As UFC makes its historic debut in Baku on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the light heavyweight main event pits former champion Jamahal Hill against knockout artist Khalil Rountree Jr. This five‑round showdown carries high stakes, as the winner will be solidly in the top-five in this division’s rankings. Here, I break down this huge matchup and make my Jamahal Hill vs Khalil Rountree Jr. prediction.
Our Jamahal Hill vs Khalil Rountree Jr. Pick
- Pick: Khalil Rountree Jr by KO/TKO
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
- Sportsbook Bonus of the Fight: BetMGM promo code ATSBONUS – up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet does not win!
Tale of the Tape
| Jamahal Hill | Khalil Rountree Jr | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 34 | 35 |
| Reach | 79″ | 76.5″ |
| Stance | Southpaw | Southpaw |
| Record | 12‑3 (1 NC) | 14‑6 (1 NC) |
Jamahal Hill vs Khalil Rountree Jr. Preview
Hill enters this matchup attempting to regain momentum following back‑to‑back stoppage losses to Alex Pereira and Jiří Procházka. Though injury sidelined him earlier this year, his technique and high output remain assets. Hill lands a staggering average of 7.05 significant strikes per minute. However, his ability to remain upright has been an issue, as he has been knocked out in two straight fights heading into this fight with another talented producer of knockouts.
Rountree, meanwhile, is coming off of a loss of his own by knockout against Alex Pereira. Known for his 10 knockouts in 14 career wins, he dropped Pereira in their title fight and earned Fight of the Night honors despite losing. At 35, he still has power and timing, using them to devastating effect. He has seen five of his last six fights end inside the distance dating back to 2021.
Betting Insights
- Moneyline odds: Hill is at -105 at BetMGM, while Rountree is a slight favorite at -115.
- Only one of Hill’s last eight fights have gone the distance, while Rountree has seen five of his last six end prematurely.
- This fight is -475 to end inside the distance, which is not surprising given how explosive both fighters are.
Jamahal Hill vs Khalil Rountree Jr Prediction
I expect Rountree to use his power and ability to create angles to cut off Hill early. Hill will try to maintain a high output in the middle rounds, but fatigue may cost him. Rountree should then land a heavy counter in the middle rounds and end it with ground strikes. Despite Hill’s skills and past dominance, Rountree’s power and timing suggest a finish before the main event rounds.
Final Thoughts
This clash between two former top contenders is loaded with knockout potential. Hill seeks redemption for recent knockout losses, but wear-and-tear and defensive holes should leave him exposed. Rountree arrives sharper, tougher, and more likely to land the decisive blows. Expect a violent fight ending via KO/TKO in the middle rounds, advancing Rountree back toward title contention.
