After 41 years, deaf UFC star who beat Jon Jones says he can finally hear in emotional post
Former UFC light heavyweight Matt Hamill can finally hear after 41 years of being deaf. As a fighter Hamill relied heavily on visual cues and physical sensations, often reading the lips of his corner. Hamill fought Jones in December 2009 on the TUF finaleGetty He is a big advocate for the deaf community and even had a movie, ‘The Hammer’, retelling his life as the first deaf wrestler to win a National Collegiate Wrestling Championship. The only man to beat Jon Jones revealed on social media that he was able to hear his children’s voices for the first time after receiving high powered hearing aids. Hamill, who is 48, said on Instagram: “I just got the most powerful digital hearing aids ever made. For the first time in 41 years, I can finally hear my kids’ voices, the sounds of people walking and laughing. “I finally heard my mom’s voice and she cried. I’m looking forward to hearing my brother Pat’s voice too. I only hope he doesn’t have a voice like a foghorn. “This is awesome although I know it will take time to adapt to all of this. Happy New Year!” The three time NCAA III national champion made his UFC debut in June 2006 against Jesse Forbes and unfortunately lost via TKO in round one. Hamill went on to have three consecutive losses but surprisingly broke his streak against eventual UFC champion Michael Bisping via split decision in September 2007. Two years later he faced off against the eventual two division title holder and reigning heavyweight champion Jones. ‘Bones’ did well early in round one and eventually took the fight to the ground. With under a minute left referee Steve Mazzagatti halted the action, deeming Jones to have landed too many 12 to six elbows which were illegal in the fight promotion until November 2024. Hamill is the only blip on Jon Jones’ iconic MMA recordGetty View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matt Hamill (@hammerhamill) Speaking on the rule change prior to his fight with Stipe Miocic, Jones said: “It just makes me wish that disqualification was overturned. “That’s the biggest feeling that I have once I learned that the rule is no more. On the other hand, I accept the move more than ever now, and I’ve been training extensively on different 12-6 elbow attacks. “It’s funny because it’s been such a big no-no move, and so you train yourself not to go there. Now, to be able to use that strike – I mean, it’s a very devastating strike. It just opens up so many more options, both on the feet and in the top position.” As Hamill was unable to continue, Jones was disqualified and handed his first and only career loss. The victor went on to fight other notable fighters such as Tito Ortiz, Alexander Gustafsson and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. He had his retirement fight against Roger Hollett which he won via unanimous decision in September 2012.
Former UFC light heavyweight Matt Hamill can finally hear after 41 years of being deaf.
As a fighter Hamill relied heavily on visual cues and physical sensations, often reading the lips of his corner.
He is a big advocate for the deaf community and even had a movie, ‘The Hammer’, retelling his life as the first deaf wrestler to win a National Collegiate Wrestling Championship.
The only man to beat Jon Jones revealed on social media that he was able to hear his children’s voices for the first time after receiving high powered hearing aids.
Hamill, who is 48, said on Instagram: “I just got the most powerful digital hearing aids ever made. For the first time in 41 years, I can finally hear my kids’ voices, the sounds of people walking and laughing.
“I finally heard my mom’s voice and she cried. I’m looking forward to hearing my brother Pat’s voice too. I only hope he doesn’t have a voice like a foghorn.
“This is awesome although I know it will take time to adapt to all of this. Happy New Year!”
The three time NCAA III national champion made his UFC debut in June 2006 against Jesse Forbes and unfortunately lost via TKO in round one.
Hamill went on to have three consecutive losses but surprisingly broke his streak against eventual UFC champion Michael Bisping via split decision in September 2007.
Two years later he faced off against the eventual two division title holder and reigning heavyweight champion Jones.
‘Bones’ did well early in round one and eventually took the fight to the ground.
With under a minute left referee Steve Mazzagatti halted the action, deeming Jones to have landed too many 12 to six elbows which were illegal in the fight promotion until November 2024.
Speaking on the rule change prior to his fight with Stipe Miocic, Jones said: “It just makes me wish that disqualification was overturned.
“That’s the biggest feeling that I have once I learned that the rule is no more. On the other hand, I accept the move more than ever now, and I’ve been training extensively on different 12-6 elbow attacks.
“It’s funny because it’s been such a big no-no move, and so you train yourself not to go there. Now, to be able to use that strike – I mean, it’s a very devastating strike. It just opens up so many more options, both on the feet and in the top position.”
As Hamill was unable to continue, Jones was disqualified and handed his first and only career loss.
The victor went on to fight other notable fighters such as Tito Ortiz, Alexander Gustafsson and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson.
He had his retirement fight against Roger Hollett which he won via unanimous decision in September 2012.
