“I’m Inspiring People Who Look Like Me to Make It” – Angela Hill Speaks Out Ahead of Her Main Event Fight at UFC Fight Night

UFC strawweight Angela Hill spoke to ESPN and shared an inspirational side of her journey in the UFC. Hill is one half of the headlining feature of UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs Hill, set for September 12. She will be the first black woman to headline a show for the company in history.

Additionally, the fight itself offers several compelling narratives, none more so than the future title implications. Both women in the main event are veterans in the sport of MMA. Not to mention, they have built themselves up over a meaningful period. Chiefly, the 115 lb division is one of the most electrifying weight classes with several game contenders rising towards contention.

Angela Hill opens up on her journey

The 12-8 veteran spoke out candidly on what it meant to be a pioneer and represent the African-American community.

“It’s definitely been a struggle. It’s been tough being the first black woman when you have fans looking at you as this other. I was always self-conscious about my looks like any other girl, but I never thought that my blackness was a reason to be self-conscious.”

She spoke about her experience on “The Ultimate Fighter” and revealed the unpleasant side of the show that’s distant to fans.

“After I got introduced in the show, I started noticing people commenting saying I look like a crackhead, I look like a monkey and these are all things I’ve never been called in my life.

“So once I started venturing out into the world I started seeing most of America is white and most of them see me as this stereotype or whatever and it’s up to me to kinda prove them wrong. When I did get introduced to that hate just because I was black, just because I didn’t look like the other girls on this show, it opened my eyes.”

Hill wants to give back to her community

Angela Hill continued to detail her process of brushing away any negativity that was tossed her way. Additionally, she touched upon the feeling of gratification that came from being a beacon of hope to future aspirants.

“One thing that really allowed me to push those negative comments aside was I’d get a comment or a message from another black woman who’s trying to be a martial artist or trying to be an athlete. For me, that means the world. It feels great to give back in that way.”

“Even if it means I have to be the butt of some racist guys joke, it doesn’t matter. In the end, I’m inspiring people who look like me, that they do have a chance to make it in whatever field they’re pursuing.”

“Overkill” Hill’s journey has been an inspiration to women of color and women in general. The 35-year-old continues to compete at the highest level and make waves in the promotion.