Jamahal Hill talks UFC heavyweight debut, calls out Josh Hokit, addresses his controversial comments

Jamahal Hill has provided fight fans with an insight into his move from the light heavyweight to the heavyweight division. 

The former UFC light heavyweight champion also called out high-ranking and polarizing heavyweight contender Josh Hokit. Additionally, Hill gave his views on Hokit's public persona and comments, which many have often deemed to be brash and controversial, respectively. 

Jamahal Hill addresses his heavyweight debut, issues call-out to Josh Hokit

During a recent media scrum at the Meta Apex, Jamahal Hill opened up on various topics. Upon being questioned about his self-deprecatory comedy skits and content -- related to his supposedly having gained too much weight as of late -- Hill said, "I feel like laughter heals the world." 

While he asserted that the running jokes about him being a tad overweight before his imminent heavyweight divisional debut are nice to make others laugh, he seemed to suggest that he's been cleared to train and would get in shape for his return. 

Concerning his entry into the proverbial division of giants, Hill affirmed that he himself is a large person and capable of holding his own. He's also aiming to clash against the top-tier combatants in his new weight class. 

The 35-year-old stated, "I'd love to fight top five. I feel as though even if I had just continued fighting at light heavyweight, it would be top five. I would love to see the same thing here." 

Hill suggested that he intends to bring the fight to the heavyweights and would ensure their matches don't entail too much sitting back. "Sweet Dreams" underscored that he'll bring action to and reinvigorate the heavyweight division. 

The KO artist added, "I'm here to put my hands on people. That's what I'm coming for, for the heavyweight division. I think the heavyweight division needs that. And I want Josh Hokit. I want Josh Hokit first fight. You know, that's definitely a fight I want. More than any other fight, that's the fight that I want." 

Jamahal Hill's take on UFC heavyweight elite Josh Hokit's controversial comments

Josh Hokit has cemented himself as a much-talked-about, albeit polarizing, personality in the sport of MMA and beyond. The American made a few personal remarks regarding former US First Lady Michelle Obama, former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira, and many others. 

When asked about Hokit's notoriety and the controversies he seemingly stokes, Hill explained that he has no issues with his compatriot utilizing trash talk to hype up his fights and draw eyeballs to the sport. 

He said, "I love it. I have no problem with it at all. I like the fact that he's getting people in... He makes people invested in his fights... He's getting eyes on the sport." 

Hill indicated that some might be invested in Hokit's fights, as they desire to see him take a beating. Regardless, he implied that "The Incredible Hok" is able to draw people's attention to his fights and generate a buzz.

The veteran fighter also signaled that Hokit backs up his trash talk by fighting hard and putting on exciting matchups. 

Furthermore, Hill emphasized that he's "not absolutely closing the door" on a return to the light heavyweight division. He noted, however, that he's currently focused on winning the UFC heavyweight title. 

Also, when asked about rising heavyweight Steven Asplund's recent call-out of him, Hill claimed he's open to fighting Asplund, provided the latter gets more wins first. 

Presently, Hill is on a three-fight losing streak and coming off a knee-injury-induced hiatus. His last fight witnessed him get outpointed by Khalil Rountree Jr. last year.

Watch Jamahal Hill discuss his heavyweight move, a possible Josh Hokit clash, and more below (*comments at the 1:03-minute mark of the video):