Ever since Alex Pereira defeated Halil Rountree in UFC 307, Jamahar Hill has repeatedly said he is on a different level than Lone Tree. On Saturday, Hill gets the opportunity to prove it, and Lone Tree can prove he’s wrong.
Headlines for Rountree and former Champion Hill Saturday’s UFC Baku event will air on ABC on Rountree, USA. It’s the first time since a wild battle with Preira.
Prior to the fight, Lone Tree was asked about Hill’s level comments.
“I mean, if I remember correctly, he said the same thing about Alex. He said the same thing about Jiri, but it just didn’t match,” Lone Tree told MMA Fighting. “What I was told didn’t match. I try not to pay too much attention to it. For me, I think it’s about making sure I’m at the best when that cage is closed, and everything else after that is the way it is supposed to be.
“Yeah, if I think about it, I think he really believes he’s more skilled. But like I said, I’ve heard it and I’m ready for the best version of Jamahar Hill.”
Hopefully, the appeal of the third The Rountree vs. Hill is the third time, as the two previous bookings fell apart. They were originally scheduled to compete at UFC 303 before the Lone Tree was temporarily suspended due to banned substances. After Rountree fought for the title, they were slotted into the headlines of UFC Kansas City in April after Hill’s defeat to Prochazka. This time, Hill was forced to retreat due to injury.
The light heavyweight division is currently in a strange place, but Lone Tree felt that waiting for the leech was the best call.
“It just makes sense because this is a battle I was already preparing,” Lone Tree said. “There’s a lot to work on preparing for a fight, especially when your opponent is locked up. I think victory at Jamahar Hill is like a mass that I belong to and I still belong here.
“I didn’t have much thought. “Hey, let’s keep things like that. I don’t mind waiting a little longer. We’re already preparing for this guy, so give us a little more time and everything will be fine.”
Magomed Ankalaev currently holds the UFC Light Heavyweight title, but there are no bookings for the first official title defense yet. The UFC certainly can have a rematch between Anakaraev and Pereira, but if it’s not a viable option, the winner of this fight can certainly slip into another chance to fight for the title.
“Yeah, I think so, but I try not to pay attention to what’s going on with a lot of the reflaff and division,” Lone Tree said. “I’m fighting to focus right in front of my eyes. Once this is done, I’ll think about what and who I’ll be the archer next.”