A new champion in the UFC:
The American Jamal Hill became the light heavyweight world champion this morning (Sunday), after defeating the Brazilian Glover Cheira in Rio de Janeiro in five rounds with a unanimous decision.
Hill, 31, won in impressive fashion, with a new record for significant strikes in the division as he landed 58% of his kicks and punches.
Cheira, 43, almost survived Hill's massive onslaught, albeit bleeding and bruised, after taking control in the fifth round, but the American fighter milked the clock to secure the title for the first time in his career.
Hill vs. Chiara.
This morning, photo: AP
At the end of the fight, Hill, a father of six, burst into tears and became emotional: "Anything is possible. Hard work, dedication and responsibility. Don't let anyone tell you anything. Too many people have told me I can't do it. What the hell are they going to say now?"
"I had to fight for everything, I had to fight to be here. I had to fight to get it. I had to fight just to live," added Hill, who grew up in Chicago and experienced a difficult childhood.
"Anything is possible!"
Jamahal Hill overcome with emotion after achieving his dream 🏆 #UFC283 pic.twitter.com/6zwxn7nIJr
— UFC (@ufc) January 22, 2023
Cheira announced his retirement
On the other hand, the mighty Brazilian fighter who won the championship last year with a victory over Jan Blachowicz, and then lost it to the injured Leary Prozechka who could not fight this morning, announced his retirement at the end of the fight while cheering the new champion in a big way.
Chiera, who retires as the second-oldest champion in UFC history, left his gloves on the ring, and asked the crowd to be respectful to the new champion, as before that they threw objects at Brandon Moreno, who also beat local Davison Faguardo.
Glover Teixeira placed his gloves in the center of the Octagon after an epic battle at #UFC283 pic.twitter.com/InEUwZPtnJ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 22, 2023 Were we wrong?
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