It was nearly a year ago that Matt Hamill announced his retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts after back-to-back losses against Quinton Jackson and Alexander Gustafsson. It would seem that it’s been long enough for the Deaflympics gold medalist, who is now slated to return to the octagon at UFC 152 in Toronto, Ontario. The Ohio native welcomes Roger Hollet to the promotion in his return bout to the UFC light heavyweight division.
Hamill (10-4) has a long storied career with the UFC, competing in the third season of The Ultimate Fighter, going undefeated in the promotion until losing a controversial split decision to Michael Bisping. “The Hammer’s” UFC tenure has seen him collect wins over the likes of Mark Munoz, Tim Boetsch, Tito Ortiz, and Keith Jardine. A disqualification win over Jon Jones also sees the TUF veteran as the only man to hold a victory over the current champion, albeit few consider it a win.
Hollet (13-3) comes into the promotion on the strength of five consecutive victories. The Haligonian most recently competed in the Bellator cage, defeating John Hawk via split decision in November of last year. “The Hulk” now looks to spoil the UFC veteran’s return in his octagon debut.
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Can’t say I was expecting this.
I never seen this coming, but I’m happy to see him back. It’s unfortunate that he has to fight a Canadian, but better that than no one. Too bad this fight wasn’t at UFC 154.
Never thought I’d see two Nova Scotians on the same card… or in the UFC. Hollet has some nasty knockout power, hopefully he can land something vicious. TJ Grant’s been looking good since dropping weight.
Wouldn’t it be great to see a couple boys from the east coast bring home some W’s.
It would be great, let’s hope Hollett can put fairview on the map. Maybe get a UFC event in Halifax.
I hope he is motivated. He looked like he was just going through the motions against Rampage and Gufstasson. People knock him for not being dynamic, but I am always so impressed with his chin, will and strength – not to mention how inspiring it it to see someone alone in the cage without being able to hear his coaches. He doesn’t have the speed or skill to complete with the upper tier at LHW, but his resume is ridiculous with wins over Munoz, Boetsch, Tito, Jardine and let’s trade Bisping on this lost for Jones.
@KEVSMITT, you know I’m still burned about the Bisping decision…frankly, it will be good to see Hamill back. That being said, I’m wondering if perhaps he give 185 an earnest shot. Just saying…
That would be very interesting. I think he could make it. I’ve seen him since he retired and he didn’t swell up. He has a meaty frame, but if he were able to lean down a bit more, his strength would give him a huge advantage at 185.