It’s going to be some time before a former UFC champion can try to push towards the title once again.
Several big fights have recently taken place in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.
After reclaiming the title, Alex Pereira looks to have his sights set on heavyweight to continue the plans he had before he lost the belt earlier this year.
The likes of Joe Rogan were on board with the idea of a vacant title fight being put together if ‘Poatan’ doesn’t have any intentions of recording his fourth defense.
One fighter who would’ve hoped to also play a significant part in the title picture at 205 pounds has had his return timeframe significantly pushed back.
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Jamahal Hill looking at end of 2026 for his UFC return after significant surgery
When targeting a rematch with Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill stated that his focus was on getting healthy again ahead of some upcoming surgeries.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion is currently ranked as the #6 contender in the division.
After he chose to vacate the belt due to a significant injury, Hill’s five-fight win streak has turned into three consecutive losses to Alex Pereira, Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr.
‘Sweet Dreams’ recently provided an update on when he hopes to step back inside the Octagon during an interview with James Lynch for Home of Fight.
Hill stated that he’s recently undergone a cartilage transplant after it was revealed that the cartilage in his knee was “non-existent”.
The 34-year-old shockingly announced that he’s looking at the end of 2026 for his return, with another procedure still set to take place.
“With this getting done, it’s something I’ve been trying to avoid because I wanted to get my belt back,” Hill admitted. “I lost it while I was at the top from injury and I just wanted to get back and get it back as soon as possible. I tried to be conservative with some things that needed a more aggressive approach to them.”
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Retirement hasn’t crossed Jamahal Hill’s mind following another injury setback
After Jamahal Hill suffered the injury that led to him vacating the light heavyweight title, many questioned whether he was coming back too soon to fight Alex Pereira at UFC 300.
Another big setback is going to lead to similar talking points about whether he can recapture the form that saw him defeat Glover Teixeira in dominant fashion at UFC 283 in 2023.
Hill told Home of Fight that retirement isn’t something that he’s concerned about right now and is confident that he’ll be back where he needs to be following these surgeries.
“I ain’t really worried about it, bro. I’m gonna be able to perform at the level I’m gonna be able to perform to. My skills and the performer that I am whenever I step in there has already spoke for itself. So, you already know what you gonna get whenever I go in there. As long as I’m able to go in there and do that to the best of my ability, I believe I still have value and I believe the UFC still sees that value.”