Jamahal Hill outlasts Thiago Santos to finish fourth

Jamahal Hill claims what is arguably his biggest win to date, ending former title challenger Thiago Santos in the UFC Vegas 59 main event

It wasn’t pretty and cost some fighting, but Jamahal Hill made a statement and can now be solidified ufc Cover photo light heavyweight contender who ousted former title contender Thiago Santos in the main event UFC Vegas 59.

hillwho started 10th in the UFC light heavyweight rankings has now won 11 of his 13 MMA fights while Santos has now dropped five of his last six.

Hill tried to pressure Santos early on and force him to back down, but Santos was able to use his kicks, targeting the body and legs as he went. Santos tried to knock Hill out against the cage, but Hill was able to use his punch and deflect Santos’ attempts.

UFC Vegas 59: Jamahal Hill fights Thiago Santos and gets TKO in fourth round

Santos went for the takedown again early in the second round and had Hill momentarily tripped. However, his takedown efforts also resulted in a left hook from Hill landing on his chin, stunning him. Both men, especially Santos, fought wildly in the second round. Santos seemed tired and took more damage.

Santos went for another takedown in the third, eventually bringing Hill down for a bit. As Hill regained his feet, Santos kept trying to keep the fight grounded. For most of the round, Santos saw him pin Hill against the cage and land short takedowns on him that added up, despite only being briefly downed each time.

Hill’s response was to put renewed pressure on Santos early in the fourth. And this time the power continued to build, with Santos unable to respond and being shaken. The damage eventually became too much for Santos, who was knocked down and ground-and-pounded.

UFC Vegas 59: Thiago Santos vs. Jamahal Hill took place live from UFC APEX on August 6, 2022. Follow FanSided MMA for all your live scores and highlights.