Jamahal Alexander Hill Bio
Jamahal Alexander Hill is an American professional mixed martial artist born on May 19, 1991, in Chicago, Illinois. He competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Known for his striking ability and resilience, Hill has established himself as a top contender in MMA since beginning his professional career in 2017.
Early Life and Background
Hill was born in Chicago but moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 12. He graduated from Rogers High School in Wyoming, Michigan. Initially considering a basketball career at Davenport University, Hill ultimately chose to pursue mixed martial arts professionally starting in 2017.
Path to MMA
Hill began his professional MMA career in 2017, quickly building an undefeated record of 5–0, with four of those fights under the KnockOut Promotions banner. Notably, he defeated future UFC fighter Dequan Townsend early in his career despite Townsend’s extensive experience. Hill earned his UFC contract by winning on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019 via a second-round ground and pound finish against Alexander Poppeck.
Jamahal Hill Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Hill’s early professional years were marked by rapid success, compiling a 5–0 record before joining the UFC. His victories showcased his striking power and ability to finish fights, setting the stage for his entry into the premier MMA organization.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2020–2023)
Hill made his UFC debut on January 25, 2020, defeating Darko Stošić by unanimous decision. He faced Klidson Abreu in May 2020, initially winning by technical knockout, but the result was overturned due to a positive marijuana test, resulting in a six-month suspension. Returning strong, Hill secured a technical knockout win over Ovince Saint Preux in December 2020.
After recovering from a COVID-19 diagnosis that postponed a fight with Paul Craig, Hill suffered a setback with a first-round technical knockout loss due to an armbar injury at UFC 263 in June 2021. He rebounded with a knockout win over Jimmy Crute in December 2021, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Hill continued his ascent by knocking out Johnny Walker in February 2022 and defeating Thiago Santos via technical knockout in August 2022, earning Fight of the Night honors.
In January 2023, Hill captured the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Glover Teixeira via unanimous decision, becoming the first Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus to win a UFC title. This fight also earned him Fight of the Night honors. Unfortunately, Hill ruptured his Achilles tendon in July 2023, leading to relinquishing the title.
Recent Fights and Challenges (2024–Present)
Hill faced Alex Pereira in April 2024 at UFC 300, losing the Light Heavyweight Championship by first-round knockout. Scheduled bouts in mid-2024 were affected by opponent withdrawals and injuries, including Hill’s own withdrawal due to injury. In January 2025, Hill lost to former champion Jiří Procházka by technical knockout. A scheduled fight against Khalil Rountree Jr. was postponed due to Hill’s leg injury and later rescheduled for June 2025, where Hill lost by unanimous decision.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Jamahal Hill is known for his striking prowess and resilience inside the octagon. His height and reach advantage complement his aggressive stand-up game. Hill holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and trains with Black Lion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which supports his well-rounded skill set.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hill’s career highlights include winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and being the first Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus to claim a UFC title. He has earned multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses, reflecting his exciting fighting style and ability to deliver in high-stakes bouts.
Jamahal Hill Career Wins
Throughout his professional MMA career, Jamahal Hill has accumulated 12 wins out of 17 fights, with 3 wins by knockout and 1 by decision. His victories span regional promotions and the UFC, showcasing his progression to the sport’s highest level.
UFC Highlights
Hill’s UFC tenure features significant wins over notable opponents such as Darko Stošić, Ovince Saint Preux, Jimmy Crute, Johnny Walker, Thiago Santos, and Glover Teixeira. His championship victory at UFC 283 stands as a career-defining moment. Hill’s ability to finish fights and perform under pressure has earned him multiple post-fight bonuses.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Hill compiled an undefeated record in regional circuits, including KnockOut Promotions, where he demonstrated his knockout power and skill development against experienced fighters like Dequan Townsend.
Jamahal Hill Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Hill resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a father to six children, ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers as of 2021. Publicly available information about his marital status or other family details is limited. In late 2023, Hill faced legal issues related to an alleged domestic incident but was released after posting bail.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Hill has faced challenges including injuries and tough competition. After losing to Jiří Procházka by technical knockout in January, he was scheduled for a rematch with Khalil Rountree Jr., which was postponed due to injury and later resulted in a unanimous decision loss in June. Hill continues to work on recovery and aims to regain momentum in the Light Heavyweight division.