The light heavyweight main event between former champion Jamahal Hill and surging knockout artist Khalil Rountree Jr. headlines UFC on ABC 8: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. on June 21, 2025, at the Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan. With both men looking to rebound or climb back into title contention, this high-stakes clash promises fireworks at 205 pounds.

Jamahal Hill

Jamahal Hill, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, is an explosive striker known for his crisp boxing and knockout power. With a professional record of 12 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no contest, Hill has earned 7 victories by KO and is currently ranked #4 in the division. Hill captured the vacant title with a dominant performance over Glover Teixeira at UFC 283, but has since dropped back-to-back fights via knockout to Alex Pereira and Jiří Procházka, exposing defensive lapses and a potential durability concern after returning from an Achilles injury.

Despite those setbacks, Hill’s volume, range control, and ability to strike in combination make him a constant threat on the feet. If he can re-establish rhythm and avoid trading recklessly, he has the technical edge over most in the division.

Jamahal Hill – Last 5 Fights:

1. ❌ Loss vs. Jiří Procházka – TKO (Punches) – UFC 311, Jan 18, 2025
2. ❌ Loss vs. Alex Pereira – KO (Punches) – UFC 300, Apr 13, 2024
3. ✅ Win vs. Glover Teixeira – Unanimous Decision – UFC 283, Jan 21, 2023
4. ✅ Win vs. Thiago Santos – TKO (Punches and Elbows) – Aug 6, 2022
5. ✅ Win vs. Johnny Walker – KO (Punch) – Feb 19, 2022

Khalil Rountree Jr.

Khalil Rountree Jr., ranked #7, is one of the most violent and unpredictable strikers in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. With 13 wins, 6 losses, and 1 no contest, Rountree has 9 knockouts, many coming by way of devastating body shots or leg kicks. He’s riding strong momentum into this fight, having finished Anthony Smith, Chris Daukaus, and Karl Roberson in violent fashion before falling short in a title bout against Alex Pereira at UFC 307.

Rountree’s southpaw Muay Thai style, body attacks, and explosive bursts make him incredibly dangerous early in fights. However, he has historically struggled with consistency, especially against technical strikers who can maintain composure and force him into deeper waters.

Khalil Rountree Jr. – Last 5 Fights:

1. ❌ Loss vs. Alex Pereira – TKO (Punches) – UFC 307, Oct 5, 2024
2. ✅ Win vs. Anthony Smith – TKO (Punches) – Dec 9, 2023
3. ✅ Win vs. Chris Daukaus – TKO (Punches) – Aug 12, 2023
4. ✅ Win vs. Dustin Jacoby – Split Decision – Oct 29, 2022
5. ✅ Win vs. Karl Roberson – TKO (Body Kick & Punches) – Mar 12, 2022

Prediction

This matchup boils down to technical discipline vs. raw power. Hill is the more precise, methodical striker with better cardio and fight IQ, while Rountree is the wild card who can end the fight with a single kick or punch.

If Hill fights long and uses his jab and straight punches to keep Rountree on the outside, he should be able to outpoint him or find a late finish as Khalil slows. But if Hill continues to show the defensive holes seen in his recent losses, especially during pocket exchanges, Rountree’s explosive bursts could prove decisive.

Hill has more tools and should win this fight on paper, but given Rountree’s current form and Hill’s recent knockout losses, the upset is very possible. Expect a tense, tactical first round, followed by chaos in the second as both men look to impose their will.

Prediction:
Khalil Rountree Jr. def. Jamahal Hill via TKO (Punches) in Round 2