Jamahal Hill had something to say about that unforgettable moment. You know, the one where Alex Pereira just shrugged off Herb Dean like it was nothing. Right before he sent “Sweet Dreams” off to la-la land.
Hill, sporting a 12-2 record, took on Pereira for the light heavyweight crown at UFC 300. It was earlier this month. A low blow from Hill kinda grazed Pereira in round one. But Pereira? He wasn’t having any of it. He brushed it off, waved Dean away, and bam! Knocked Hill out cold.
And oh, the chatter it sparked. Even Daniel Cormier, the guy who’s seen it all, twice, raised an eyebrow at Dean’s call—or lack thereof. Hill’s in the same boat. He thinks Dean might’ve missed a beat there.
According to Hill, that split second changed everything. He eased up when Dean called time, losing his edge. Meanwhile, Pereira kept on coming. Hill’s not one for excuses, though. He tips his hat to Pereira for seizing the moment. Still, a proper reset from Dean would’ve been nice. Now, Hill’s second-guessing following the ref’s commands to the letter, especially after Dean let Pereira take charge.
“It’s ‘protect yourself at all times,'” Hill shared with The Schmo. “But then they’re like, ‘obey my commands at all times,’ too.” In that moment, Hill paused, Dean said stop, but before Dean could step in, Hill stopped. And Pereira? He kept closing in. Hill admits he should’ve seen it coming. A cleaner reset from Dean would’ve been ideal.
Hill’s takeaway? Be wary of disengaging too quickly on a ref’s command. He’s not making excuses, but looking back, he’d stay more alert. The moment Dean stepped back, out of Hill’s line of sight, and gave the go-ahead, it was a tad late. The crowd’s noise didn’t help either.
John McCarthy, a veteran referee and voice in MMA, stood up for Dean. He pointed out that it’s up to the fighter hit with a low blow to resume the fight when ready.
Yet, just a week after facing Pereira, Hill’s next fight was set. He’s up against Khalil Rountree at UFC 303. Hill’s eyeing a dominant win to secure a rematch with Pereira. Forget the title, he’s after that fight with Pereira again, driven by the narrative and his own experience in the octagon. He’s itching for round two.