Is Hill the 'Real Deal?'
Story by David L. Hudson, Jr
One of the most intriguing prospects in the UFC is Corey Hill, who will showcase his skills in the Octagon again at UFC 86 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on the July 5th undercard against Justin Buchholz.
Standing 6-4’ inches tall, Hill cuts an imposing figure for fellow lightweights in the 155 lb. division.
This fighter essentially began in the Octagon, landing a spot on The Ultimate Fighter 5 where he lost to a more experienced Nate Diaz. Even though he lost, Hill realizes the value of that opportunity.
“It was a life-changing experience and a very humbling experience,” he says. “I essentially came out of the woods into the UFC. I had this attitude that since I was a good wrestler I could compete and beat anyone. The show humbled me.”
Hill explains that he realized that wanting something very badly wasn’t enough. He learned that a fighter has to make a 100% commitment to this most demanding of sports. “I saw that these guys worked their butts off 24/7.”
Hill works with legendary MMA trainer Pat Miletich, a former UFC welterweight champion, and another former UFC champion Jens Pulver.
“If it weren’t for those two guys, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Hill says. “Pat is a trainer, a coach, a big brother, and someone who I can talk to about any problem I’m having. Pat and Jens believe in me and that gives me tremendous confidence.”
Miletich has said that Hill has the potential to be a future UFC world champion. He believes that Hill can live up to his nickname “the Real Deal.” Hill believes the same thing – “with all my heart and soul.” One look at Hill’s physical attributes and one realizes he possesses some immediate advantages. Years ago, Thomas “the Hitman” Hearns used his height and reach to wreak havoc on the welterweight division at 147 lbs. Hill has similar potential to wreak havoc with the UFC lightweight division – a weight limit that Hill is used to competing at in wrestling.
“I’ve wrestled my entire career at 155 or 157,” he explains. “It gives me a lot of leverage and gives me the opportunity to have a very good takedown defense.”
However, Hill realizes his height can pose a disadvantage in the sense that he has more to protect from submission attempts.
“But, my height has more advantages than disadvantages, that is for sure.”
Hill realizes that his upcoming match with Buchholz will be tough.
“Anybody in the UFC is tough and will be a tough opponent. There are no easy walks in the UFC. But, I’ve never been one who focused too much on my opponents. I focus on being the best fighter that I can be.”
Hill sees his greatest strengths as his takedown defense and his wrestling. “My take-down defense enables me to force guys to stand and trade with me where I can utilize my reach advantages.” He says he is working to improve his submissions.
Hill’s other strength is his wrestling background, as he was a standout wrestler for Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas, and before that for Springstead High School in Florida. He says that two former high school wrestling teammates – Reggie Pena and Craig Kolbert – got him into MMA. After doing well with his friends when sparring, Hill decided to pursue his own dreams of becoming a mixed martial artist. “I quit my job and told my boss that I have to chase my dream.”
Hill accepts that he has much to learn before moving up the division’s ladder. “I have a lot more proving to do before I can demand certain matches or things like that. I am a firm believer that you have to be a follower before you lead. I’ve only been doing this for a short period of time.”
But, make no mistake, Hill may be humble but he possesses a quiet confidence as well. He firmly believes he will accomplish his goals in the Octagon. He offers the following message for his growing number of fans: “If you have a dream, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t succeed. The only way you can fail is if you quit. Never give up.”
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