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Matt Hamill
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Matt Hamill
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Matthew Hamill (born October 5, 1976) is an American former mixed martial artist and wrestler who competed in the Light Heavyweight division of the UFC.[1] 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.[2]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Hamill has been deaf since birth. He was introduced to wrestling by his stepfather[3] Michael Rich, who was the head wrestling coach at Loveland High School.[4] Hamill attended the Rochester Institute of Technology for three years transferring there after a year at Purdue University.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

The Ultimate Fighter

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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

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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.[6][7]

Hamill next fought Tim Boetsch on April 3, 2008, whom he defeated in the second round by TKO,[8] bringing his record to 4 wins and 1 loss. During the fight, Hamill had a badly split bottom lip due to a knee strike.[8]

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.[9]

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.[10]

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.[11]

Hamill at the UFC 75 weigh ins before facing Michael Bisping

Coming off of knee surgery, Hamill became sick.[12] 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.[13] However, because Hamill could not continue due to his dislocated shoulder, he was awarded the DQ win.[14] Consequently, the tape was reviewed and showed that Jones' elbows further damaged Hamill's already bloody and lacerated nose.[13][15] 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.[16] Hamill contested the decision, stating after the fight that he "definitely didn't win" and Jones "definitely didn't lose".[17]

Hamill defeated Keith Jardine on June 19, 2010, at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz Finale.[18] 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.[19]

Hamill was next scheduled to face undefeated Phil Davis at UFC 129.[20] 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.[21] 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.[22] 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.[23]

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.[24] However, Hollett was forced out of the bout due to a contract dispute with Bellator and replaced by Vladimir Matyushenko.[25] 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.[26] He won his return fight via unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, and 30–27).[27]

Hamill faced Thiago Silva on October 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 29.[28] Hamill lost the bout by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the UFC.[29]

World Series of Fighting

[edit]

In May 2014 Hamill signed a deal with World Series of Fighting.[30] 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.[31]

Hamill later decided to return to mixed martial arts and was scheduled to fight against Vinny Magalhães at WSOF 20 on April 10, 2015.[32] However Magalhães was pulled from the bout after a contract dispute with Titan Fighting Championships.[33] Hamill was expected to fight in a rematch against Thiago Silva at WSOF 19 on March 28, 2015,[34] but was forced to withdraw from the competition after a sinus infection.[35] Hamill eventually faced Magalhães at WSOF 24 held on October 17, 2015. He lost the fight via submission in the first round.

Independent promotions

[edit]

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.[36] 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 on April 14, 2018, and won by split decision. This would mark his last professional fight to date.

Other media

[edit]

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.[37][38] However, Kostbar withdrew from starring,[39] feeling it would be more appropriate for a deaf actor to take the role,[40] which was finally given to deaf actor Russell Harvard.[41] The movie was produced by Joseph McKelheer and Eben Kostbar, and was directed by Oren Kaplan.[42]

Personal life

[edit]

Hamill has a daughter from his first marriage.[43]

On January 4, 2025 it was reported that Hamill got powerful hearing aids and is able to hear for the first time in 41 years.[44]

Championships and Accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
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

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Matt Hamill

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Matt Hamill (born October 5, 1976) is an American retired mixed martial artist and accomplished wrestler, renowned as the first profoundly deaf fighter to compete in the (UFC). Despite being born completely deaf in , he overcame significant challenges to become a three-time national wrestling champion at the (RIT) in 1997, 1998, and 1999, earning Outstanding Wrestler honors in the latter two years across different weight classes (167 lb, 190 lb, and 197 lb). Hamill also excelled internationally, winning two gold medals in Greco-Roman and at the 1997 in Copenhagen and a silver in Greco-Roman plus another freestyle gold at the 2001 in Rome. Transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2005, Hamill made his professional debut on August 27 of that year and entered the UFC spotlight through The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 in 2005, followed by his Octagon debut on June 24, 2006. Competing primarily in the light heavyweight division, he compiled an overall professional record of 13-8, with a UFC mark of 10-5, highlighted by knockout victories over notable opponents such as Tito Ortiz, Keith Jardine, and Mark Munoz. His most famous bout came on December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale, where he defeated undefeated prospect Jon Jones by disqualification for illegal elbows—the only official loss on Jones' record—despite being dominated on the ground and having his shoulder dislocated. Hamill faced setbacks, including a controversial split-decision loss to Michael Bisping in 2007 and a stoppage defeat to Alexander Gustafsson in 2011, which prompted his initial retirement announcement at age 34. He briefly returned in 2012 for a unanimous decision win over Roger Hollett, followed by additional bouts outside the UFC—including a loss to Thiago Silva in 2013, losses to Rameau Sokoudjou and Julian Marquez in 2016, and wins over Luiz Cane in 2017 and Chris Birchler in 2018—before his final retirement. Post-retirement, Hamill has become a prominent and advocate for the deaf community, inspiring audiences with his story of resilience. In January 2025, at age 48, he received advanced digital hearing aids, allowing him to hear for the first time in his life. He co-authored the Silent Fight with Allen Brown, released on June 17, 2025, detailing his journey from and doubt to athletic triumph. Hamill's legacy extends to his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's in 2013, recognizing his perseverance as a deaf in mainstream sports.

Early Life

Family and Childhood

Matt Hamill was born on October 5, 1976, in , profoundly deaf since birth, a condition discovered when he was eight months old. His biological parents, Alex Hamill, a former collegiate weightlifter, and , separated shortly after his birth, leaving Matt to grow up primarily under his mother's care. Janet soon married , who became Matt's stepfather and a key influence, fostering a close bond that provided stability amid the family's early disruptions. From a young age, Hamill displayed an energetic and physical personality, often engaging in roughhousing with his brothers, which his family encouraged as an outlet for his vitality. At four years old, during break, Mike —head wrestling coach at Loveland High School—introduced him to the sport by bringing him to practices, sparking an early fascination that honed his observational skills despite his . Supported by his mother, grandfather, and stepfather, Hamill learned to lip-read and speak, building foundational communication abilities within a nurturing home environment. As the only deaf child in his family and Loveland community, Hamill endured persistent and , which intensified his internal struggles. He faced physical torment, such as being tackled during or having makeshift hearing aids yanked from his ears, alongside verbal ridicule mocking his speech and , leading to feelings of misunderstanding and exclusion. These adversities cultivated a quiet determination and resilient physicality, with Hamill harboring a "chip on his shoulder" from communication barriers, as noted by his stepfather, who observed his underlying rage and ability to channel it constructively through family-guided encouragement.

Education

Matt Hamill attended Loveland High School in , where he balanced his academic studies with growing interests in athletics, particularly wrestling introduced by his stepfather, the school's head wrestling coach. Following high school graduation, Hamill enrolled at on a full wrestling as a but faced significant challenges as a deaf student due to the institution's limited resources and support for hearing impairments, including a lack of interpreters and accommodations for communication. After one year, he transferred to the (RIT) in 1996, seeking a more accessible environment through its National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). At RIT, Hamill majored in electro-mechanical technology and graduated in 1999, integrating his coursework with athletic pursuits in a setting designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The institution's robust support systems, including (ASL) instruction and interpreters, played a crucial role in his academic success and personal growth; previously reliant on lip-reading and oral communication, Hamill adapted to ASL for the first time, which enhanced his independence and integration into the deaf community. This environment not only addressed prior barriers but also allowed him to thrive academically while developing his athletic discipline.

Wrestling Career

High School Beginnings

Matt Hamill began his competitive wrestling at Loveland High School in , under the guidance of his stepfather, Michael Rich, who served as the head wrestling coach there. Introduced to the sport earlier in life through family influences, Hamill joined the as a and quickly adapted to the demands of high school competition. His initial training emphasized physical conditioning and technique drills, with Rich incorporating rigorous daily practices that included live wrestling sessions and strength exercises tailored to build endurance and power. Hamill's first varsity matches showcased his raw athleticism, as he secured early victories through aggressive takedowns and pins, establishing himself as a promising contender despite his youth. Throughout his high school tenure, Hamill achieved notable success, setting school records in eight categories, including career victories, which highlighted his dominance on the mats. He qualified for the (OHSAA) state tournament, placing fourth in the division during his junior year in 1994, a feat that marked Loveland's first state placer in the program's history. These accomplishments built his reputation as an exceptionally strong wrestler, undeterred by his profound , with opponents and coaches noting his relentless drive and physical prowess in regional and district competitions. Hamill faced significant communication challenges during team practices due to his deafness, relying primarily on visual cues, written notes, and hands-on demonstrations from coaches rather than verbal instructions. Rich adapted training methods to include mirror drills and partner signaling, allowing Hamill to internalize techniques through observation and repetition, which ultimately honed his intuitive feel for the sport. This approach not only mitigated barriers but also fostered Hamill's resilience, turning potential obstacles into strengths that enhanced his focus during matches. Hamill graduated from Loveland High School in 1995, having solidified his commitment to wrestling as a pathway for higher education and athletic advancement. Eager to continue competing at a collegiate level, he accepted a wrestling to , setting the stage for further development in the sport.

College and NCAA Success

After spending one year at on a wrestling , Matt Hamill transferred to the (RIT) to pursue a degree through the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), which provided specialized support for his profound . At RIT, competing in as a initially but moving up in weight classes, Hamill made an immediate impact on the Tigers' wrestling program, compiling a remarkable 89-3 record over three seasons and becoming a cornerstone of the team. His training incorporated adaptations for his , relying on visual cues from coaches, such as hand signals and demonstrations, along with heightened focus on physical vibrations and opponent movements to compensate for the inability to hear instructions or crowd noise during matches. Hamill dominated the NCAA Division III Championships, securing three consecutive individual national titles in different weight classes: 167 pounds in 1997, 190 pounds in , and 197 pounds in 1999. In the 1997 final, he defeated his opponent by pin in the third period, marking his first national victory; he followed with a 12-5 decision win in the 1998 final and a 7-3 decision in 1999, remaining undefeated in his senior year. These triumphs earned him three-time All-American honors and Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament accolades in both and 1999, while his pinning prowess set RIT records with 19 pins in a single season and 47 for his career, showcasing his technical superiority and aggressive style. As the first deaf wrestler to win an NCAA national title, Hamill's achievements broke barriers in collegiate , inspiring greater inclusion for athletes with disabilities and highlighting the potential of adaptive training in competitive environments. His success elevated RIT's wrestling program, contributing to its status as a Division III powerhouse during his tenure and earning him induction into the RIT Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.

Deaflympics Participation

Matt Hamill first represented the United States at the 1997 Summer Deaflympics in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he competed in the 85-97 kg weight class and secured gold medals in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. He was also named a finalist for Sportsman of the Year at these games. Hamill returned to the Deaflympics in 2001 in Rome, Italy, again in the 85-97 kg category, earning a gold medal in freestyle wrestling and a silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling. These achievements marked his total haul of three gold medals and one silver across the two events. As a profoundly deaf , Hamill faced significant communication barriers in wrestling, relying heavily on visual demonstrations to learn techniques rather than verbal instructions. In international settings like the , these challenges were compounded by interactions with competitors from diverse countries, where differing sign languages and cultural communication styles required adaptation through interpreters and non-verbal cues. Travel logistics for such global competitions added further hurdles, including navigating unfamiliar environments without auditory cues for announcements or directions. Hamill's Deaflympics successes, coming shortly after his NCAA triumphs, served as a critical bridge in his amateur wrestling career, providing high-level international exposure that honed his skills and resilience before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2004. These victories significantly bolstered his self-assurance, demonstrating his competitive edge on a worldwide stage and inspiring his pursuit of professional combat sports.

Mixed Martial Arts Career

The Ultimate Fighter

In 2005, Matt Hamill was selected to compete on Season 3 of , a series that served as his introduction to professional , despite having no prior experience in the sport and relying primarily on his wrestling pedigree. His actual professional debut occurred earlier that year on August 27, 2005, when he defeated Robert Hitte by first-round TKO via punches at XFO 7 - Outdoor War. The season, which aired in 2006, featured light heavyweights and middleweights training under coaches and , with Hamill joining Team Ortiz. Hamill advanced in the tournament by winning his preliminary bout against Mike Nickels via (20-18 on all scorecards) after two rounds, where he effectively utilized wrestling takedowns and top control to dominate the fight, preventing Nickels from mounting significant offense. However, shortly after the victory, Hamill suffered a that forced his withdrawal from the semifinals, where he was slated to face Ross Pointon; he was replaced by Jesse Forbes in the bracket. The underscored the transition challenges from wrestling to MMA, particularly the need to adapt to striking exchanges, as Hamill later reflected on the importance of developing stand-up skills to complement his during training on the show. Although Hamill did not reach the finals, his performance and resilience on the series garnered substantial visibility within the MMA community, directly resulting in a multi-fight contract with the upon the season's conclusion. This exposure marked the beginning of his professional MMA career in the .

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Hamill made his official UFC debut prior to the conclusion of , defeating Jesse Forbes by first-round TKO via punches at Finale on June 24, 2006. He followed this with a unanimous decision victory over at UFC Fight Night: Ortiz vs. 3 on October 10, 2006. His next bout came at on March 3, 2007, where he secured a first-round TKO win over via strikes, marking an early highlight in his light heavyweight run. Hamill then suffered a controversial split-decision loss to at on September 8, 2007. Hamill's UFC career gained momentum with a second-round TKO against Tim Boetsch at UFC Fight Night 13 on April 2, 2008. However, a third-round TKO loss to Rich Franklin at on September 6, 2008, via body kick temporarily stalled his progress. He rebounded with a second-round TKO victory over Reese Andy at on December 27, 2008. In 2009, Hamill secured a first-round of Mark Muñoz via head kick at on March 7, 2009, showcasing his striking power and earning Knockout of the Night. Later that year, on December 5, 2009, at 10 Finale, he faced rising prospect in a bout that ended controversially; Jones was disqualified in the first round for using illegal downward elbows (12-6 elbows), awarding Hamill the victory despite being dominated prior to the stoppage. This DQ loss remains Jones's only official defeat in the UFC and is often viewed by fans and analysts as a moral victory for Hamill due to the circumstances. Hamill then outpointed via majority decision at 11 Finale on June 19, 2010. On October 23, 2010, at , Hamill defeated his former TUF coach by , solidifying his reputation against high-profile opponents. Hamill's final significant UFC stretch included a loss to Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at on May 28, 2011, where he absorbed heavy punishment but showed resilience over three rounds. He then suffered a second-round TKO defeat to at on August 6, 2011, via punches and elbows, prompting a brief announcement. Returning for UFC 152 on September 22, 2012, he won a over Roger Hollett. His UFC tenure concluded with a loss to at UFC Fight Night 29 on October 9, 2013. Over 15 UFC bouts from 2006 to , Hamill compiled a record of 10-5, with five knockouts/tkos, one submission, and four decisions in victory. Known for his wrestling base and durability despite being deaf, he was released from the UFC roster later in following the Silva defeat.

Later MMA Bouts and Retirement

After departing from the UFC in late , Matt Hamill signed a multi-fight with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) in May 2014, aiming to continue his career in the light division. However, persistent knee and other injuries forced multiple delays to his debut, including withdrawals from scheduled bouts at WSOF 11 and WSOF 19, leading to a brief second retirement announcement in July 2014 before he ultimately decided to return. Hamill finally made his WSOF debut on October 17, 2015, at WSOF 24 in , facing specialist in the co-main event. Despite his strong wrestling background, Hamill was submitted via kneebar just 1:08 into the first round, marking a quick and decisive loss in his attempted comeback. This bout highlighted the challenges of his return after nearly two years away, as Magalhães capitalized on Hamill's vulnerability to submissions on the ground. From 2016 to 2018, Hamill took on bouts in various independent and regional promotions, compiling a post-UFC record of 2-3 as his career wound down amid ongoing physical wear. Early in this phase, he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou via punches at Venator FC 3 in May 2016 in Milan, Italy, underscoring striking deficiencies against aggressive opponents. Later that October, at Combate Americas: Empire Rising in Fresno, California, Hamill was stopped by TKO (punches) in the opening round by Julian Marquez, further illustrating the toll of age and inactivity on his durability. Hamill rebounded with a highlight-reel victory over fellow UFC veteran Luiz Cane at Fight 2 Night 2 in April 2017 in , , landing devastating punches just 38 seconds into the first round to end a three-fight skid. His professional swan song came on April 14, 2018, at Maverick MMA 6 in , where he outwrestled and outpointed Chris Birchler over three rounds to earn a hard-fought win, improving his late-career momentum. At 41 years old, Hamill did not pursue further competition after this bout, effectively retiring from MMA with a career hampered by chronic injuries that had plagued him since his early days in the sport.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Matt Hamill was previously married and has a daughter from that relationship, who significantly influenced his decision to extend his MMA career despite considering retirement after a loss at UFC 130 in 2011. Hamill remarried in 2008 and welcomed additional children, resulting in a family of three kids whom he raised alongside the demands of his athletic pursuits. The rigors of frequent travel for training and competitions presented parenting challenges, requiring him to balance absences with quality time at home, while his family offered unwavering encouragement during career peaks and the physical toll of post-fight recoveries. As of 2025, Hamill and his family maintain a stable home life in New York, where he owns property near Cranberry Lake in the Adirondacks, fostering a serene environment focused on family bonding after his 2018 retirement. Recent developments in hearing technology have further strengthened these dynamics by enabling him to hear his loved ones' voices for the first time.

Health Developments

Matt Hamill was born profoundly deaf, a condition that has defined much of his personal and professional life. From an early age, he explored options for auditory assistance, including discussions about cochlear implants during his youth, though he ultimately declined the procedure due to concerns over surgery. Throughout his career, Hamill relied on visual and vibrational cues to navigate environments where sound played a role, adapting to a world primarily through non-auditory means. In daily life, Hamill has employed as his primary mode of communication, supplemented by lip-reading skills honed over decades to interact effectively with hearing individuals. These adaptations allowed him to manage conversations, instructions, and social interactions without auditory input, fostering resilience amid ongoing challenges. On January 4, 2025, at the age of 48, Hamill received advanced digital hearing aids, marking the first time he could perceive sound after 48 years of profound . The devices, described as the most powerful available, enabled him to hear everyday noises such as footsteps and, most profoundly, the voices of his family members, evoking overwhelming emotion as he described the experience as "like a dream." After receiving the hearing aids, Hamill has undergone ongoing adjustments, including professional fittings and consultations with audiologists to optimize performance and address from newfound sounds. These medical follow-ups, conducted in early 2025, have supported his gradual acclimation to auditory input while monitoring for any health-related adaptations.

Post-Retirement Activities

Advocacy and Speaking

Following his retirement from in 2018, Matt Hamill transitioned into a prominent role as a , engaging audiences at schools, Deaf Expos, and corporate events across the . His presentations draw on his experiences as a deaf to motivate listeners, particularly young people facing similar challenges. Hamill's key themes center on overcoming , building resilience among disabled youth, and sharing personal stories of navigating life from profound to partial hearing restoration. He recounts early encounters with physical and due to his , such as having his hearing aids removed by peers, and how channeling that adversity into athletic success transformed his life and silenced detractors. These narratives emphasize that disabilities do not define potential, but rather one's response to obstacles does, encouraging audiences to embrace their unique strengths. In his talks, he briefly references his recent ability to hear his family's voices for the first time through advanced digital hearing aids as a of ongoing personal triumph. As of 2025, Hamill actively participates in Deaf Awareness Day events and nationwide tours, including hosting The Hammer Deaf Expo to promote community empowerment. He collaborates with organizations like DEAF Inc. and DeafNation to amplify advocacy efforts for the deaf and disabled. Through these seminars and initiatives, Hamill has inspired thousands, fostering greater awareness and support for individuals with disabilities.

Media Appearances

In 2010, a titled The Hammer was released, chronicling Matt Hamill's early life as a deaf and his rise to becoming the first deaf wrestler to win a ( championship. Directed by Oren Kaplan and starring in the lead role, the portrays Hamill's struggles with bullying, family dynamics, and determination in wrestling, drawing from his real experiences growing up in . Production involved collaboration with Hamill himself for authenticity, and it premiered at festivals before a wider release, emphasizing themes of perseverance for deaf individuals in sports. The movie received positive reception for its inspirational narrative, earning a 77% approval rating on from critics who praised its heartfelt depiction of overcoming disability barriers. In 2025, Hamill co-authored the memoir Silent Fight with Allen and AJ Hiller, providing a comprehensive account of his life's journey from childhood and wrestling triumphs to his and recent hearing restoration through advanced aids. Released on June 17, 2025, by an independent press, the 232-page details personal challenges, including family influences and professional setbacks, while highlighting his 2025 milestone of hearing his daughter's voice for the first time at age 48. The book aims to inspire readers by revealing untold stories behind Hamill's public persona, with pre-orders promoted directly through his official website to support deaf community initiatives. Following his hearing regain in early 2025, Hamill participated in several interviews and media features that captured the emotional impact of this development, including a detailed discussion with where he described the profound experience of auditory perception after 48 years of . These appearances, shared via platforms like and , included video segments where Hamill reacted to sounds such as his children's voices, amplifying public interest in adaptive technologies for the deaf. While no major standalone documentaries emerged in 2025, shorter features and spots, such as on MMA-related shows, incorporated his story to explore resilience in combat sports. Through these media projects, Hamill has significantly contributed to raising awareness for deaf athletes, showcasing how visual and narrative storytelling can challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in . The film and , in particular, have served as educational tools, reaching audiences beyond MMA fans to highlight the capabilities of individuals with hearing impairments.

Achievements and Records

Championships and Accomplishments

In his collegiate wrestling career at , Matt Hamill secured three national championships, competing in the 167-pound class in 1997, the 190-pound class in 1998, and the 197-pound class in 1999. He was recognized as a three-time All-American and earned the Outstanding Wrestler of the Year award for Division III in both 1998 and 1999. In 2013, Hamill was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, receiving the for his perseverance as a deaf . Hamill also achieved success at the . At the 1997 Deaflympics in , he won gold medals in both Greco-Roman and in the 85-97 kg category. At the 2001 Deaflympics in , , Hamill won a in the event in the 85-97 kg category and a in Greco-Roman wrestling in the same weight class. These achievements highlighted his international success as a deaf competitor on a global stage. Although Hamill did not capture any formal MMA world titles during his professional career, he established himself as a prominent UFC , compiling an overall professional record of 13-8 with notable victories including a over , a member of the , at in 2010. Another key accomplishment was his disqualification win over at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale in 2009, marking the only blemish on Jones's otherwise undefeated record at that time. Over 15 UFC bouts from 2006 to 2013, Hamill went 10-5, demonstrating resilience and skill before retiring as a of the promotion. Hamill's trailblazing role as the first deaf fighter in UFC history earned him widespread recognition for overcoming barriers in , including being named the 1998 National Deaf by the Deaf Athletics organization.

Mixed Martial Arts Record

Matt Hamill compiled a professional record of 13 wins and 8 losses across 21 bouts, spanning from August 2005 to April 2018. In the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he recorded 10 wins and 5 losses in 15 appearances. His performances outside the UFC included 3 wins and 3 losses in other promotions, with a 0-1 mark in the World Series of Fighting. The following table details his complete professional fight record:
DateOpponentEventResultMethodRoundTimeNotes
April 14, 2018Chris BirchlerMaverick MMA 6 - Birchler vs. HamillWinDecision (Split)35:00
April 28, 2017Luiz CaneF2N - Fight 2 Night 2WinKO (Punches)10:38
October 14, 2016Combate Americas - Empire RisingLossTKO (Punches)11:22
May 21, 2016Rameau Thierry Venator FC 3 - Palhares vs. MeekLossKO (Punches)10:37
October 17, 2015Vinny MagalhaesWSOF 24 - Fitch vs. OkamiLossSubmission (Kneebar)11:08
October 9, 2013UFC Fight Night 29 - vs. ShieldsLossDecision (Unanimous)35:00
September 22, 2012Roger HollettUFC 152 - Jones vs. BelfortWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00
August 6, 2011 - Evans vs. 2LossTKO (Punches and Elbows)23:41
May 28, 2011LossDecision (Unanimous)35:00
October 23, 2010WinDecision (Unanimous)35:00
June 19, 2010UFC - 11 FinaleWinDecision (Majority)35:00
December 5, 2009UFC - 10 FinaleWinDisqualification14:14Illegal elbows
March 7, 2009Mark Munoz - Jackson vs. JardineWinKO (Head Kick)13:53
December 27, 2008Reese AndyWinTKO (Punches)22:19
September 6, 2008LossTKO (Kick to the Body)30:39
April 2, 2008UFC Fight Night 13 - Florian vs. LauzonWinTKO (Punches)21:25
September 8, 2007LossDecision (Split)35:00
March 3, 2007Rex Holman - UprisingWinTKO (Punches)14:00
October 10, 2006UFC: The Final Chapter - vs. Shamrock 3: The Final ChapterWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00
June 24, 2006Jesse ForbesUFC - FinaleWinTKO (Punches)14:47
August 27, 2005Robert HitteXFO 7 - Outdoor WarWinTKO (Punches)11:52

References

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