An amazing story

The man standing next to me in the above picture is Matt 'The Hammer" Hammill. He is a well known fighter in the UFC. He like my daughter was born deaf. He has led an incredible life and is an inspiration to many. He is very active in the deaf community, this picture was taken at a deafnation expo in Atlanta.

Although born deaf, he excelled at wrestling at a very young age. He has won 3 Division III tournaments putting him in the division III hall of fame. I freestyle wrestled for almost eight years so I can relate to the desire to succeed in such a physically demanding sport.

Last night he fought Mark Munoz an undefeated fighter, who made his first appearance in the UFC. Whenever I see Matt Hammill on the card I am always rooting for him. The fight was held in Columbus Ohio, and Matt being born in Ohio played "Hang on Sloopy" as his entrance music. That is a big deal to all Ohio Buckeyes and the rest of the state, because that song is played at sporting events statewide to motivate the crowd and players. Once that song came on the whole crowd stood to their feet singing and welcoming Matt into the octagon.

Matt used a powerful leg kick to Munoz' head knocking him out in the fourth minute of the first round. I have always wanted to see Matt Hammill evolve in this sport. He is always quick on his feet from wrestling and is a powerful striker, but before last night he was not as versatile as he could be. Seeing his performance last night showed me he has improved in this sport and ready for higher caliber fighters. They have made a movie about his life, and what an inspiration he is not only to the deaf community but for anyone who has had obstacles in their life..