About Matt Hamill

From Silence to Strength—The True Story of “The Hammer”

Early Years in Loveland, Ohio

Matt Hamill was born and raised in Loveland, Ohio, where his life began in silence due to being born profoundly deaf. Despite growing up misunderstood, bullied, and underestimated, Matt discovered an early gift for sports, particularly in wrestling and football—disciplines that gave him a new way to express himself and begin building confidence and identity.

With support from his devoted family—especially his mother, grandfather, and stepfather—Matt began to learn how to lip-read, speak, and fight through the obstacles that came with being different. He started wrestling at just five years old, and though the journey was filled with hardship, it would soon transform his life in ways no one expected.

Becoming a Champion Against the Odds

As Matt matured, so did his power and discipline. He became a dominant force in wrestling, eventually earning the title of three-time NCAA Division III national champion. But Matt wasn’t done. He transitioned into mixed martial arts and rose to fame on UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter Season 3, later competing on the global stage as one of the few deaf UFC fighters in history.

With his relentless drive and crushing takedowns, fans around the world gave him a name that stuck—“The Hammer.” His story became not only about victory in the ring, but about overcoming every label the world tried to put on him. Matt fought not just opponents—but assumptions, limits, and stereotypes.

A Story the World Needs to Hear

Matt’s powerful new memoir, Silent Fight, chronicles his journey from silence to championship. Co-authored with Allen Brown, the book gives readers a raw and intimate look at his childhood struggles, emotional battles, and the milestones that shaped his identity. For the first time ever, Matt tells it all—with honesty, strength, and soul.

Today, Matt speaks to audiences across the country, inspiring young athletes, the deaf community, and anyone who feels underestimated. Whether he's in a gym, a school, or on a stage, Matt uses his voice—and his silence—as tools to uplift, motivate, and break down walls.

More Than a Fighter—A Voice for the Voiceless

Matt continues to be a role model in the deaf and disabled communities, using his story to show what’s possible when you refuse to quit. Through outreach, speaking events, and upcoming mentorship initiatives, he’s helping others discover that limits are meant to be broken.

Matt Hamill is not just a fighter—he’s a symbol of what strength in silence looks like. And now, he’s sharing the fight that made him who he is.