There no longer is a champion in the UFC light heavyweight division after Jamahal Hill suffered a serious injury.
Hill (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) announced Friday he will give up the 205-pound belt after he sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon that will require surgery. As as result, the title now is vacant.
“Everyone knows that I’ve been waiting for months now to face Jiri Prochazka and defend my belt and my title – unfortunately we’re going to have to wait a little bit,” Hill said on his YouTube channel. “I’ve ruptured my Achilles. … It’s just one of those things that happens. It’s one that will require surgery and time and rehab and things to be out for a while. Also, with that, I was given an opportunity. I was given an opportunity. Jiri Prochazka was the champion. He suffered an injury, as these things happen and he had to – he gave up the belt and allowed for others to not hold the division up, to keep the division moving forward to make sure the people had a champion. I’ll do the same.
