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			{{short description\|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
	{{MMAstatsbox
			{{Use mdy dates\|date=August 2021}}
	\|name = Matt Hamill
			{{Infobox martial artist
	\|image = Matt_Hamill_cropped.jpg\|Mark "The Hammer" Hamill puts his arm over the shoulder of a fan (not shown) as he raises his fist while he poses for the camera.
			\| name = Matt Hamill
	\|nick = The Hammer
			\| other_names = The Hammer
	\|height = 6 ft 1in (185 cm)
			\| image = Matt Hamill cropped.jpg
	\|weight = 205 lb. (93 kg)
			\| image_size = 200px
	\|nationality= American
			\| alt =
	\|birthdate ={{birth date and age\|1976\|10\|5}}
			\| caption =
	\|died =
			\| birth_name =
	\|fightingfrom = ]
			\| birth_date = {{Birth date and age\|1976\|10\|5}}
	\|hometown = ]
			\| birth_place = ], U.S.
	\|fightteam = ]
			\| death_date =
	\|fightstyle = ], ]
			\| death_place =
	\|wins = 6
			\| death_cause =
	\|losses = 2
			\| residence =
	\|draws = 0
			\| nationality =
	\|ko = 4
			\| height = {{height\|ft=6\|in=2}}
	\|nocontest = 0
			\| weight_lb = 205
	\|submissions = 0
			\| weight_class = ]
	}}
			\| reach_in = 76
	{{MedalTableTop}}
			\| style = ]
	{{MedalCountry \| {{USA}} }}
			\| stance =
	{{MedalSport \| Men's ]}}
			\| fighting_out_of = ], U.S.
			\| team =
			\| rank = ] ] <br/> Purple belt in ]{{cn\|date=July 2023}}
			\| years_active = 2005–2018 (])
			\| mma_kowin = 8
			\| mma_subwin =
			\| mma_decwin = 4
			\| mma_dqwin = 1
			\| mma_koloss = 4
			\| mma_subloss = 1
			\| mma_decloss = 3
			\| mma_dqloss =
			\| mma_draw =
			\| mma_nc =
			\| sherdog = 16695
			\| medaltemplates =
			{{MedalSport\|Men's ]}}
			{{MedalCountry\|{{USA}}}}
	{{MedalCompetition\|]}}		{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
	{{MedalGold \| ~~2001 Rome~~ \| ~~]}}~~		{{MedalGold\|]\|Unknown}}
	{{~~MedalSilver~~ \| 2001 ~~Rome~~ \| ~~]}}~~		{{MedalGold\| ]\|Unknown}}
			{{MedalSport\|Men's ]}}
	{{MedalBottom}}
			{{MedalCountry\|{{USA}}}}
			{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			{{MedalGold\|]\|Unknown}}
			{{MedalSilver\| ]\|Unknown}}
			{{MedalSport \| ]}}{{MedalCountry \| the}} ] {{MedalCompetition\|]}} {{MedalGold\|1997 Cortland\|167 lb}} {{MedalGold\|1998 Ada\|190 lb}} {{MedalGold\|1999 Trenton\|197 lb}}
			}}

	'''~~Matthew S. "The Hammer"~~ Hamill''' (born ~~on ]~~ ] in ],]) is an ] ] ~~and~~ ] ~~(MMA)~~ ~~fighter~~. He ~~was~~ a three-time ] Division III National Champion in wrestling (167 lb. class in 1997, 190 lb. class in 1998, and 197 lb. class in 1999) while attending the ] (RIT) in ].<ref>~~</ref> Matt also has a silver medal in ] wrestling and a gold medal in ] from the 2001 Summer ].<ref>~~</ref>		'''Matt Hamill''' (born October 5, 1976) is an American former ] and ] who competed in the ] division of the ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.matthamill.com/?page_id=9 \|title=About Me « Matt "The Hammer" Hamill \|publisher=Matthamill.com \|access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref> He is a three-time ] Division III National Champion in wrestling (167 lb class in 1997, 190 lb class in 1998 and 197 lb class in 1999) while attending the ] (RIT) in ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ncaasports.com/wrestling/mens/story/6232749 \|title=NCAA.com \|publisher=Ncaasports.com \|access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref>

	==~~Career~~==		==Early life==
			Hamill has been ] since birth. He was introduced to ] by his stepfather<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ntid.rit.edu/media/full_text.php?article_id=1055 \|title=Rit Ntid Story →Th \|publisher=Ntid.rit.edu \|access-date=2012-08-05}}</ref> Michael Rich, who was the head wrestling coach at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://martialarts.about.com/od/mmaandufc/p/Biography-And-Profile-Of-Matt-Hamill.htm\|title=Matt Hamill Biography}}</ref> Hamill attended the ] for three years transferring there after a year at ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.rit.edu/news/utilities/pdf/2009/2009_03_30_MPNnow_the_hammer.pdf \|title=Q and A with RIT/NTID grad 'The Hammer' \|last=Fuller \|first=Kevin \|date=30 March 2009 \|website=Daily Messenger \|access-date=14 December 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222152342/http://www.rit.edu/news/utilities/pdf/2009/2009_03_30_MPNnow_the_hammer.pdf \|archive-date=22 December 2015 \|url-status=dead }}</ref>
	Hamill was a contestant on the third season of '']'' reality television show, training under ] in the 205 lb (93 kg) weight class. He won a preliminary fight against ] via decision, but was unable to continue into the semi-finals due to injuries. On ] ], Hamill fought fellow contestant ] at ''The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale'' on ] and won via TKO.

			==Mixed martial arts career==
	Hamill then defeated '']'s'' ] via unanimous decision at '']'' on ] ]. Judges scored the bout 29-28, 30-27, and 29-28 for Hamill.

			===''The Ultimate Fighter''===
	Hamill then fought ] at '']'' where he won by TKO in the first round.
			Hamill was on '']'' reality television show, training under former ] ] in the 205 lb (93 kg) weight class. He won a preliminary fight against Mike Nickels via decision, but was unable to continue into the semi-finals due to injuries.

			===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
	Hamill fought ] at ] in London, England on September 8th, 2007, where he lost via split decision. The decision was considered controversial by virtually everyone who has seen the fight. Hamill pushed the pace and took Bisping down numerous times in the first and third rounds and literally had to chase Bisping around the octagon. Many believe Hamill won the fight by winning 2 out of the 3 rounds yet one judge scored 29-28 for Bisping, another 30-27 for Hamill and the spilt decision of 29-28 for Bisping as the winner. This fight is used as a prime example as to encourage fighters not to let the fight go to the judges. A rematch was scheduled for UFC 78, but due to knee surgery Hamill withdrew. A rematch has become unlikely now that Bisping has dropped down to the middleweight division after his fight with ].<ref>{{cite web
			On June 24, 2006, Hamill fought fellow contestant ] at ] on ] and won via ].
	\|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-bispinghamill090907
	\|title=Questionable verdict
	\|last=Iole
	\|first=Kevin
	\|publisher=]
	\|date=], ]
	\|accessdate=2007-09-11
	}} "White said the rematch is 'a no-brainer and I'm going to be on it right away.'"</ref><ref>{{cite web
	\|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/mma/blog/2007/09/the_hamillbisping_fallout_and.html
	\|title=The Hamill-Bisping fallout and trust
	\|last=Mohapatra
	\|first=Pramit
	\|publisher=]
	\|date=], ]
	\|accessdate=2007-09-11
	}}</ref>

			Hamill faced '']'s'' ] in a Fight of The Night performance he won via unanimous decision at '']'' on October 10, 2006. Judges scored the bout (29–28, 30–27, and 29–28) for Hamill.
	Hamill next fought Tim Boetsch on April 3rd, whom he defeated in the second round by TKO,<ref>http://mmajunkie.com/news/13542/matt-hamill-raw-part-2-of-4.mma</ref> bringing his record to 4 wins and 1 loss. During the fight, Matt suffered a badly split bottom lip due to a knee strike.<ref>http://mmajunkie.com/news/13542/matt-hamill-raw-part-2-of-4.mma</ref>

			Hamill then fought Rex Holman at '']'' where he won by ] in the first round.
	Hamill then went on to ] and fought former ] Middleweight Champion ] as the co-main event. He lost the fight by TKO after a kick to the liver at 0:39 of the third round.<ref></ref>

			Hamill fought fellow ] alumnus ] at ] in London, England on September 8, 2007, where he lost via split decision. The decision was considered controversial as many believed Hamill won the fight. A rematch was scheduled for ], but due to knee surgery, Hamill withdrew. A rematch since became unlikely because Bisping subsequently dropped down to the ] division after losing a split decision to ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-bispinghamill090907\|title=Questionable verdict\|publisher=]\|date=September 9, 2007\|access-date=2007-09-11}} "White said the rematch is 'a no-brainer and I'm going to be on it right away.'"</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/mma/blog/2007/09/the_hamillbisping_fallout_and.html\|title=The Hamill-Bisping fallout and trust\|work=]\|date=September 9, 2007\|access-date=2007-09-11}}</ref>

			Hamill next fought ] on April 3, 2008, whom he defeated in the second round by TKO,<ref name="mmajunkie.com">{{cite web \|last=Lane \|first=Jon \|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13542/matt-hamill-raw-part-2-of-4.mma \|title=Matt Hamill: Raw (Part 2 of 4) \|publisher=Mmajunkie.com \|date=2008-12-22 \|access-date=2012-08-05 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104072448/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2008/12/matt-hamill-raw-part-2-of-4 \|archive-date=2013-01-04 }}</ref> bringing his record to 4 wins and 1 loss. During the fight, Hamill had a badly split bottom lip due to a knee strike.<ref name="mmajunkie.com"/>

			Hamill then went on to fight at ] against former ] ] as the co-main event. He lost the fight by TKO after a kick to the liver at 0:39 of the third round.<ref> {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907024229/http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=7047&zoneid=13 \|date=September 7, 2009 }}</ref>

	At ], Hamill defeated ] in the second round by TKO due to strikes.		At ], Hamill defeated ] in the second round by TKO due to strikes.

	Hamill fought ] at ], defeating him with a right leg roundhouse kick to the head, knocking Munoz unconscious, and earning him the Knockout of the Night award.<ref>http://mmajunkie.com/news/13679/matt-hamill-vs-mark-munoz-added-to-ufc-96.mma</ref>
			Hamill fought former ] wrestling champion ] at ], defeating him with a right leg roundhouse kick to the head, knocking Munoz unconscious and earning him the Knockout of the Night award.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Morgan \|first=John \|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13679/matt-hamill-vs-mark-munoz-added-to-ufc-96.mma \|title=Matt Hamill vs. Mark Munoz added to UFC 96 \|publisher=mmajunkie.com \|date=2009-01-10 \|access-date=2012-08-05 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013190030/http://mmajunkie.com/news/13679/matt-hamill-vs-mark-munoz-added-to-ufc-96.mma \|archive-date=2012-10-13 }}</ref>

			His next fight was scheduled to be ] at ], but due to a knee injury while training, Hamill was replaced by ].<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://mmaweekly.com/soszynski-replaces-hamill-at-ufc-102-2 \|title=Soszynski Replaces Hamill at UFC 102 \|date=July 20, 2009 \|publisher=MMAWeekly.com \|access-date=2011-07-24}}</ref>

			] weigh ins before facing ]]]

			Coming off of knee surgery, Hamill became sick.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/121-matt-hamill-profile \|title=8 Things You Don't Know About Matt Hamill \|date=2010-10-22 \|publisher=UFC.com \|access-date=2012-03-25}}</ref> Hamill faced off against undefeated prospect ] on December 5, 2009, at ]. Jones would be disqualified for using illegal ]s. The ] prohibit downward elbow strikes, and Jones was initially only penalized a point from the round.<ref name="YAHOODQ1" /> However, because Hamill could not continue due to his dislocated shoulder, he was awarded the DQ win.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17108/matt-hamill-suffered-dislocated-shoulder-at-the-ultimate-fighter-10-finale.mma \|title=Matt Hamill suffered dislocated shoulder at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale (Updated) \|date=2009-12-06 \|publisher=MMAJunkie.com \|access-date=2012-03-25 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091209030219/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17108/matt-hamill-suffered-dislocated-shoulder-at-the-ultimate-fighter-10-finale.mma \|archive-date=2009-12-09 }}</ref> Consequently, the tape was reviewed and showed that Jones' elbows further damaged Hamill's already bloody and lacerated nose.<ref name="YAHOODQ1">{{cite web \|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Jones-loses-controversial-disqualification-to-Ha?urn=mma,206949 \|title=Jones loses controversial disqualification to Hamill \|date=2009-12-05 \|publisher=Sports.Yahoo.com \|access-date=2012-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2009/12/05/jon-jones-disqualified-for-illegal-blows-matt-hamill-wins/ \|title=Jon Jones Disqualified for Illegal Elbow, Matt Hamill Wins \|last=Smith \|first=Michael \|publisher=MMAFighting.com \|date=2009-12-05 \|access-date=2011-04-04}}</ref> This marked the first time that Nevada has used its recently enacted instant replay rule, in which the referee's decision was supported by the commission which utilized a slow motion replay to review the elbows.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/06/instant-replay-used-first-time-jon-jones-disqualif/ \|title=Instant replay used for the first time in Nevada fight during Jon Jones disqualification \|last=Okamoto \|first=Brett \|publisher=] \|date=2009-12-06 \|access-date=2012-02-14}}</ref> Hamill contested the decision, stating after the fight that he "definitely didn't win" and Jones "definitely didn't lose".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2009/12/matt-hamill-on-tuf-10-finale-jon-jones-didnt-lose-and-i-didnt-win \|title=Matt Hamill on TUF 10 Finale: Jon Jones didn't lose, and I didn't win \|publisher=MMAjunkie.com \|date=2012-12-10 \|access-date=2016-02-28}}</ref>

			Hamill defeated ] on June 19, 2010, at ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2010/03/25/keith-jardine-vs-matt-hammill-on-tap-for-the-ultimate-fighter-11-finale/\|title=Keith Jardine vs. Matt Hamill on tap for "The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale" \|publisher=fiveouncesofpain.com \|access-date=2010-03-25}}</ref> Hamill won this fight by majority decision. Jardine was docked a point for accidentally poking Hamill in the eye in round 2.

			Hamill next fought his former The Ultimate Fighter 3 coach, ] on October 23, 2010, at ] which he won via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/07/22/tito-ortiz-to-face-matt-hamill-at-ufc-121\|title=Tito Ortiz to Face Matt Hamill at UFC 121\|date=July 22, 2010 \|publisher=MMA Fighting}}</ref>

			Hamill was next scheduled to face undefeated ] at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22023/phil-davis-vs-matt-hamill-targeted-for-ufc-129-in-toronto.mma\|title=Phil Davis vs. Matt Hamill targeted for UFC 129 in Toronto\|publisher=mmajunkie.com\|date=January 7, 2011\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811165835/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22023/phil-davis-vs-matt-hamill-targeted-for-ufc-129-in-toronto.mma\|archive-date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> It was then announced that ] had failed his ] post fight drug test, and Hamill was named as his replacement in his bout against former UFC light heavyweight champion and current top contender ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22435/matt-hamill-replaces-thiago-silva-faces-rampage-jackson-at-ufc-130.mma \|title=Matt Hamill replaces Thiago Silva, faces Rampage Jackson at UFC 130 \|publisher=mmajunkie.com \|date=February 11, 2011 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525152647/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22435/matt-hamill-replaces-thiago-silva-faces-rampage-jackson-at-ufc-130.mma \|archive-date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref> Hamill lost the fight via a one sided unanimous decision.

			At ] Hamill faced off against up and coming Swedish striker ], replacing an injured ].<ref>{{cite web\|title=Hammill in for injured Matyushenko\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/24400/matt-hamill-replaces-vladimir-matyushenko-meets-alexander-gustafsson-at-ufc-133.mma\|publisher=MMA Junkie\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717130610/http://mmajunkie.com/news/24400/matt-hamill-replaces-vladimir-matyushenko-meets-alexander-gustafsson-at-ufc-133.mma\|archive-date=2011-07-17}}</ref> After an uneventful first round, Gustafsson dropped Hamill in the second with a straight punch followed by an uppercut, subsequently finishing Hamill with punches and elbows from the mount.

			On August 8, 2011, Matt Hamill decided to step away from the UFC and MMA, as he lost his last two fights. "Today is a sad day for me. After six years and 13 fights in the UFC I'm ready to hang up my gloves and retire from this amazing sport," he said on his official website.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://mmaweekly.com/former-ultimate-fighter-competitor-matt-hamill-retires-from-the-ufc-and-mma \|title=Former 'Ultimate Fighter' Competitor Matt Hamill Retires from the UFC and MMA \|date=August 8, 2011 \|publisher=MMAWeekly.com \|access-date=2011-08-08}}</ref>

			Nearly a year later, however, Hamill decided to come out of retirement. Hamill was expected to face UFC newcomer ] on September 22, 2012, at ].<ref name=HAMHOL>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30014/matt-hamill-out-of-retirement-meets-newcomer-roger-hollett-at-ufc-152.mma \|title=Matt Hamill out of retirement, meets newcomer Roger Hollett at UFC 152 \|author=Dann Stupp \|date=August 3, 2012 \|publisher=MMAjunkie.com \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805033930/http://mmajunkie.com/news/30014/matt-hamill-out-of-retirement-meets-newcomer-roger-hollett-at-ufc-152.mma \|archive-date=August 5, 2012 }}</ref> However, Hollett was forced out of the bout due to a contract dispute with Bellator and replaced by Vladimir Matyushenko.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30283/matyushenko-replaces-hollett-meets-hamill-at-ufc-152-in-toronto.mma \|title=Matyushenko replaces Hollett, meets Hamill at UFC 152 in Toronto \|publisher=mmajunkie.com \|date=August 20, 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103214214/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/08/matyushenko-replaces-hollett-meets-hamill-at-ufc-152-in-toronto \|archive-date=January 3, 2013 }}</ref> However, Matyushenko was forced out of the bout after suffering a torn Achilles tendon while training, and was replaced by Hollett, who had settled the issue in time.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/9/11/3317286/ufc-152-vladimir-matyushenko-out-with-torn-achilles-tendon-roger \|title=Vladimir Matyushenko out with torn Achilles tendon, Roger Hollett back in against Matt Hamill \|publisher=mmamania.com \|date=September 11, 2012}}</ref> He won his return fight via unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, and 30–27).<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/9/22/3375332/ufc-152-results-matt-hamill-begins-comeback-with-win-over-roger/in/3138967 \|title=UFC 152 Results: Matt Hamill Begins Comeback With Win Over Roger Hollett \|publisher=mmafighting.com \|date=September 22, 2012}}</ref>

			Hamill faced ] on October 9, 2013, at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/7/25/4556480/ufc-thiago-silva-vs-matt-hamill-october-9th--brazil\|title=Thiago Silva vs. Matt Hamill set for October 9th in Brazil \|publisher=bloodyelbow.com\|author=Tim Burke\|date=2013-07-25\|access-date=2013-07-25}}</ref> Hamill lost the bout by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the UFC.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ohmma.com/report-matt-hamill-released-from-the-ufc/\|title=Matt Hamill released from the UFC \|publisher=ohmmanews.com\|author=David McKinney\|date=2013-10-29\|access-date=2013-10-29}}</ref>

			===World Series of Fighting===
			In May 2014 Hamill signed a deal with ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fightline.com/ufc-vet-matt-hamill-signs-world-series-fighting/\|title=UFC Vet Matt Hamill Signs On With World Series Of Fighting\|publisher=fightline.com\|access-date=2014-05-22\|date=2014-05-22}}</ref> He was expected to debut for the promotion later in 2014, however due to nagging injuries, Hamill would retire for the second time in his career.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/7/2/5865673/nagging-injury-forces-veteran-matt-hamill-back-into-retirement\|title='Nagging injury' forces veteran Matt Hamill back into retirement\|publisher=mmafighting.com\|author=Dave Doyle\|date=2014-07-02\|access-date=2014-07-02}}</ref>

			Hamill later decided to return to mixed martial arts and was scheduled to fight against ] at ] on April 10, 2015.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Matt-HamillVinny-Magalhaes-Melvin-GuillardOzzy-Dugulubgov-Announced-For-WSOF-20-81733\|title=Matt Hamill-Vinny Magalhaes, Melvin Guillard-Ozzy Dugulubgov Announced For WSOF 20\|publisher=sherdog.com \|author=C.J. Tuttle \|date=2015-02-12\|access-date=2015-03-14}}</ref> However Magalhães was pulled from the bout after a contract dispute with ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/3/3/8145871/thiago-silva-vs-matt-hamill-now-wsof-20-main-event-with-vinny\|title=Thiago Silva vs. Matt Hamill now WSOF 19 co-main with Vinny Magalhaes sidelined\|publisher=mmafighting.com \|author=Marc Raimondi \|date=2015-03-03\|access-date=2015-03-14}}</ref> Hamill was expected to fight in a rematch against ] at ] on March 28, 2015,<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/03/branch-markes-on-tap-for-wsof-20-main-event-hamill-silva-set-for-wsof-19\|title=Branch-Markes on tap for WSOF 20 main event, Hamill-Silva set for WSOF 19\|publisher=mmajunkie.com \|author=MMAjunkie Staff \|date=2015-03-05\|access-date=2015-03-14}}</ref> but was forced to withdraw from the competition after a sinus infection.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/03/matt-hamill-withdraws-from-wsof-19-thiago-silva-now-faces-teddy-holder\|title=Matt Hamill withdraws from WSOF 19, Thiago Silva now faces Teddy Holder\|publisher=mmajunkie.com \|author=John Morgan \|date=2015-03-28\|access-date=2015-03-30}}</ref> Hamill eventually faced Magalhães at ] held on October 17, 2015. He lost the fight via ] in the first round.

			===Independent promotions===
			After his stint in WSOF, Hamill began fighting for various independent promotions.

			Hamill faced ] on May 21, 2016, at Venator FC3: Palhares vs. Meek in Italy.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Holland\|first=Jesse\|date=2016-02-15\|title=Matt Hamill vs Sokoudjou added to epic Venator FC event on May 21 in Milan\|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2016/2/15/10998080/matt-hamill-vs-sokoudjou-added-to-epic-venator-fc-event-on-may-21-milan-mma\|access-date=2021-07-22\|website=MMAmania.com\|language=en}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

			Hamill next faced ] on October 14, 2016, at ]: Empire Rising. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

			Following a four-fight losing streak, Hamill earned his first win in over four years when he faced fellow UFC veteran ] at Fight 2 Night 2 on April 28, 2017, in Brazil. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

			Hamill then faced Chris Birchler at Maverick MMA 6, and won by split decision.

	==Personal life==		==Personal life==
			Hamill is divorced and has a daughter from the marriage.<ref name="UFC 88 Countdown">{{cite episode \|title=UFC 88 Countdown \|series=UFC 88 Countdown \|network=] \|airdate=2008-09-03 }}</ref> Hamill and his longtime girlfriend Brittany Houck were engaged to be married in May 2008.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.espn.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=3564360\|title=Hamill confident ahead of UFC 88 clash with Franklin \|access-date=2009-08-03 \|website=] \|date=2008-09-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.fightline.com/news/2008/630/matt_the_hammer_hamill_329144.shtml \|title=Matt Hamill Will Fight At UFC 88 \|access-date=2009-08-03 \|publisher=FIGHTLINE.com \|date=2008-06-30 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117161651/http://fightline.com/news/2008/630/matt_the_hammer_hamill_329144.shtml \|archive-date=2010-01-17 }}</ref>
	Born in ], Hamill was introduced to wrestling by his step father who was the wrestling coach at ]. In the years prior to the taping of the Ultimate Fighter Season 3, Hamill volunteered his time teaching wrestling to middle and high school children.

			Hamill is the subject of a 2010 movie entitled '']'' about his early life and wrestling career. Originally set to star Eben Kostbar, it was criticized by the ] for featuring a non-deaf actor; however, Hamill himself supported the casting of Kostbar due to his wrestling experience and the fact that Kostbar is fluent in ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/4337/matt-hamill-the-subject-of-a-2009-movie-release.mma \|title=Matt Hamill the subject of a 2009 movie \|publisher=Mmajunkie.com \|date=2008-05-14 \|access-date=2012-08-05 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713224927/http://mmajunkie.com/news/4337/matt-hamill-the-subject-of-a-2009-movie-release.mma \|archive-date=2012-07-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=11930 \|title=Interview with UFC.com regarding the "Hamill" \|publisher=Ufc.com \|access-date=2012-08-05 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926005803/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=11930 \|archive-date=2009-09-26 }}</ref> However, Kostbar withdrew from starring,<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://matthamillthemovie.com/index.php/site/blog_post/72/C11\|title=Matt Hamill The Movie\|date=22 January 2009\|access-date=26 October 2017\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122060842/http://matthamillthemovie.com/index.php/site/blog_post/72/C11\|archive-date=22 January 2009}}</ref> feeling it would be more appropriate for a deaf actor to take the role.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://abilitymagazine.com/Matt-Hamill.html\|title=''Ability Magazine: Hamill the Movie"'' (2011)\|website=Abilitymagazine.com\|access-date=2012-04-04}}</ref>
	Hamill was born ], and spends time working with deaf children.<ref>http://mmajunkie.com/news/13519/matt-hamill-raw-part-1-of-4.mma</ref>

			Deaf actor ] was chosen as the final choice to voice Hamill.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20090930/NEWS01/909300333/1003/Deaf-wrestler-subject-of-film-shot-in-area \|title=Archived copy \|access-date=October 2, 2009 \|archive-date=December 29, 2010 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229072328/http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20090930/NEWS01/909300333/1003/Deaf-wrestler-subject-of-film-shot-in-area \|url-status=dead }}</ref> The movie was produced by Joseph McKelheer and Eben Kostbar and was directed by Oren Kaplan.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1094666/\|title=The Hammer\|date=27 October 2011\|website=IMDb.com\|access-date=26 October 2017}}</ref>
	Hamill is divorced from a deaf woman, and has a hearing daughter from that marriage. <ref></ref> <ref></ref><ref name="UFC 88 Countdown">{{cite episode \|title=UFC 88 Countdown \|episodelink= \|series= \|serieslink= \|credits= \|network=] \|station= \|airdate=2008-09-03 \|season= \|seriesno= \|number= \|minutes= }}</ref>

			On January 4, 2025 it was reported that Hamill got a powerful hearing aides and is able to hear for the first time in 41 years.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-01-04 \|title=Deaf UFC alumnus Matt Hamill hears for first time in more than 40 years \|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/01/ufc-news-matt-hamill-deaf-hearing-aide \|access-date=2025-01-04 \|website=MMA Junkie \|language=en-US}}</ref>
	Matt Hamill will be the subject of an upcoming movie entitled "Hamill" about his early life and wrestling career. Based on a true story, "Hamill" is a sports drama following the life of Matt Hamill, the first Deaf wrestler to win a National Collegiate Championship. Caught between the hearing world into which he was born and the deaf world of his peers, Matt turns his perceived ‘disability’ into an asset. In the process, he becomes an inspirational force that binds both worlds.

			==Championships and Accomplishments==
	"Hamill," written and produced by Joseph McKelheer and Eben Kostbar is set for a 2010 release.
			* ''']'''
	<ref></ref>
			** ] (One time) <small>vs. ] </small>
	<ref></ref>
			** ] (Two times) <small>vs. ] and ] </small>
	<ref></ref>
			**'''UFC.com Awards'''
	<ref></ref>
			***2009: Ranked #3 Knockout of the Year {{small\|vs. ]}}<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-knockouts-2009\|title=Ten Best – The Knockouts of 2009\|author=Thomas Gerbasi\|date=December 20, 2009\|work=]}}</ref>
	<ref></ref>
	<ref></ref>

	==Mixed martial arts record==		==Mixed martial arts record==

	<!-- ALL THE HIDDEN SPANS ARE FOR PROPER TABLE SORTING. PLEASE DO NOT EDIT THEM UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. -->
	{{MMArecordbox		{{MMArecordbox
	\|~~wins~~=6		\| draws=
	\|~~losses~~=2		\| nc=
	\|ko-wins=5		\| ko-wins= 8
	\|ko-losses=1		\| ko-losses= 4
	\|sub-wins=0		\| sub-wins=
	\|sub-losses=0		\| sub-losses=1
	\|dec-wins=1		\| dec-wins= 4
	\|dec-losses=1		\| dec-losses= 3
			\| dq-wins= 1
			\| dq-losses=
			\| other-wins=
			\| other-losses=
	}}		}}
			{{MMA record start}}
	{\| style='font-size: 85%; text-align: left;' class='wikitable sortable' width='99%'
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|Result
			\| align=center\| 13–8
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|Record
			\| Chris Birchler
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|'''Opponent'''
			\| Decision (split)
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|'''Method'''
			\| Maverick MMA 6
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|'''Event'''
			\| {{dts\|2018\|April\|14}}
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|'''Date'''
			\| align=center\| 3
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|'''Round'''
			\| align=center\| 5:00
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|'''Time'''
			\| ], United States
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|'''Location'''
			\|
	!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'\|'''Notes'''
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\|-align=center
			\| align=center\| 12–8
	\|{{yes2}}Win
			\| ]
	\|align='center'\|6-2
			\| KO (punches)
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ]
			\| F2N: Fight2Night2
	\|align='left'\|KO (Head Kick)
			\| {{dts\|2017\|April\|28}}
	\|align='left'\|]
			\| align=center\| 1
	\|align='left'\|{{dts\|link=off\|2009\|March\|7}}
	\|align='center'\|1		\| align=center\| 0:38
			\| ], Brazil
	\|align='center'\|3:53
			\|
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ], United States
	\|Won Knockout of the Night Honors
	\|-align=center
	\|{{yes2}}Win
	\|align='center'\|5-2
	\|align='left'\| {{flagicon\|USA}} ]
	\|align='left'\|TKO (Strikes)
	\|align='left'\|]
	\|align='left'\|{{dts\|link=off\|2008\|December\|27}}
	\|align='center'\|2
	\|align='center'\|2:19
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ], United States
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
	\|-align=center
			\| align=center\| 11–8
	\|{{no2}}Loss
			\| ]
	\|align='center'\|4-2
			\| TKO (punches)
	\|align='left'\| {{flagicon\|USA}} ]
			\| ]: Empire Rising
	\|align='left'\|TKO (Liver Kick)
			\| {{dts\|2016\|October\|14}}
	\|align='left'\|]
			\| align=center\| 1
	\|align='left'\|{{dts\|link=off\|2008\|September\|6}}
	\|align='center'\|3		\| align=center\| 1:22
			\| ], United States
	\|align='center'\|0:39
			\|
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ], United States
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
	\|-align=center
			\| align=center\| 11–7
	\|{{yes2}}Win
			\| ]
	\|align='center'\|4-1
			\| KO (punches)
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ]
			\| Venator FC3: Palhares vs. Meek
	\|align='left'\|TKO (Strikes)
			\| {{dts\|2016\|May\|21}}
	\|align='left'\|]
			\| align=center\| 1
	\|align='left'\|{{dts\|link=off\|2008\|April\|2}}
	\|align='center'\|2		\| align=center\| 0:37
			\| ], Italy
	\|align='center'\|1:25
			\|
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ], United States
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
	\|-align=center
			\| align=center\| 11–6
	\|{{no2}}Loss
			\| ]
	\|align='center'\|3-1
			\| Submission (kneebar)
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|GBR}} ]
			\| ]
	\|align='left'\|Decision (Split)
			\| {{dts\|2015\|October\|17}}
	\|align='left'\|]
			\| align=center\| 1
	\|align='left'\|{{dts\|link=off\|2007\|September\|8}}
	\|align='center'\|3		\| align=center\| 1:08
			\| ], United States
	\|align='center'\|5:00
			\| {{small\|WSOF debut.}}
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|GBR}} ], England
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
	\|-align=center
			\| align=center\| 11–5
	\|{{yes2}}Win
			\| ]
	\|align='center'\|3-0
			\| Decision (unanimous)
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ]
			\| ]
	\|align='left'\|TKO (Strikes)
			\| {{dts\|2013\|October\|9}}
	\|align='left'\|]
			\| align=center\| 3
	\|align='left'\|{{dts\|link=off\|2007\|March\|3}}
	\|align='center'\|1		\| align=center\| 5:00
			\| ], ], Brazil
	\|align='center'\|4:00
			\|
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ], United States
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
	\|-align=center
			\| align=center\| 11–4
	\|{{yes2}}Win
			\| ]
	\|align='center'\|2-0
			\| Decision (unanimous)
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ]
			\| ]
	\|align='left'\|Decision (Unanimous)
			\| {{dts\|2012\|September\|22}}
	\|align='left'\|]
			\| align=center\| 3
	\|align='left'\|{{dts\|link=off\|2006\|October\|10}}
	\|align='center'\|3		\| align=center\| 5:00
			\| ], Canada
	\|align='center'\|5:00
			\|
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ], United States
	\|-		\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
	\|-align=center
			\| align=center\| 10–4
	\|{{yes2}}Win
			\| ]
	\|align='center'\|1-0
			\| TKO (punches and elbows)
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ]
			\| ]
	\|align='left'\|TKO (Strikes)
			\| {{dts\|2011\|August\|6}}
	\|align='left'\|]
			\| align=center\| 2
	\|align='left'\|{{dts\|link=off\|2006\|June\|24}}
	\|align='center'\|1		\| align=center\| 3:34
			\| ], United States
	\|align='center'\|4:47
			\|
	\|align='left'\|{{flagicon\|USA}} ], United States
			\|-
	\|UFC and MMA debut
			\| {{no2}}Loss
	\|}
			\| align=center\| 10–3
			\| ]
			\| Decision (unanimous)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2011\|May\|28}}
			\| align=center\| 3
			\| align=center\| 5:00
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 10–2
			\| ]
			\| Decision (unanimous)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2010\|October\|23}}
			\| align=center\| 3
			\| align=center\| 5:00
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 9–2
			\| ]
			\| Decision (majority)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2010\|June\|19}}
			\| align=center\| 3
			\| align=center\| 5:00
			\| ], United States
			\| {{small\|Fight of the Night.}}
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}} Win
			\| align=center\| 8–2
			\| ]
			\| DQ (illegal elbows)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2009\|December\|5}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 4:14
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 7–2
			\| ]
			\| KO (head kick)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2009\|March\|7}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 3:53
			\| ], United States
			\| {{small\|Knockout of the Night.}}
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 6–2
			\| ]
			\| TKO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2008\|December\|27}}
			\| align=center\| 2
			\| align=center\| 2:19
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
			\| align=center\| 5–2
			\| ]
			\| TKO (body kick)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2008\|September\|6}}
			\| align=center\| 3
			\| align=center\| 0:39
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 5–1
			\| ]
			\| TKO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2008\|April\|2}}
			\| align=center\| 2
			\| align=center\| 1:25
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{no2}}Loss
			\| align=center\| 4–1
			\| ]
			\| Decision (split)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2007\|September\|8}}
			\| align=center\| 3
			\| align=center\| 5:00
			\| ], England
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 4–0
			\| Rex Holman
			\| TKO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2007\|March\|3}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 4:00
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 3–0
			\| ]
			\| Decision (unanimous)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2006\|October\|10}}
			\| align=center\| 3
			\| align=center\| 5:00
			\| ], United States
			\| {{small\|Fight of the Night.}}
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 2–0
			\| ]
			\| TKO (punches)
			\| ]
			\| {{dts\|2006\|June\|24}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 4:47
			\| ], United States
			\|
			\|-
			\| {{yes2}}Win
			\| align=center\| 1–0
			\| Robert Hitte
			\| TKO (punches)
			\| XFO 7
			\| {{dts\|2005\|August\|27}}
			\| align=center\| 1
			\| align=center\| 1:52
			\| ], United States
			\|
			{{end}}

			==See also==
	*''His record does not include his preliminary victory while on The Ultimate Fighter as it is considered an exhibition bout.''
			* ]

	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

	== External links ==		==External links==
			*
	*		*
			* {{UFC\|matt-hamill}}
	*
	* {{Sherdog\|~~id=~~16695~~\|name=Matt Hamill~~}}		* {{Sherdog\|16695}}
	*
	* {{myspace\|mhamill1\|Matt Hamill}}

	{{The Ultimate Fighter 3}}
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Hamill, Matt}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Hamill, Matt}}
	]
	]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
	]		]
	]		]


	]
	]

Latest revision as of 23:48, 4 January 2025

American mixed martial arts fighter

Matt Hamill

Born

(1976-10-05) October 5, 1976 (age 48)
Loveland, Ohio, U.S.

Other names

The Hammer

Height

6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)

Weight

205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb)

Division

Light Heavyweight

Reach

76 in (193 cm)

Style

Wrestling

Fighting out of

Utica, New York, U.S.

Rank

NCAA Division III Wrestling
Purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Years active

2005–2018 (MMA)

Mixed martial arts record

Total

Wins

By knockout

By decision

By disqualification

Losses

By knockout

By submission

By decision

Other information

Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Medal record

Men's Freestyle Wrestling

Representing United States
Deaflympics
	Copenhagen 1997	Unknown
	Rome 2001	Unknown
Men's Greco-Roman Wrestling
Representing United States
Deaflympics
	Copenhagen 1997	Unknown
	Rome 2001	Unknown
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the RIT Tigers
NCAA Division III Championships
	1997 Cortland	167 lb
	1998 Ada	190 lb
	1999 Trenton	197 lb

Matt Hamill (born October 5, 1976) is an American former mixed martial artist and wrestler who competed in the Light Heavyweight division of the UFC. He is a three-time NCAA Division III National Champion in wrestling (167 lb class in 1997, 190 lb class in 1998 and 197 lb class in 1999) while attending the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York.

Early life

Hamill has been deaf since birth. He was introduced to wrestling by his stepfather Michael Rich, who was the head wrestling coach at Loveland High School. Hamill attended the Rochester Institute of Technology for three years transferring there after a year at Purdue University.

Mixed martial arts career

The Ultimate Fighter

Hamill was on The Ultimate Fighter 3 reality television show, training under former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz in the 205 lb (93 kg) weight class. He won a preliminary fight against Mike Nickels via decision, but was unable to continue into the semi-finals due to injuries.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On June 24, 2006, Hamill fought fellow contestant Jesse Forbes at The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale on Spike TV and won via knockout.

Hamill faced The Ultimate Fighter 2's Seth Petruzelli in a Fight of The Night performance he won via unanimous decision at Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter on October 10, 2006. Judges scored the bout (29–28, 30–27, and 29–28) for Hamill.

Hamill then fought Rex Holman at UFC 68: The Uprising where he won by TKO in the first round.

Hamill fought fellow TUF 3 alumnus Michael Bisping at UFC 75 in London, England on September 8, 2007, where he lost via split decision. The decision was considered controversial as many believed Hamill won the fight. A rematch was scheduled for UFC 78, but due to knee surgery, Hamill withdrew. A rematch since became unlikely because Bisping subsequently dropped down to the Middleweight division after losing a split decision to Rashad Evans.

Hamill next fought Tim Boetsch on April 3, 2008, whom he defeated in the second round by TKO, bringing his record to 4 wins and 1 loss. During the fight, Hamill had a badly split bottom lip due to a knee strike.

Hamill then went on to fight at UFC 88 against former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin as the co-main event. He lost the fight by TKO after a kick to the liver at 0:39 of the third round.

At UFC 92, Hamill defeated Reese Andy in the second round by TKO due to strikes.

Hamill fought former NCAA wrestling champion Mark Muñoz at UFC 96, defeating him with a right leg roundhouse kick to the head, knocking Munoz unconscious and earning him the Knockout of the Night award.

His next fight was scheduled to be Brandon Vera at UFC 102, but due to a knee injury while training, Hamill was replaced by Krzysztof Soszynski.

Hamill at the UFC 75 weigh ins before facing Michael Bisping

Coming off of knee surgery, Hamill became sick. Hamill faced off against undefeated prospect Jon Jones on December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. Jones would be disqualified for using illegal 12–6 elbows. The unified rules of mixed martial arts prohibit downward elbow strikes, and Jones was initially only penalized a point from the round. However, because Hamill could not continue due to his dislocated shoulder, he was awarded the DQ win. Consequently, the tape was reviewed and showed that Jones' elbows further damaged Hamill's already bloody and lacerated nose. This marked the first time that Nevada has used its recently enacted instant replay rule, in which the referee's decision was supported by the commission which utilized a slow motion replay to review the elbows. Hamill contested the decision, stating after the fight that he "definitely didn't win" and Jones "definitely didn't lose".

Hamill defeated Keith Jardine on June 19, 2010, at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz Finale. Hamill won this fight by majority decision. Jardine was docked a point for accidentally poking Hamill in the eye in round 2.

Hamill next fought his former The Ultimate Fighter 3 coach, Tito Ortiz on October 23, 2010, at UFC 121 which he won via unanimous decision.

Hamill was next scheduled to face undefeated Phil Davis at UFC 129. It was then announced that Thiago Silva had failed his UFC 125 post fight drug test, and Hamill was named as his replacement in his bout against former UFC light heavyweight champion and current top contender Quinton Jackson. Hamill lost the fight via a one sided unanimous decision.

At UFC 133 Hamill faced off against up and coming Swedish striker Alexander Gustafsson, replacing an injured Vladimir Matyushenko. After an uneventful first round, Gustafsson dropped Hamill in the second with a straight punch followed by an uppercut, subsequently finishing Hamill with punches and elbows from the mount.

On August 8, 2011, Matt Hamill decided to step away from the UFC and MMA, as he lost his last two fights. "Today is a sad day for me. After six years and 13 fights in the UFC I'm ready to hang up my gloves and retire from this amazing sport," he said on his official website.

Nearly a year later, however, Hamill decided to come out of retirement. Hamill was expected to face UFC newcomer Roger Hollett on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152. However, Hollett was forced out of the bout due to a contract dispute with Bellator and replaced by Vladimir Matyushenko. However, Matyushenko was forced out of the bout after suffering a torn Achilles tendon while training, and was replaced by Hollett, who had settled the issue in time. He won his return fight via unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, and 30–27).

Hamill faced Thiago Silva on October 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 29. Hamill lost the bout by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the UFC.

World Series of Fighting

In May 2014 Hamill signed a deal with World Series of Fighting. He was expected to debut for the promotion later in 2014, however due to nagging injuries, Hamill would retire for the second time in his career.

Hamill later decided to return to mixed martial arts and was scheduled to fight against Vinny Magalhães at WSOF 20 on April 10, 2015. However Magalhães was pulled from the bout after a contract dispute with Titan Fighting Championships. Hamill was expected to fight in a rematch against Thiago Silva at WSOF 19 on March 28, 2015, but was forced to withdraw from the competition after a sinus infection. Hamill eventually faced Magalhães at WSOF 24 held on October 17, 2015. He lost the fight via submission in the first round.

Independent promotions

After his stint in WSOF, Hamill began fighting for various independent promotions.

Hamill faced Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou on May 21, 2016, at Venator FC3: Palhares vs. Meek in Italy. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Hamill next faced Julian Marquez on October 14, 2016, at Combate Americas: Empire Rising. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

Following a four-fight losing streak, Hamill earned his first win in over four years when he faced fellow UFC veteran Luiz Cané at Fight 2 Night 2 on April 28, 2017, in Brazil. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

Hamill then faced Chris Birchler at Maverick MMA 6, and won by split decision.

Personal life

Hamill is divorced and has a daughter from the marriage. Hamill and his longtime girlfriend Brittany Houck were engaged to be married in May 2008.

Hamill is the subject of a 2010 movie entitled The Hammer about his early life and wrestling career. Originally set to star Eben Kostbar, it was criticized by the deaf community for featuring a non-deaf actor; however, Hamill himself supported the casting of Kostbar due to his wrestling experience and the fact that Kostbar is fluent in American Sign Language. However, Kostbar withdrew from starring, feeling it would be more appropriate for a deaf actor to take the role.

Deaf actor Russell Harvard was chosen as the final choice to voice Hamill. The movie was produced by Joseph McKelheer and Eben Kostbar and was directed by Oren Kaplan.

On January 4, 2025 it was reported that Hamill got a powerful hearing aides and is able to hear for the first time in 41 years.

Championships and Accomplishments

Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Mark Muñoz
- Fight of the Night (Two times) vs. Seth Petruzelli and Keith Jardine
- UFC.com Awards
  - 2009: Ranked #3 Knockout of the Year vs. Mark Muñoz

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
21 matches	13 wins	8 losses
By knockout	8	4
By submission	0	1
By decision	4	3
By disqualification	1	0


Res.	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Win	13–8	Chris Birchler	Decision (split)	Maverick MMA 6	April 14, 2018	3	5:00	Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
Win	12–8	Luiz Cané	KO (punches)	F2N: Fight2Night2	April 28, 2017	1	0:38	Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Loss	11–8	Julian Marquez	TKO (punches)	Combate Americas: Empire Rising	October 14, 2016	1	1:22	Verona, New York, United States
Loss	11–7	Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou	KO (punches)	Venator FC3: Palhares vs. Meek	May 21, 2016	1	0:37	Milan, Italy
Loss	11–6	Vinny Magalhães	Submission (kneebar)	WSOF 24	October 17, 2015	1	1:08	Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States	WSOF debut.
Loss	11–5	Thiago Silva	Decision (unanimous)	UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Shields	October 9, 2013	3	5:00	Barueri, São Paulo, Brazil
Win	11–4	Roger Hollett	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 152	September 22, 2012	3	5:00	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Loss	10–4	Alexander Gustafsson	TKO (punches and elbows)	UFC 133	August 6, 2011	2	3:34	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss	10–3	Quinton Jackson	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 130	May 28, 2011	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	10–2	Tito Ortiz	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 121	October 23, 2010	3	5:00	Anaheim, California, United States
Win	9–2	Keith Jardine	Decision (majority)	The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale	June 19, 2010	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States	Fight of the Night.
Win	8–2	Jon Jones	DQ (illegal elbows)	The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale	December 5, 2009	1	4:14	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	7–2	Mark Muñoz	KO (head kick)	UFC 96	March 7, 2009	1	3:53	Columbus, Ohio, United States	Knockout of the Night.
Win	6–2	Reese Andy	TKO (punches)	UFC 92	December 27, 2008	2	2:19	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss	5–2	Rich Franklin	TKO (body kick)	UFC 88	September 6, 2008	3	0:39	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win	5–1	Tim Boetsch	TKO (punches)	UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon	April 2, 2008	2	1:25	Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Loss	4–1	Michael Bisping	Decision (split)	UFC 75	September 8, 2007	3	5:00	London, England
Win	4–0	Rex Holman	TKO (punches)	UFC 68	March 3, 2007	1	4:00	Columbus, Ohio, United States
Win	3–0	Seth Petruzelli	Decision (unanimous)	Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter	October 10, 2006	3	5:00	Hollywood, Florida, United States	Fight of the Night.
Win	2–0	Jesse Forbes	TKO (punches)	The Ultimate Fighter: Team Ortiz vs. Team Shamrock Finale	June 24, 2006	1	4:47	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	1–0	Robert Hitte	TKO (punches)	XFO 7	August 27, 2005	1	1:52	Island Lake, Illinois, United States

References

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"Questionable verdict". Yahoo! Sports. September 9, 2007. Retrieved September 11, 2007. "White said the rematch is 'a no-brainer and I'm going to be on it right away.'"
"The Hamill-Bisping fallout and trust". The Baltimore Sun. September 9, 2007. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
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UFC 88 round-by-round live updates and official results Archived September 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
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"Matyushenko replaces Hollett, meets Hamill at UFC 152 in Toronto". mmajunkie.com. August 20, 2012. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013.
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"Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 29, 2010. Retrieved October 2, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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Thomas Gerbasi (December 20, 2009). "Ten Best – The Knockouts of 2009". Ultimate Fighting Championship.

External links

Categories:

Latest revision as of 23:48, 4 January 2025

Early life

Mixed martial arts career

The Ultimate Fighter

Ultimate Fighting Championship

World Series of Fighting

Independent promotions

Personal life

Championships and Accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

See also

References

External links