Morning Report | Jamahal Hill announces move to heavyweight, calls out Josh Hokit

Jamahal Hill has announced his move to heavyweight, following in the footsteps of former light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who recently made the same leap. Hill made the announcement on his YouTube channel, revealing he has spent the past few months gaining weight and muscle to prepare for the division change.

Hill, a former UFC light heavyweight champion himself, has struggled since losing his title to Pereira at UFC 300. He has dropped three consecutive bouts, most recently a decision loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. in June. A knee injury has kept him sidelined since then, though he expects to return by late 2026 or early 2027—timing he believes aligns perfectly with a heavyweight debut.

With his return on the horizon, Hill has already identified his desired opponent: Josh Hokit. Hill believes the matchup makes sense given that Hokit, a former UFC champion himself, recently defeated Derrick Lewis on the undercard of UFC White House. Hokit had been campaigning for a fight with Pereira following his victory, but Hill notes that outcome is unlikely, making him the logical alternative.

"Wouldn't it be better if I came back and won the heavyweight title?" Hill said. "I think double champ is better than two-time champ." Hill is confident that stepping up to face an established heavyweight contender in his debut would position him well for a title run, and he has made clear that Hokit is the fight he wants to make next.