2012 World MMA Bantamweight Scouting Report: #4 - Josh Hill

Photo by MMANewsCanada.com
Name:	Josh Hill
Nickname:	--
Age:	25
Height:	5' 6"
Location:	Stoney Creek, Ontario

With an ever-growing fanbase that supports MMA, even at the local level, it's no surprise that Canada consistently produces quality talent. Established regional MMA promotions and an abundance of training facilities allow the region's aspiring UFC fighters to train and compete at a high level, and the UFC has taken notice by plucking many of the talented fighters in the region to fill out their event rosters.

Hailing from Stoney Creek, Ontario, 25-year-old bantamweight prospect Josh Hill (7-0) could be the next prospect in Canada's regional scene to get a phone call from UFC matchmaker Joe Silva. Over the course of only two years in the sport, Hill has compiled seven wins and no losses, maintaining an unblemished record while defeating notables Federico Lopez, Darin Cooley, and Diego Wilson in 2011.

His success is directly rooted to his work ethic and well-rounded skills. He possesses a speedy Muay Thai striking game, a strong physique, excellent conditioning, and powerful wrestling. It's quite the package in comparison to some of the other prospects we've already covered on the countdown. While he lacks the submission skills to threaten consistently on the mat, he more than makes up for it with brutalizing ground and pound and a relentless pace.

The most obvious flaw in his skill-set is his lacking power. In seven bouts, he's finished only three of his opponents, two by way of technical knockout. His grappling prowess on the ground isn't of the highest regard either, but he has shown a propensity to work toward full mount versus sitting in guard and trying to batter his opposition. That's a plus, especially since he possesses much better cardio than most of his competition. Added with his strength, Hill can be a juggernaut on the ground in the late rounds of a fight.

Hill trains out of Iron Tiger Muay Thai in Stoney Creek , which houses 2011 Scouting Report prospects Denis Puric and Adrian Wooley alongside Bellator veteran William Romero. Wooley, who was a Canadian national wrestler, is a significant asset to Hill, and he's likely one of the main reasons why Hill is so effective in the takedown department. If Hill can find a way to develop some power and a threatening submission game, it's hard to see Hill fighting in the regional scene for much longer. A couple of recognizable wins on Hill's record in 2012 will easily get him the bigger contract he deserves.

Video footage of Josh Hill after the jump...

Josh Hill Profile

Josh HIll vs. Dennis Gagne
W-1 MMA 4 - March 20, 2010

Josh Hill vs. Randy Turner .
Wreck MMA Fight for the Troops - December 12, 2009