredibly embarrassing.” herb dean As if he was responsible for the knockout. Jamahal Hill in the UFC 300. Let's make this as clear as possible to everyone.Herb was perfect in what he did in giving permission. alex pereira The kick to the groin he received canceled the timeout and allowed the game to continue. A player who is fouled by a blow to the groin can control how long it takes him to fully recover from the foul. ” John McCarthy wrote: X.
Just recently, Jamahal Hill reflected on the controversy by sharing the following statement on his YouTube channel.
“A lot of people have a lot (of things to say). I've seen the comments about this controversy. People talking during suspensions and things like that. After I kicked Alex in the hip, it was a low blow. And… what I'm saying is, always protect yourself. You know? My feelings about that, honestly. It wasn't. A lot of people didn't like the way I fought. They didn't like me personally. So it's irrelevant. I take it as a lesson: grow from it and understand to always protect yourself.”
Despite just getting knocked out last weekend, Jamahal Hill has already booked his next fight, scheduled to face Khalil Rountree Jr. (13-5 MMA) on June 29th at UFC 303. There is.
