Matt Hamill
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Early Career
Before turning his attentions to Mixed Martial Arts, Matt Hamill (born October 5, 1975) was a highly decorated Amateur wrestler. His accomplishments include being the three time NCAA Div.III National champion and winning a silver medal in Greco-Roman Wrestling and a gold medal in Freestyle Wrestling from the 2001 Summer Deaflympics. The Deaflympics is a sporting event for deaf athletes, and Hamill is the first UFC fighter who was born deaf.
His impressive grappling skills combined with the story of his overcoming handicap to make him a perfect pick when Zuffa was selecting contestants for The Ultimate Fighter Season 3. He was picked highly by coach Tito Ortiz. While on the show Hamill proved to be a hard worker, earning the nickname "Hammer" because he refused to "go easy" during practices.
During his stint on TUF "The Hammer" developed a not-so-friendly rivalry with team mate, and eventual season three winner, Michael Bisping. Unfortunately due to injuries Matt was unable to complete that season's competition and a battle with nemesis Bisping would have to wait.
In The UFC
Hamill began his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 24, 2006, defeating fellow TUF 3 competitor, Jesse Forbes, by TKO at the 4:47 mark of the first round. "The Hammer" continued to add to his streak of wins, beating Seth Petruzelli by decision followed by a TKO victory over Rex Holman.
With an undefeated 3-0 record in the Octagon Matt Hamill would finally get his wish, a match against Michael Bisping. After journeying across the pond to fight in Bisping's home country of England, Hamill would come out on the losing end of a highly disputed split decision. A UFC.com survey showed over 70% of respondents felt the decision was flawed. Unfortunately, a rematch seems unlikely with "The Count" now fighting in the UFC's Middleweight division, while Hamill remains a Light Heavyweight.
Bouncing back from his first loss in the cage, "The Hammer" won by TKO when he faced Tim Boetsch at UFC Fight Night 13.
Hamill got a step up in competition at UFC 88, when he faced friend and former UFC middleweight champion, Rich Franklin. Franklin was returning to the light heavyweight division for the first time since The Ultimate Fighter Finale. Franklin was too much for Hamill however as he punished "The Hammer" on the feet for two full rounds before ending the bout with a body kick in the third round.
Hamill will return at UFC 92 where he will face IFL veteran, Reese Andy on the show's undercard.
Mixed martial arts record
4-1
| 5 matches | 4 wins | 1 losses |
| By knockout | 3 | 0 |
| By submission | 0 | 0 |
| By decision | 1 | 1 |
| Draws | 0 | |
Gallery
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