Jamahal Hill embraces UFC villain role: 'Who's dominating the headlines?'

Jamahal Hill constantly finds himself in the headlines, and he’s OK with it.

That’s because the former UFC light heavyweight champion has no issue expressing himself, nor does he hesitate to fire back when targeted by fans or fellow title contenders.

Hill (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) was recently in the news for his UFC Performance Institute altercation with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

“If ya’ll want to talk about me, talk about me, but we’re going to make sure my name stays in the right place,” Hill said in an interview with Bodog Canada. “UFC 310 just happened. Who dominated the headlines? You feel me?

“I fought one time coming up on two years. Who’s dominating the headlines? Every time they see my face, they can’t help but run to my comments section to talk about me. Who’s living in whose head, rent-free? All publicity is good publicity.”

Hill often posts his opinions on his YouTube channel, most recently addressing his arrest for allegedly assaulting his brother. He reflected on his incident with Pereira, and thinks a lot likely got lost in translation with Pereira’s head coach Plinio Cruz playing interpreter.

”After he said that last part, he (Cruz) kind of stopped translating to me, he kind of stopped translating what he was saying to me,” Hill said. “The situation ain’t even that serious, bro. It’s a fun interaction. I mean seeing that competitive fire is there, he’s down to go, I’m ready to step up and fight him.”

Hill returns to action against Jiri Prochazka (30-5-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC) in a potential No. 1 contender clash Jan. 18 at UFC 311 from Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 311.