Jamahal Hill drops bombshell, says Magomed Ankalaev "having trouble getting in the US" due to alleged ties with problematic individuals

Jamahal Hill does not believe that Magomed Ankalaev is any threat to his hope of receiving another title fight. Despite the Russian not losing a fight since his UFC debut in 2018, Hill believes external circumstances may prevent the 32-year-old from challenging either Alex Pereira or Jiri Prochazka for the light heavyweight title.

As Hill would tell James Lynch of Bodog Canada, he believes that Ankalaev is struggling to legally enter the United States due to personal connections he has with unnamed entities. Hill said he "heard" the rumor from an anonymous source.

Hill said:

"I hear [Ankalaev] can't get into the country... From what I'm hearing, he's having trouble getting in the US from some ties that he has with some friendship that he has. To me, it sounds dumb, depending on the friend."

Hill additionally added his belief that the UFC does "not like" Ankalaev and that due to his supposed travel limitations, the Dagestani has pushed for a title fight in the Middle East.

Ankalaev has not fought since January, knocking out Johnny Walker in the main event of UFC Vegas 84. Ankalaev has received one title shot before but fought Jan Blachowicz to a draw at UFC 282.

View the full interview with James Lynch and Jamahal Hill from Bodog Canada on YouTube below:

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Magomed Ankalaev responds to Jamahal Hill's claim

Not long after Jamahal Hill's interview was released, Magomed Ankalaev responded to the claim that he was having trouble finding his way into the United States.

Ankalaev said he has a valid US Visa and claimed to have contacted Mick Maynard to fight Hill but had his request denied.

Ankalaev criticized Hill for his resume, claiming his only relevant win was over Glover Teixeira, whom the Russian also condemned for allegedly avoiding him.

At the time of the interview and Ankalaev's subsequent tweet, neither light heavyweight contenders had an upcoming fight booked. Hill was scheduled to face Khalil Rountree Jr., and later Carlos Ulberg, in the co-main event of UFC 303 but withdrew from the latter matchup with an injury.