Khalil Rountree Jr. will no longer headline UFC Kansas City against Jamahal Hill. He has released his first statement explaining the change.
Rountree stated on his YouTube channel that he received a call from the UFC informing him about Jamahal Hill`s injury, making him unable to compete in Kansas City on April 26. It appears Rountree is now without a fight, and the match will be postponed to a later date, though the timing is uncertain.
The UFC has announced a new main event for their Kansas City return: a welterweight bout between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates.
Regarding Hill`s injury, Rountree, who is currently ranked No. 7 in the light heavyweight division by MMA Fighting Global Rankings, said he was not given specific details.
Rountree explained that the UFC simply told him Hill had to withdraw due to an injury and needed more recovery time, leading to the fight`s postponement. Detailed information about the injury was not provided.
Rountree hopes that he and Hill will remain matched up for a future date.
Hill was aiming for his second fight in 2025, having competed at UFC 311 in January where he lost to Jiri Prochazka. It was Hill`s second defeat in a row.
Rountree and Hill were initially scheduled to fight at UFC 303 in June, but Rountree had to withdraw due to a suspension for using a banned supplement. Rountree later fought Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title at UFC 307 in October, losing in the fourth round.
This news is also a setback for Rountree`s 2025 goals, as he aimed to fight three times this year. While still possible, Rountree hopes his fight with Hill can be rescheduled soon.
Rountree emphasized his strong desire for the fight with Hill to happen, believing it`s a favorable matchup and the fight he wants. He hopes for Hill`s quick recovery so they can reschedule their bout.
Wesley Dunham