Askren cited the reason for Hill's defeat in the Pereira fight

Retired American mixed martial arts veteran Ben Askren has spoken out about former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamal Hill's crushing defeat to current belt holder Alex Pereira.

The American lost to the Brazilian by first-round knockout on April 13 in the main event of UFC 300 in Las Vegas, USA.

"I think Hill was too confident. He thought he could handle Pereira in the stand-up. Jamal didn't realize at all how hard Alex was punching. I think it's all ego's fault. Ego destroys fighters. People used to say to Hill, "Pereira's the best puncher in the world, he'll knock you out." And he said, 'No! That's not going to happen!"," MMA News quoted Askren as saying.

On April 13 in the main event of UFC 300 in Las Vegas, USA, the American lost to the Brazilian by first-round knockout.

"I think Hill was too confident. He thought he could handle Pereira in the stand-up. Jamal didn't realize at all how hard Alex was punching. I think it's all ego's fault. Ego destroys fighters. People used to say to Hill, "Pereira's the best puncher in the world, he'll knock you out." And he said, 'No! That's not going to happen!"," MMA News quoted Askren as saying.