In his first opportunity to face Glover Teixeira for the UFC title at UFC 283, Jamahal Hill gave his best performance of his career under pressure. One instance, though, stood out as a superb demonstration of class and showmanship during the post-fight interview.
At UFC 283, Jamahal Hill shown that he is a versatile athlete who plans to stick with the sport. Everyone was stunned by Hill’s coolness during the grappling exchanges as the American left Teixeira beaten and battered en route to a commanding unanimous decision victory.
Glover Teixeira, 43, felt it was time to call it quits on his illustrious MMA career after the defeat, which lasted more than 20 years. He pleaded with the Brazilians there to treat Jamahal Hill with respect and refrain from hurling things at the American in his post-fight octagon interview. The same night, after defeating Deiveson Figueiredo to end their quadrilogy series, UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno was booed by the Brazilian audience.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Jamahal Hill discussed Teixeira’s gesture and how it helped avoid any terrible situations during the UFC 283 title match.
I wasn’t really concerned about the man, though. Every hood likes me. You know, nothing occurred. Just that, Glover. I salute Glover. I was questioned, and I was ordered to wait. “You will leave with me,” he assured me. He did what he intended to do and walked me out. I’m grateful for that.
Jamahal Hill discusses the emotions behind being the last opponent that Glover Teixeira faced in his career
Glover Teixeira finished his spectacular mixed martial arts career and retired as a respectable ambassador for the discipline. The Brazilian’s influence on the sport is evident by the respect that his rivals have for him.
Teixeira, though, made sure to leave his stamp on the sport before quitting by helping Alex Pereira win the UFC middleweight title, and he intends to stick at ‘Poatan’s side for as long as he competes.
In the aforementioned interview, Jamahal Hill commented on the privilege it was for him to share the octagon with Teixeira during his final fight, saying:
“It was an honour beyond words. It was really astounding, dude, that he was able to accomplish that in Brazil, his native nation… And ultimately, that’s pretty much how the emotion felt; it was simply an amazing moment. He didn’t lie down; he just didn’t make things simple for me. I have to work hard to merit this title.”
