Khalil Rountree Jr. vs. Jamahal Hill Full Fight Recap: UFC Baku Main Event Highlights

By Ali Hammad June 24, 2025 09:58

The UFC made its historic debut in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 21, 2025, with a thrilling main event that saw Khalil Rountree Jr. dominate former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill in a five-round war at the Baku Crystal Hall. Rountree secured a unanimous decision victory with scores of 49-46 and two 50-45s, showcasing a patient, technical, and powerful performance that left no doubt about his intentions to return to title contention.

From the opening bell, both fighters tested each other with leg kicks, but it was Rountree’s strikes that landed with more force and precision. Hill’s lead leg suffered visible damage by the second round, forcing him to switch stances in an attempt to minimize further punishment. The bruising and swelling on Hill’s right calf were clear indicators of Rountree’s effective targeting of the leg, which hampered Hill’s mobility and offensive output throughout the fight.

Rountree, 35, fought a calculated fight, mixing patience with bursts of aggression. Multiple times, he dropped Hill to the canvas officially credited with one knockdown but the damage was evident every round. His perfectly timed combinations and powerful hooks, especially a massive right hand in the third round, visibly staggered Hill and cut him near the eye. Hill, who was returning from a string of tough losses and injury setbacks, showed resilience but was unable to mount sustained offense against Rountree’s pressure.

“I told you from the beginning, I didn’t come in here underestimating Jamahal,” Rountree said post-fight. “The plan was to be smart. I made some mistakes in the Alex fight. This one, I get to make different decisions. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do and if I’m winning the round, I can secure that and be a smart, professional championship-level fighter. That’s how champions think, in my opinion. I want to be a champion. Whatever’s next. There’s things that need to be done. Whatever gets me closer to fighting for the belt again.”

Hill, 34, who had captured the light heavyweight title in 2023 before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon and subsequent knockout losses, was clearly compromised by the leg damage. Although he landed a counter left hand in the third round that briefly dropped Rountree, the momentum never shifted. Hill’s recent struggles and physical limitations were on full display, and this loss further dims his prospects of reclaiming the title anytime soon.

The fight was a showcase of Rountree’s evolution as a fighter. Unlike his previous title shot loss to Alex Pereira, where he admitted to overcommitting and losing composure, Rountree displayed maturity and strategic discipline. He controlled distance, picked his shots, and avoided unnecessary risks, embodying the mindset of a championship-caliber athlete.

The unanimous decision victory not only improves Rountree’s record to 15-6 (with one no contest) but also repositions him as a top contender in the light heavyweight division. With Magomed Ankalaev currently holding the belt, Rountree’s dominant performance in Baku sends a clear message: he is ready for another title run.

As the UFC expands its global footprint with events like UFC Baku, fighters like Khalil Rountree Jr. are seizing the moment to make their mark on the international stage. His patient, powerful dismantling of Jamahal Hill was a fitting main event for the promotion’s first visit to Azerbaijan and a statement of intent for the division’s future.