Key Stats: 7.5 strikes landed per minute, 7:23 average fight time, 57% takedown defense
What It Means: Hill is a highly skilled and highly confident fighter, especially on the feet. He has full belief in his power and his ability to create a window to exploit that power. “Sweet Dreams” has a smooth and long jab, and when he strikes at a distance, his opponents have some real problems. He likes to look for the straight left either up top after a jab or to the body. He can switch stances and do damage, but his best shot is the left hand out of his natural southpaw stance. He does have a powerful left high kick as well.
What to Look For in the Fight: Both fighters have dealt with issues stemming from low leg kicks, so whether either fighter approaches with that in mind is something to look for when the fight starts. When they are on the feet, look for Hill to get his distance quickly to land the powerful straight left hand. For Crute, he might have the overall strength and grappling advantage, but his striking is more than good and powerful enough to punish Hill if he is lazy on his entrances and exits from the pocket.
*Hasn’t competed in current division enough to qualify in UFC Record Book
Don’t miss any of these fighters on the rise this weekend at UFC Fight Night: Font vs Aldo, live from the UFC APEX on ESPN+. Prelims begin at 7pm ET/4pm PT. Main card begins at 10pm ET/7pm PT.
