“Deal with me first,” Former UFC champ has a stern message to Alex Pereira for call-out of Israel Adesanya

Examining Jamahal Hill's response to Alex Pereira's UFC 295 victory and callout, highlighting his confidence and anticipation for a title shot in the light heavyweight division.

“Deal with me first,” Former UFC champ has a stern message to Alex Pereira for call-out of Israel Adesanya

Jamahal Hill's message to Alex Pereira for call-out of Israel Adesanya (Image via: Yahoo Sports, IMAGO)

Alex Pereira kept his undefeated record at Madison Square Garden with a second-round TKO of Jiri Prochazka. After the victory, Pereira did the unexpected, calling out his eternal rival for a clash in the light heavyweight division. Pereira’s callout did not go well with the former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.

Jamahal Hill did not lose the light heavyweight title. He ruptured his Achilles, forcing him to vacate the title as it required an extended lay-off. In the aftermath of UFC 295, Hill talked to Megan Olivi of ESPN MMA, where he shared his thoughts. He did not like Pereira looking over him by calling out Israel Adesanya. This is what he said about it.

I just laugh, you know. I hear, um, I hear it's a thing in the community. It's kind of been a thing that's loud, you know? Yeah, I'm pretty sure he got a really good check when he fought Izzy, so you know, he probably wants that again. So I'm not surprised by it, but you got to deal with me first, bro.
Jamahal Hill via ESPN MMA.
YouTube video

“Sweet Dreams” is adamant about getting the crack at the title. He was promised a title shot upon his return with PPV points. Moreover, it was the reason he vacated the title in the first place. However, he understood the history between Adesanya and Pereira and the associated monetary value attached to their potential fight.

FS Video

Adesanya is currently on a self-imposed hiatus after a title loss at UFC 293 against Sean Strickland. He responded with an X (formerly Twitter) post of Alex Pereira knocked out cold at UFC 287. Moreover, Adesanya still implied on his YouTube channel that he would return in 2027. Interestingly, Adesanya is known to joke around it, and his return date might be sooner rather than later.

Related: WATCH: UFC 295 star Alex Pereira devours New York style pizza after HISTORIC Madison Square Garden title win 

Jamahall Hill confident of his chances against Alex Pereira after UFC 295

Former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill was brimming with confidence after UFC 295. Hill is the first fighter to win a UFC title coming from Dana White’s Contender Series. Interestingly, Hill won the vacant title with a victory over Alex Pereira’s mentor and friend, Glover Teixeira, at UFC 283.

Jamahal Hill not afraid of Alex Pereira
Jamahal Hill not afraid of Alex Pereira (Image Courtesy – MMA Fighting/ Bloody Elbow)

In the interview Hill gave Megan Olivi for ESPN MMA, Hill asked what he felt about the Prochazka vs. Pereira fight. This is what he said:

I thought it ended a little early, but I was just thinking like neither one of these dudes are on my level, like neither one of them. I don't think they are in any facet of the game, and I can't wait to get back in full health and be able to show that.
Jamahal Hill via UFC 295 post-show

Jamal Hill believed the fight between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka was stopped early by Marc Goddard. However, Prochazka has since clarified that the stoppage was correct. Moreover, he was very confident in his chances against either of the main events of UFC 295. He even further claimed that he was better than Prochazka and Pereira by a mile. Furthermore, Hill gave praise to Pereira for the improvements he made in the overall MMA game.

In case you missed it!