UFC on ESPN+ 24 rookie report: Grading the newcomers in Raleigh, N.C.

Fighters from around the globe dream of the day they’ll step into the UFC octagon for the first time. For four athletes, Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 24 event marked that special moment in their career.

Check out this week’s rookie report to see what kind of first impression those fighters made on the sport’s biggest stage from PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.

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Jamahal Hill

Division: Light heavyweight
Result: Jamahal Hill def. Darko Stosic via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Record: 7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC
Grade: C-

Long and lean at 205 pounds with a slick southpaw jab, Jamahal Hill used his physical gifts to outpoint gritty grappler Darko Stosic over three rounds in the main-card opener, but his performance showed that the 28-year-old still has much to work on if he plans to make a dent in the UFC’s hard-hitting light heavyweight division.

First, the positives: Hill showed a consistent, accurate jab and followed up with sharp, straight left hands to keep judoka Stosic at arm’s length for much of the bout as he landed more than 100 strikes. He also showed a decent gas tank and good athleticism as he comprehensively outstruck his opponent over the three-round duration.

But while his strikes looked slick and his reflexes seemed sharp, the bout highlighted some technical issues that will certainly need attention as he looks to move up the ranks at 205 pounds. Hill carries his chin pretty high, and his low lead right hand leaves the door wide open for a left hand counter that a harder puncher than Stosic might have exploited.

On the flip side, Trevor Wittman noted during the ESPN+ broadcast that Hill was tuned into his coaches’ instructions during the fight and was switching up his attack when called upon. That’s certainly a big positive for such a young fighter and shows he isn’t too caught up in the moment when he’s in the thick of the action. But he’ll need to tighten up his hands from a defensive perspective as he starts to face a higher class of opposition in the UFC.

In conclusion, there’s plenty to work on, but there’s also plenty to be encouraged by. It might take a few fights and some noticeable improvements before he gets moved up in competition, but there’s certainly something to work with moving forward.

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