Update 05/09/08
It has recently come to my attention that there is a bit of controversy surrounding the movie "Hamill" which is based on my life story. Apparently there are some members of the deaf community who feel strongly that a deaf actor should play the role of me. Two casting calls, one at Gallaudet and one at my alma matter RIT, have been canceled in protest. I want everyone to know, I respect the fact that we all want to celebrate deaf culture. I celebrate deaf culture as much as anyone. However, it was my choice to have Eben Kostbar play me. Eben, along with Joe McKelheer, are the reason this project even exists. They are the ones who wrote it, they are the ones who put everything on the back burner to make this project a reality. My management team has put together a contract that gives me complete control over the final product. It's important to me that my story be told in a manner that I want it to be told. Eben has gone above and beyond preparing for this role. He is already fluent in ASL and actually better than most of the professional interpreters that I work with. He has dedicated himself to this in a way that has inspired me. He has spent a lot of time with me, my family and friends and knows me better than any deaf actor I know of. This is why I stand firm on my decision to have Eben play me. I insisted all other parts be played by deaf actors and I promise this film will make the deaf community proud. It's unfortunate that there is always a small portion of the deaf community that feels the need to protest the most trivial things in life. A few months ago, I was bombed by this same portion of the deaf community for not using sign language in one of my interviews. Fact is, I use sign language in every single interview, and was using it in that interview. The camera was zoomed in on my face and you couldn't see my hands. These things happen. I want to say thank you to all of you who continue to support me in my career and the amazing opportunities that have come from it. The movie is about my life and I believe I have earned the respect to decide how I want it told. Eben Kostbar will be playing the role of me and I am certain he will be fantastic. The decision has been made and is final. I hope we can put this issue to rest. I believe there are a lot more important issues in the world.
Quality Time Productions
Eben Kostbar
Update 05/07/08
Spent yesterday in Albany NY talking to Legislators, Senators and state officials about legalizing MMA in New York state. As a resident of Utica NY, I am very passionate about the possibility of bringing MMA to New York. It was very special for me to fight in my home state of Ohio and I'm sure fighting in my new home state of New York will be just as special. I was joined by Matt Serra, Duff Holmes, Marc Ratner and several other top UFC executives. Everyone we met with was very receptive to the idea and we received tons of positive feedback. It was an honor to represent our sport and the UFC in the Empire State. Special thanks to Senator Joe Griffo who has really stepped up to help make this happen.
Online news articles as follows:
Western New York Times
Times Union article by Mark McGuire
CBS 6 - Albany
Update 05/01/08
Hello Loveland! I will be in town on May 9 and 10 to help raise money for Loveland athletics. Loveland is the heart of my blood. My grandfather taught me to never forget where you come from and I'm proud to come from Loveland. The support the Loveland community has shown me over the years has been amazing. It means so much to me to be able to give something back to the community that has given so much to me.
Click on photo for PDF file
Update 04/22/08
Spent the weekend in Montreal at UFC 83. Wow! What an event. The fights were amazing and the Canadian fans were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Thanks to TufNutz Sports and Premier Fighter for throwing an awesome pre-fight party. Montreal is a beautiful city. The fans were some of the wildest ever. Everyone was having a great time. Check out the pic of the well dressed fan below... The picture says it all.
Update 04/05/08
By Matt Hamill
"I would like to thank everyone for their support. I had a great time in Colorado and was pleased to see all the Hamill fans in attendance. It seems like there are more and more at every fight. Tim Boetsch is a tough guy and he gave me a heck of a fight. Tim is my toughest test to date and I'm sure he will do well in the UFC. I wish him all the best in the future. I'm taking a couple weeks off to relax but I can't wait to get back in the gym and train. I'm looking forward to see what the UFC has in store for me next."
Update 04/04/08
By Duff Holmes
"What a fight! You can't teach toughness and Matt is as tough as you get. Matt has more heart than anyone and he proves it every time he fights. His skills get better everyday and he will be a factor in the UFC LHW division for a long time to come. Matt handles himself with such class, it makes me proud to be a part of his team. Tim Boetsch brought an arsenal of skills and we are all very impressed with him. Tim is a very talented fighter and I expect big things to come from him in the future. Tim and his camp (Wade, Drew and Marcus Davis) showed true class by stopping by our after party. It's great for our sport to see two tough guys have a brawl like that and be able to hang out after."
Update 3/28/08
UFC Martial Artist Matt "The Hammer" Hamill is pleased to announce his
Endorsement of Premier Fighter Apparel and Premier Fighter's Sponsorship of
Matt Hamill.
UTICA, NY - March 28, 2008 -- UFC Mixed Martial Artist Matt Hamill (5-1-0)
is proud to announce a multi-fight endorsement of Premier Fighter, the
Premier Choice in MMA Attire, and the addition of Premier Fighter as a
sponsor of Matt Hamill. Matt Hamill, wearing Premier Fighter Attire , will
face rival wrestler Tim Boetsch (7-1-0) at UFC Fight Night 13 (UFN 13) being
held April 2, 2008 at the Broomfield Event Center in Broomfield, Colorado,
live on Spike TV. "Premier Fighter brings a quality product, tested by
research on other fighters, comfortable for training, and fashionable to
wear to the fight arena," said Hamill, "I look forward to a successful,
mutually beneficial relationship with Premier Fighter."
Duff Holmes, COO of TufNutz Sports Management, who negotiated the
endorsement and sponsorship of Premier Fighter, and represents Matt Hamill's
management firm stated, "Premier Fighter comes with a top notch reputation
as a sponsor that cares about their athletes. We are looking forward to a
relationship that advances Premier Fighter and Matt in the Mixed Martial
Arts field." Matt Anselmo, President of Premier Fighter added, "Matt Hamill
is a true talent in the sport of MMA and we are very proud that we have
added one of the best to the Premier Fighter Team"