As the UFC Baku event approaches this Saturday, Khalil Rountree is preparing to challenge Jamahal Hill, who has repeatedly claimed he is on a different level than Rountree since Alex Pereira defeated Rountree at UFC 307. This fight carries significant weight in the light heavyweight division, with both fighters eager to prove their standing amid shifting title scenarios.

Rountree’s upcoming bout marks his first fight since his intense encounter with Alex Pereira, while Hill comes in after consecutive losses by stoppage—first to Pereira at UFC 300, followed by Jiri Prochazka at UFC 311 in January. This matchup, broadcast on ABC in the U.S., will headline the card and could establish clear direction within the division.

Rountree Responds to Hill’s Claims of Superior Skill

When questioned about Hill’s assertion that he is on a higher level, Rountree expressed skepticism about such remarks, noting that Hill had previously made similar claims about other opponents that did not align with the outcomes. He focused on staying prepared and confident for their upcoming fight.

“I mean, if I recall correctly, he said the same thing about Alex, and he said the same thing about Jiri and it just didn’t match,”

Rountree told MMA Fighting.

What was said just didn’t match. I just try not to pay too much attention to it. I think that, for me, the priority is making sure that I’m at my best when that cage closes and the ref looks over and asks me if I’m ready, and I will say with conviction, ‘Yes.’ And everything else after that is the way that it’s supposed to be.”

Rountree also acknowledged that Hill likely believes in his own skills, though Rountree remains focused on facing the best version of his opponent.

“So, yeah, I think if I were to think about it, yeah, I think he truly does believe that he is more skilled. But like I said, I’ve heard it before, and I’m prepared for the for the best version of Jamahal Hill.”

Delayed Meetings Build Anticipation for Rountree vs. Hill

This bout has faced multiple postponements. Their first scheduled confrontation at UFC 303 was scrapped after Rountree’s temporary suspension for a banned substance. Later, they were booked to headline UFC Kansas City in April, but Hill withdrew due to injury. Now, with the delay behind them, both fighters are ready for their long-awaited showdown.

Despite the light heavyweight division’s current uncertainty, Rountree views this matchup as a crucial step to solidify his place at the top.

“It only made sense because this is the fight that I was already preparing for,”

he said.

There’s a lot that goes into preparing for a fight, especially when you have an opponent locked in, and I think that a win over Jamahal Hill just kind of solidifies that I belong, that I still belong up here.”

He also emphasized his willingness to wait and stay ready, given that the preparation was already underway.

“There wasn’t too too much thought in it. It was just like, ‘Hey, let’s keep things as they are, I don’t mind waiting a little bit more, we’ve already prepared for this guy, so let’s just give it a little bit more time and everything will work out.’”

Implications for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title Picture

Currently, Magomed Ankalaev holds the UFC light heavyweight belt but has yet to schedule his first title defense. While a rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira remains a possibility, the winner of the Rountree vs. Hill fight could emerge as a prime contender for an upcoming title opportunity.

Rountree acknowledged the uncertainty around the division but remains focused on his immediate challenge before thinking about future title aspirations.

“Yeah, I think so, but I try not to pay attention to a lot of the riffraff and what’s going on in the division,”

he said.

I’ve got a fight to focus on in front of me, and once this one’s done, then I get to kind of think about what’s next and who I’ll be gunning for.”