TLDR
- Jamahal Hill is moving from light heavyweight to heavyweight after three consecutive losses
- Hill revealed he entered recent training camps weighing 260-265 pounds
- Videos of Hill’s bulked-up physique sparked widespread criticism on social media
- The 35-year-old wants to fight Josh Hokit, who recently knocked out Derrick Lewis
- Hill has not fought since June 2025 due to a knee injury and has no scheduled debut date
Sources: mmamania.com | yardbarker.com | lowkickmma.com
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill is moving up to heavyweight, and fans are not holding back their opinions about his new physique. Videos posted this week show Hill with a visibly larger frame, sparking criticism across social media platforms.
Hill announced the weight class change on his YouTube channel on June 17. He said he has been gaining weight and muscle for months to prepare for the transition.
The 35-year-old fighter revealed he entered his last three training camps weighing between 260 and 265 pounds. He said cutting weight was interfering with his ability to improve his skills and recover from injuries.
“I cannot spend camp trying to make weight when I have to focus on improvement as well as strengthening in places that I’m weak with injury and things like that,” Hill said after his most recent loss.
Hill has posted three straight losses at 205 pounds since winning the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 283 in January 2023. He lost to Alex Pereira by first-round knockout at UFC 300 in April 2024, to Jiří Prochazka by third-round knockout at UFC 311 in January 2025, and to Khalil Rountree Jr. by unanimous decision at UFC on ABC in June 2025.
Jamahal Hill is bulking up for that move up to heavyweight 😅 pic.twitter.com/VZ03fPRSfs
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 24, 2026
Social Media Reacts to Hill’s Physique
Fans on Twitter and Reddit posted harsh comments about Hill’s appearance in recent videos. One video showed Hill at approximately 240 pounds participating in a food challenge with journalist Helen Yee.
Many users compared Hill’s approach to Jon Jones, who took three years to carefully transition to heavyweight. “Everyone made fun of Jon Jones when it took him 3 years to move up to heavyweight, and then you’ve got these guys over here, who think that eating burgers is perfect for moving up to heavyweight,” one fan wrote.
Other comments focused on Hill’s conditioning. “That ain’t Sweet dreams anymore that’s ‘Sweet treats’ Jamahal Hill,” one user posted, referencing his nickname.
Some fans questioned whether the move was voluntary. “Feel like the move to Heavyweight wasn’t by choice,” one commenter suggested.
Hill Targets Josh Hokit for Debut
Hill said he wants to fight Josh Hokit in his heavyweight debut. Hokit just knocked out Derrick Lewis in the second round at UFC Freedom 250, which took place on the White House South Lawn in Washington, D.C.
Hokit holds a 10-0 record with six knockouts. Hill said he has been working with the UFC Performance Institute on strength and conditioning as he builds up his weight.
The former champion acknowledged he needs to improve how he takes care of his body between fights. “I have to apologize to people that have supported me and have to be better,” Hill said.
UFC Legend Dustin Poirier Admits He Needs Help After Airport Arrest
“I have to be better with how I take care of my body, how I work to improve and stay sharp with my body and with my skills. So I will be on that.”
Hill has not fought since his loss to Rountree in June 2025 due to a knee injury. He turned 35 last month and could face being cut from the UFC roster if he loses another fight.
No date has been set for Hill’s first appearance in the UFC’s heavyweight division, which has a weight limit of 265 pounds. Hill said he hopes to fight at Madison Square Garden in late 2026 or early 2027.
