Jamahal Hill is preparing to go under the knife to repair an unfortunate injury, and has decided to go with a well-known surgeon who has operated on some of the world’s top athletes.
During International Fight Week in Las Vegas, Hill (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing basketball. After discovering the severity of the injury, Hill relinquished the UFC light heavyweight title so that the division can move forward, just like Jiri Prochazka did when he became injured.
“I’ve been playing basketball for my entire life,” Hill said in video posted to his YouTube channel on Tuesday. “It’s a workout that I enjoy. It’s a thing that I use for cardio and to cut weight and things like that. I’ve been doing it for forever. It’s just one of those things, and it just happened. So at that point, it is what it is. A ruptured Achilles can happen a number of ways, and it just so happened to be done this way.”
A key part of Hill’s journey is choosing who will repair his injury, and he has selected orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team doctor for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Rams. ElAttrache was identified by USA TODAY Sports as one of Major League Baseball’s top 100 most powerful people for his work with multiple high-profile athletes and celebrities. He has also operated on a number of UFC fighters in the past, including Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, and Francis Ngannou.
“He’s the same doctor that repaired Kobe Bryant’s Achilles back when he ruptured his Achilles,” Hill said. “He’s repaired Kelsey Plum’s Achilles, and you’ve seen how she’s come back. The most notable one was the Cam Akers injury. As you know, Cam Akers ruptured his Achilles in the preseason and Dr. ElAttrache and his team was able to have Cam Akers back in five and a half months. He played in the Super Bowl.
“Not saying that’s the progress that I’m expecting to have, but I’m just saying I’m in the best hands possible. The UFC has taken care of me, giving me everything that I needed and letting me know that whatever I need is at my disposal, so I appreciate them for that.”
Hill stated his surgery will be performed Tuesday, and although he’s nervous about the procedure, “Sweet Dreams” is ready to get back to the top of the UFC’s light heavyweight divsion.
“I will be going today to have my surgery,” Hill said. “First time I’m ever having surgery. I’m not going to lie, I’m nervous about it. … It’s just something that I got to take head on. I’m just ready to get to recovery. Biggest thing for me is to just get back to recovery, do everything right to where I’m back to where I need to be, and that’s right on top as the champion.”
