The upcoming UFC main event features former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill against knockout artist Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC on ABC 8, set for Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan. This is a pivotal fight for both men, as each is looking to bounce back from recent knockout losses and re-enter the title conversation.
Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
Betting odds have shifted over time, reflecting the close nature of the contest. Initially, Khalil Rountree Jr. opened as a slight favorite, with odds around -135 to -160, while Hill was listed as an underdog between +115 and +135. As the fight approaches, some books have seen the lines tighten, with Rountree Jr. sometimes dipping to -117 and Hill moving closer to even money at -103, indicating that bettors are split and the market is volatile. The majority of experts and betting sites still lean toward Rountree Jr. as the favorite, citing his recent form and knockout power, but Hill’s reach, volume, and experience in five-round fights make him a live underdog. Check out more games at Neo Spin casino.
Jamahall Hill is a high-volume striker with a record of 12-3 (7-3 in the UFC), while Khalil Rountree Jr. stands at 14-6 (9-6 in the UFC) and is known for his devastating power, especially from his Muay Thai background. Both fighters are predominantly strikers, with little grappling to speak of, so fans can expect a stand-up battle with plenty of fireworks.
The stakes are high: a win could propel either man back into title contention, while a loss could stall their momentum in the crowded light heavyweight division. Hill is coming off consecutive knockout losses to Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka, and he vacated his title earlier due to injury. Khalil Rountree Jr. is also coming off a tough loss to Pereira in a title fight but had previously strung together a five-fight winning streak. This main event is a classic striker-versus-striker matchup, with both men eager to prove they still belong among the elite at 205 pounds.
Predictions are divided, but the most common expert picks favor Rountree Jr. to win, often by knockout, as he’s considered the more versatile and defensively sound striker right now, and Hill has shown vulnerability to big shots in his recent fights. That said, some analysts are backing Hill to use his reach and volume to outwork Rountree Jr. and potentially even stop him, especially if he can avoid getting caught early. Ultimately, the most likely outcome according to bookmakers and analysts is a knockout finish, with Rountree Jr. slightly favored to be the one landing the decisive blow and extending Hill’s recent struggles.
This is a high-stakes light heavyweight showdown with major implications for the division. Rountree Jr. is the betting favorite, but the odds have tightened as fight night approaches. The most probable outcome is a knockout, with Rountree Jr. favored to win, but Hill’s reach and volume make him a dangerous underdog.