In the TUF3 show was there anything else that wasn't shown on TV that Hamill fans would be surprised to hear? Anything that would be new to Hamill fans about behind the scenes in the TUF3 filming.
The show didn’t show how much trouble the other fighters were giving me. I would be sitting in the hot tub and someone would be throwing beer bottles at me. I was never sure of who it was though and someone sprayed Pam all over the floor by the stairs just for a joke. Always trying to find ways to hurt me.
So, some of the fighters in the house during the TUF3 filming was taking advantage of your hearing loss?
Yes. They wanted me to quit and leave the show.
No kiddin. Now, when you say PAM you mean the cooking oil spray?
Yes
And you slipped on it?
Yes, I slipped on it.
Did you get injured?
No, luckily. Jokes can be dangerous haha...but nothing will ever make me quit.
That's good to hear. Don't let a little deafness defeat you.
I've had it all my life. It's not going to stop me now.
Of course. Now, you were born deaf, right?
Yes.
Rubella?
I don’t know what caused it... just born that way. My mother had no illnesses during her pregnancy.
Is there deafness in your family?
No, I'm the only one. A good gift.
Your family sounded very supportive of your recent TUF3 fights.
They are behind me in every decision I make 100 percent.
In our last private talk, you were talking about making a very tough decision choosing between training for Olympic 2008 wrestling or go for the UFC route. Have you made your decision?
I have chosen to take the UFC path. I feel that I am having more success with it. The Oympics has been my dream all my life but I feel like time is passing by.
So, is there a 3 year contract you were talking about?
I dont know about the contract just yet. I haven't come across anything yet.
So, no contract yet?
No, I didn't get a contract yet. I still have to prove myself.
Yes, I learned a lot from Lister and I am getting better. I spar with a lot of good fighters at Tito's camp and it really has improved my skills as a fighter.
So, how are you paying for your training? You have to make your trips from NY to CA to train at Big Bear.
I get help from friends but to be honest it has been a struggle trying to come up with travel expenses since I dont have a contract. It's not easy.
Is there an address where people can donate to help you with your expenses? Where can the fans of Matt Hamill send their money to and help you with your expenses?
Yes:
Matt Hamill PO Box 61 New York Mills NY13417 USA
By the way, I don’t have any sponsors at all, too. I am trying to cut back on living expenses so I have money to travel.
How is your family and your relationship to them after all of this?
I'm at my ex mother in law house. She is supportive of me. My relationship with my ex wife and her family is great. They consider me a part of the family.
That's great! It's important to maintain a good, healthy relationship.
Yeah.
I was looking for you on the Pay per view fight between Tito Ortiz and Shamrock. Were you at Las Vegas to watch Tito Ortiz fight Shamrock? I didn't see you. Kendall was the only familiar face over there.
No, I was on vacation in Ohio in my hometown. I watched it though at my grandmas house.
Me too, on pay per view. Great fight! What did you think of the fight?
I wasn't surprised.
Yeah, me too.
I knew it was going to be short.
Very short! 1:07. Wham! An easy win!
Yup.
Would you fight anybody now at this stage?
I will fight anyone. I have no fear. I'm not one to trash talk but what you see is what you get from me.
Yeah. Have you heard anything from Tito about Shamrock?
No, but they did have a celebration afterwards. They invited me to go but I had too much going on with family since I had been away for so long so I didnt go. They had a big Team Punishment party
I can imagine that big party. Everybody whooping it up. Ha ha!
Yes. All 3 fighters from Team Punishment went. So, it was a big celebration.
Which fighters?
Joe Stephenson, Josh and Tito.
One big question keeps coming up on some of those MMA forums. Will you fight Michael Bisping??
Yes, I will. It's just a matter of time.
What is Tito saying about the Hamill-Bisping fight?
It will be a good fight.
Ah. I think it will be a good fight. I'm sure you will beat Bisping. Just watch out for his flying knees. Awesome!
Yes, I know. I've been training in Syracuse. I'll be ready for those kicks.
Who are you training with in Syracuse, NY?
Ray Newkirk, and Ken and Dennis at Tai-Kai in Syracuse.
Ken and Dennis? Do you have their last names?
No. I am terrible with last names. I need to get on top of those. Get ready for future interviews and give them proper credit.
Yeah. Good idea.
Ken trains similar to Dean Lister. Ray is a very good all around fighter.
Dean Lister is known for his grappling skills, correct?
Yup. Look at Streetwise Fight Wear. There's a pics of me and Ray.
Ok..let me check. On that website it says - *****COMING SOON AGAIN AUTOGRAPHED T SHIRTS BY MATT HAMILL***** When will that be?
I dont know. They are processing it now. The t-shirts haven't come in yet.
So, you haven't signed the shirts yet? I see. Ok. When is your next fight?
I don't know. I am waiting for Tito to hook me up.
Any names? Potential fighters?
He will contact me when something comes up. No names yet.
Do you know where it will take place?
Las Vegas most likely or California.
How many minutes left do you have for this interview?
I can do a few more questions.
Ok. What were you like when you were younger....wrestling...how you interacted with other people....did you drink at Rock Festival at Gallaudet University...things like that...are you different now than when you were younger?
I was very focused on wrestling. I ate, breathed and lived wrestling. It was all I knew. If I went to parties I'd have a gallon of milk in my hand. And I didnt have my first alcoholic drink until 2 years ago.
So, you are still the same guy that carries around a gallon of milk?
Ha ha. Not now since I'm working as a bouncer. I enjoy a beer here and there.
Have you ever gotten drunk?
I will never be a heavy drinker though. Thats not me.
Ah....very good.
Never drunk.
I get a lot of readers looking for Matt Hamill info on my Kokonut Pundits blogsite. Especially for interviews. They really look up to you.
I really appreciate that. That's great. I appreciate all the support from fans.
You are an inspiration to the deaf/hh community.
The more help I get from donated money, the more time I can spend training and get a better chance to win a contract. Right. I'd love to see you and Mike Bisping fight.
Soon. That is what I want.
That is what everybody has been saying.
Yeah, see who the real winner is.
Yeah. YOU!!
Him and I are still both undefeated.
But Bisping had more fights than you.
I know Bisping has more experience than I do but I am a fast learner. I have good mechanics and control. I'm getting better at striking to take him down, and ground and pound. So that would be an advantage. I didn't do bad for ten months of training.. WHOOOOOOOOO!
Yes...ground and pound...meatloaf style.
Did you have a question for me?
Nope. It was good talking to you again and I appreciate all that you do for me.
Yeah, no problem. Nice talking to you Matt. Stay healthy!
)
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