5 potential opponents for Jamahal Hill following his latest victory

#4. Jamahal Hill vs. Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua

Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua is past his best, but could provide a decent test for Jamahal Hill

While it makes sense for Jamahal Hill to face one of the fighters ranked above him in the UFC light heavyweight division, there is an issue in that many of them are already booked in fights right now.

However, there is another path for ‘Sweet Dreams’ to take – and that’s a path that’s been trodden by plenty of hot prospects in the past. Namely, it would involve him facing a former champion and all-time great who has fallen on hard times.

That former champion is Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, who claimed gold in PRIDE before capturing the UFC light heavyweight title in 2010.

Shogun has not fought in the octagon since his one-sided loss to Paul Craig in late 2020. Despite him coming into that fight on the back of a three-fight unbeaten run, plenty of fans were calling for his retirement after that defeat.

However, the 40-year old Brazilian hasn’t announced anything officially – meaning that he’s likely to take at least one more bout in the promotion.

Therefore, why not book him with Hill, who is one of the hottest younger fighters in the division? Sure, the fight would probably be one-sided in favor of ‘Sweet Dreams’, but that wouldn’t matter. Shogun still has enough name value to make the bout worthwhile.

Overall, this fight might seem cruel to the aging veteran, but the UFC has always built newer fighters on the back of older ones. Therefore, it would make some sense to book it.

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#3. Jamahal Hill vs. Paulo Costa

Former UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa is expected to move to 205lbs officially for his next bout

One fighter who isn’t ranked at 205lbs, but might make for a decent opponent for Jamahal Hill could be former UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa.

The last time we saw ‘The Eraser’ in action, not only did he miss weight for his fight with Marvin Vettori, he also didn’t look quite up to his best in a decision loss. After the bout, UFC President Dana White suggested that a permanent move up to 205lbs would have to follow.

Therefore, if Costa is to make a mark in the light heavyweight division, why not let him make his official debut there against one of its hottest prospects in ‘Sweet Dreams’?

Sure, this fight would eliminate one of the two – for now at least – as a potential title contender. On paper though, it sounds like a lot of fun.

Would Hill’s length, reach and knockout ability give him the advantage? Or would Costa’s brute force, skill in the clinch and superior UFC experience allow him to dominate?

Either way, it’d be an excellent fight. If Hill can knock off a former UFC title challenger, it’d definitely confirm the idea that he’s for real.