Technical analysis: understand how Khalil Rountree punished Jamahal Hill's leg at UFC Baku

Khalil Rountree Jr. in victory at UFC (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

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In the main fight of UFC Baku , held last Saturday (21), Khalil Rountree showed why he carries the nickname 'UFC loan shark'. The American did not acknowledge the former champion and punished Jamahal Hill 's leg during the 25 minutes of combat, until his arm was raised by unanimous decision of the judges.

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The SUPER LUTAS team dissected the 'War Horse's' main weapon in this fight and pointed out how the strategy based on calf kicks was decisive in the fight. A choice that not only dismantled Hill's base, but also completely compromised the former champion's strategy, paving the way for yet another great victory for Rountree in the UFC octagon.

Understand how Jamahal Hill's base opened space for Khalil Rountree's shots

One of the first things that opened up space for Khalil Rountree 's kicks was the way Jamahal Hill positions his stance. The former champion, confident in his boxing, adopts a more lateral stance, with his front foot pointed inward, a position that exposes his calf and, consequently, makes it difficult to defend against low kicks.

Alex Poatan also exploited Jamahal Hill's leg kicks

In the duel between Hill and Alex Poatan at UFC 300 , the Brazilian had already identified this opening and tried to exploit it with calf kicks. The difference is that, unlike Rountree, Poatan fights from a right-handed stance, which makes the distance between his legs smaller, hindering the generation of power in the strike. Khalil, being southpaw, is in the perfect position to attack this target with more force and efficiency.

Understand the intelligence behind Rountree's leg kicks to Jamahal Hill

Throughout the fight, Khalil Rountree landed 30 of the 35 leg kicks thrown at Hill, an average of 1,2 per minute. These strikes were delivered in different situations during the fight, but mostly came in response to three movements considered 'triggers' by the former champion.

In the first scenario, Rountree waited for Hill to step firmly with his front foot close to his line of action, taking advantage of the opening to strike without a chance for defense. The second scenario occurred when Hill advanced with jabs: Khalil would parry with his front hand and immediately counterattack with a kick to the calf. The third recurring pattern appeared when 'Sweet Dreams' made the movement of walking with his right foot towards the left side, opening even more space for the 'War Horse' to find the free target.

Shot blocked? See how Rountree changed strategy and punished Jamahal Hill's leg

Although calf kicks were Rountree's main weapon, the American also found other ways to neutralize his opponent's leg. In the few moments when Hill adjusted his stance, positioning his knee forward and hiding his calf — making it easier to block the kicks — Khalil immediately changed strategy and started using the front stomp on the knee, a strike that, in this position, becomes even more effective. In other words, Rountree had a ready response to any attempt by his opponent to adjust.

In the second round, Jamahal Hill could no longer maintain his traditional southpaw stance and was forced to fight as a right-hander. Lacking mobility and familiarity with this new stance, the former champion continued to be dominated by Rountree until the end of the final round.

Rountree closes in on title as Jamahal Hill faces worst phase of his career

With the victory, Khalil Rountree should be in the top 5 of the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg) in the next ranking update, getting closer and closer to a title shot. Ahead of him should remain only the champion Magomed Ankalaev , in addition to Alex Poatan , Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg . Just below 'War Horse' is the Polish fighter Jan Blachowicz , former champion of the category.

Jamahal Hill , who is now suffering his third consecutive defeat, is expected to drop to seventh place in the rankings. The American hasn't won a title since defeating Glover Teixeira in 2023.

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