The UFC’s first trip to Azerbaijan has come and gone, with another night of action in the books. While the card fell short of the high expectations placed upon it heading into Baku, there were still some highlight moments. Nazim Sadykhov’s slugfest with Nikolas Motta earned both men $100,000 bonuses—a just reward for their heroics. The main event saw another exciting battle, with Khalil Rountree Jr. knocking Jamahal Hill down on multiple occasions en route to a dominant victory. The question now is: what’s next for both men?
Khalil Rountree Jr.
For Rountree Jr., Baku was a must-win fight following his loss to then-champion Alex Pereira. Many questioned the long-lasting effects of that defeat, with concerns about Rountree’s chin and gas tank prevalent heading into the bout. However, all doubts were firmly put to rest as the American delivered the performance of his career, dominating proceedings from start to finish.
The game plan was clear from the get-go, with Rountree targeting Hill’s lead leg, forcing him to switch to an orthodox stance—something rather alien to Hill. From there, Rountree’s power began to take effect, sending Hill to the canvas repeatedly. What stood out most to fans, however, was Rountree’s newfound patience. He never chased the finish and remained defensively sound for all 25 minutes—a huge win and a massive step toward another chance at the light-heavyweight throne.
#2 Jiri Prochazka vs. #4 Khalil Rountree Jr.
What better matchup for the fans and fighters than this one? Two men intent on keeping the fight standing, facing off with a title shot on the line. Both will feel confident in their ability to catch the other clean on the chin; however, only one will leave victorious. This bout is a real treat for the fans.
Prochazka and Rountree share similar values when it comes to fighting. They believe in a warrior’s mindset and respect their opponents inside the cage. Trash talk wouldn’t be necessary to entice viewers to tune in. While Prochazka’s awkward style could prove problematic for Rountree, we’ve seen the Czech samurai be susceptible to low kicks—a weapon Rountree has mastered.
The victor would surely position himself next in line for a title shot, assuming former champion Alex Pereira currently holds the first claim to challenge Magomed Ankalaev’s belt. This would be the perfect No. 1 contender’s fight for the UFC to make.
Jamahal Hill
For Jamahal Hill, a third straight loss raises serious questions. The former champion looked unstoppable just a couple of years ago, claiming the belt in Glover Teixeira’s home country with a dominant performance. However, his fortunes soon changed after rupturing his Achilles and being forced to vacate the title.
Knockout losses to Pereira and Prochazka followed, and Saturday’s defeat to Rountree added another mark to Hill’s record. In truth, the fight was never competitive. Hill looked overmatched, with his power largely nullified by Rountree’s vicious low kicks. Hill will need to choose his next matchup wisely, as another loss could prompt serious discussions around a potential retirement from the sport.
#5 Jamahal Hill vs. #8 Dominick Reyes
Hill now finds himself in a position similar to the one Dominick Reyes faced just two years ago. After four straight losses—three by knockout—Reyes seemed all but done. Nevertheless, after a two-year hiatus, “The Devastator” has revitalised his career, racking up three straight knockout wins, most recently finishing Nikita Krylov at UFC 314.
This matchup would give both men a chance to re-establish themselves in the title picture, having previously fallen by the wayside. For Hill, a win over a surging opponent like Reyes would be crucial if he hopes to recapture the title. For Reyes, a matchup with the powerful Hill would truly test whether his chin can be trusted again. This contest just makes sense for both men and promises excitement.
For Khalil Rountree Jr., his career is clearly on the rise, with fans eager to see the hungry 205-pounder back in action as soon as possible. For Jamahal Hill, rebuilding is essential, with the former champion seemingly lacking confidence after three straight decisive losses. Two men on very different trajectories—both must choose their next challenges wisely.
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