Khalil Rountree’s Leg Kicks
Khalil Rountree Jr. defeated Jamahal Hill by unanimous decision at Baku Crystal Hall on June 21, 2025. The five-round light heavyweight main event ended with scores of 49–46, 50–45 and 50–45 after Rountree repeatedly damaged Hill’s lead leg and dropped him with punches.
The kicking battle established the range
Both southpaws attacked the legs early, but Rountree’s kicks produced the more visible effect. He continued striking from distance while remaining alert to Hill’s power and attempts to establish his boxing.
By the second round, Hill’s movement showed the accumulated damage. Rountree still resisted the temptation to rush, using measured attacks to maintain his advantage.
Two punching knockdowns widened the gap
Rountree connected with a counter left that sent Hill down during the third round. Hill regained his feet, but continued having difficulty moving comfortably under the pressure.
A later right hook produced another knockdown. Rountree mixed those punching successes with further leg and body attacks, creating several different problems without abandoning his defensive discipline.
The full-distance win restored momentum
Hill remained in the contest through the final horn, but could not produce enough sustained offense to reverse the result. Every judge favored Rountree after twenty-five minutes.
The victory followed Rountree’s championship loss to Alex Pereira the previous October. Hill, a former light heavyweight champion, suffered a third consecutive defeat. For Rountree, the result provided a convincing return against another established name near the top of the division.
Sources
- UFC: Baku date, venue and official judges’ scores
- MMA Fighting: damaging kicks, two knockdowns and patient closing rounds
- UFC: Rountree’s preceding Pereira title challenge
