“You Benefited From an Injury Happening…”: Dana White and Co. Accused of Pushing Jamahal Hill to Vacate His Light Heavyweight Title Following the Former Champ’s Injury

Tough times for “Sweet Dreams”! After having to relinquish his UFC Light Heavyweight title, Jamahal Hill is expecting a long recovery before a return to the Octagon. Hill became the Light Heavyweight title holder after his win over former champ Glover Teixeira at UFC 283. But did you know that before the American, Teixeira was all set to fight Jiri Prochazka? Unfortunately, the Czech mixed martial artist had to relinquish the title due to an injury, making way for the UFC 283 fight that put Hill on top of the division.

Ironically, now Hill has to relinquish his title for a similar reason – an injury to his Achilles’ tendons. But there are some who believe that Hill may have been forced to give up his title. One notable entity who expresses a similar belief is eminent MMA journalist, Ariel Helwani. And he has some valid points behind this argument.

Ariel Helwani’s take on Jamahal Hill vacating the UFC 205 lbs title

In a recent episode of the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, the journalist touched upon the current news on Jamahal Hill’s injury and recovery updates. Moreover, he also shed light on what he believes to be the driving factor behind Hill stepping down as the champ.

Helwani believes that Dana White and Co. (the UFC) may have compelled Hill to give up his title. The journalist kicked off his arguments, stating, “I mean, this guy[Jamahal Hill] is a champion of the UFC and [he] is just itching to fight.”

But that’s not all! According to Helwani, ‘Sweet Dreams’ was eager to defend his championship and was willing to fight as early as September or October. However, the unfortunate injury forced him to relinquish the title.

What’s more – Helwani shed light on UFC’s initial response to Hill’s injury. He revealed that the initial response from the UFC was not to give up the title voluntarily. But in the same vein, the promotion believed that Hill benefited from Prochazka’s injury, which led to his title victory. 

The journalist added, “But as the UFC put it – like, ‘Look, you benefited from an injury happening and the title being vacated. That’s how you became a champion… The only fair thing to do is to do the exact same thing that Jiri Prochazka did last December.’”

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Hill’s injury and decision to step down add to the complexities of the Light Heavyweight division, with potential changes in champions during the upcoming period. As Hill focuses on his recovery, the UFC will have to navigate the challenges of maintaining a stable champion in the division until his return.

What do you think? Do you agree with Ariel Helwani’s take? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Watch this story: Jamahal Hill Breaks Down on Camera After He Relinquishes His UFC Title Due to Worrisome Injury