Jamahal Hill causes controversy, belittles Poatan and chooses Topuria as UFC 'Fighter of the Year'

Alex Patan (left) and Jamahal hill (right) facing. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The UFC's 'Fighter of the Year' always generates great debates among fans and experts. And this time, the controversy is even more intense after the statements made by the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg.) Jamahal hill. On his YouTube channel, the American downplayed the achievements of Alex Poatán and elected Ilia Topuria as the big highlight of 2024.

Hill justified his choice by extolling Topuria's victories over Max Holloway e Alexander Volkanovsky, two fighters who, according to him, are at a higher level than the opponents faced by Poatan this year.

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“Ilia is becoming a monster. He knocked out Max Holloway e Alexander Volkanovsky. What else can we say about this guy? He has to be the 'Fighter of the Year',” said the former champion.

Jamahal Hill Names Ilia Topuria 'Fighter of the Year'

To strengthen his argument, Jamahal recalled that Poatan faced him coming off an injury and that his last opponents, Jiri Prochazka e Khalil rountree, are not on the same level as Volkanovski and Holloway.

“I have nothing against Alex. He beat me and he beat two former champions. But he beat me coming off an injury. I was coming off a year off,” Hill said.

Ilia Topuria, 27 years old, has a record of 16 wins and no losses. In his career, he has beaten names like Ryan Hall, Bryce mitchell and most recently Max Holloway e Alexander Volkanovsky. The Georgian based in Spain is considered one of the UFC's current stars.