UFC 101: Brandon Vera vs Matt Hamill in the works for August 8
by MMAmania.com on Mar 30, 2009 10:05 AM EDT
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There’s a fine light heavyweight match up between Brandon Vera (10-3) and Matt Hamill (6-2) brewing for UFC 101, which is tentatively scheduled to take place at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on August 8, according to MMAMadness.com.
Bout agreements have not been signed at this time; however, the report indicates that both fighters have verbally agreed to get it on in the "City of Brotherly Love."
Vera -- a former heavyweight fighter who was considered a possible title contender until sustaining back-to-back losses to Tim Sylvia and Fabricio Werdum -- recently beat Mike Patt into submission with leg kicks to score a second round technical knockout at UFC 96: "Jackson vs. Jardine" earlier this month.
It was the second win in three attempts for "The Truth" at 205 pounds – he has a unanimous decision win over Reese Andy at UFC Fight Night 14 and lackluster split decision loss to Keith Jardine at UFC 89: "Bisping vs. Leben" to his credit.
Vera has re-dedicated himself to training and vows to do nothing but kick people’s asses from this point forward to re-establish himself as a top fighter in 2009. He’s off to a good start; however, he’ll have to figure out a way to keep his next fight against Hamill upright to continue down that path.
Or maybe not.
Hamill didn’t need to rely on his fantastic wrestling skills against two-fight World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) veteran Mark Munoz at UFC 96. "The Hammer" dropped a high kick right on the kisser, sending "The Philippine Wrecking Machine" to the canvas in an unconscious heap and the ringside medical team into a tizzy.
Munoz was fine in the end, but it was a scary-looking finish.
Hamill -- who has seven professional fights to his credit all under the UFC banner -- is on a two-fight win streak since getting blasted by Rich Franklin at UFC 88: "Breakthrough" last year courtesy of a third round technical knockout. He’ll need to make it three in a row if he intends to stay relevant in the very crowded 205-pound class, which will not be easy against a vicious striker such as Vera.
And remember, too, that Vera will have revenge on his mind come fight night -- he and Munoz have become fast Filipino friends.
UFC 101 will likely feature a main event between lightweight champion BJ Penn against number one contender Kenny Florian, as well as a 205-pound showdown between former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin and the previously unbeaten Thiago Silva in the co-featured fight of the night.
For more on UFC 101, including rumored bouts and all other event-related news, click here.
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Vera is tryin’ to be a badboy..
“f-this f-them. i don’t care”
well don’t make us yawn when you fight and we won’t talk sh*t
Matt by UD
by mikeybear on Mar 30, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
No mention of Couture/Nog in this UFC 101 post. Is that fight off the table for 101?
by ViolentMike on Mar 30, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Now that Couture and Nog have signed the agreements to fight I’d really like everyone to stop saying Randy is ducking Nog. Randy will win and give Nog his second stoppage!
by Z on Mar 30, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
randy vs. nog is going to happen at ufc 102 in portland oregon
by matt on Mar 30, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s right, Randy fighting at home. Thanks!
by ViolentMike on Mar 30, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
alright everyone that was planning to go on the mmamania trip, I’m announcing that I’m 90% sure I’ll be flying cross country to go to this event! It’s good news for those of you on the east coast that didn’t want to fly all the way to vegas, bad news that I got to fly 8 hours. I’ve been in contact with John in Philly, he, violent mike and phil are planning on going to. sorry if this put a kink in anyone’s plans, get at me if you guys are still up for going…but to see BJ fight in Philly.
got your email John, I appreciate the offer buddy, it will be just me, not wife and kid!
by kevin on Mar 30, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I got Vera as well. Hammill is still just a one trick pony.
by allamerican on Mar 30, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
you should drive (I’d fly from MA) to philly for this one!!
by kevin on Mar 30, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Result will be the same as Franklin/Hammill except 10x worse.
by c-war on Mar 30, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Hamil seems to have forgotten about take downs and his stand up is like the six million dollar mans in slow motion.Only because he has knocked a few people out it doesn’t mean he has good stand up. He is a strong fighter with knockout power, but Vera is the superior striker.Vera will be to fast with his feet and his hands and will tko him in the second round.
by Ade on Mar 30, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I have a few fast Filipino friends. I usually meet them at sexypinoyladyboys dot com.
by Don't be scared homie on Mar 30, 2009 10:08 AM EDT reply actions
SPAM this GUY!!!!
Don’t bring this Sh!t on our site jerk!
by mikeybear on Mar 30, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
i’d prefer more suggestions for good ladyboy sites, thanks.
by joseph.67 on Mar 30, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly Bons!!!!!!!!
Hamill by GnP round 3
by IrishKev on Mar 30, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Hamill will get destroyed if he tries to stand up with Vera. That said, I hope he does try to keep it on the feet … it’d be nice to see Vera put a winning streak together and fight for the 205 belt.
by William A on Mar 30, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions
i agree, hopefully hamill will remember what his bread and butter is and not make this fight like the rich franklin fight. if he does then hamill by whatever he wants if not then vera by ud.
by sac165 on Mar 30, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Vera by copying rich franklin’s game plan
by Fidel Cashflow on Mar 30, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions
+2!!!
Yeah i can’t believe how many people have got Hamill on this one. I know he was fighting a can but Vera looked, mean, lean and focused last time out.
I think he is going to give Hamill a right working over here and make his first big step towards getting in title contention.
by Nick J on Mar 30, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
people also forget that Vera has some greco skills. It’s not like he can’t wrestle…
by Fidel Cashflow on Mar 30, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
He can’t wrestle on the level of Hamill.
by naturalshadow on Mar 30, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Hamill’s only chance in this fight is to lay on Vera w/ some GnP.
Vera will outstrike him FTW.
by OJR on Mar 30, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions
Hamill is so hard headed he will definatly try to stand with Vera, especially after kicking Munoz’s head into the nose bleeds last time. If Vera is serious about just “kicking peoples’ a$$es” then I also see him dominating the stand up FTW.
by BNF on Mar 30, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Vera gets to exact to revenge for his boy. If Vera’s wrestling is good enough to stop Hamill’s takedowns its a wrap. Vera by TKO or UD.
by DSmith on Mar 30, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
what happens to Vera when he loses this fight? he has to be close to getting tossed out of this UFC! Hamill is a force.
by newfie on Mar 30, 2009 10:10 AM EDT reply actions
I hope he loses I hate watching his stupid dance after he wins a fight. He can take that crap to Strikeforce.
by bigmcmac on Mar 30, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
i think that dance is actually the only good thing veras has :p
by bons on Mar 30, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
He won’t lose this fight. Franklin beat Hammil with kicks and Vera kicks a hell of a lot harder, faster and more often than Rich.
by Gord on Mar 30, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
People forget that Vera is a BJJ ace….it’s not like on the ground he’s clueless. His legs kicks could easily render Hamill’s takedowns nil…
by xocgx on Mar 30, 2009 10:13 AM EDT reply actions
Not only that, they forget he is a damn good wrestler. He was an alternate with Randy Couture at the 2000 olimpics.
by Gord on Mar 30, 2009 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
If Vera finds his range, this could be a rough night for Matt. He relies a lot on his chin, and that could be dangerous against a striker like Vera. Hamill’s wrestling is at a level where it could negate a lot of Vera’s BJJ expertise, however, it may make Hamill less aggressive on the ground and this could be an ugly fight. It may wind up with Hamill doing a Sherk-like wet blanket imitation. Vera had better be careful if they clinch because Hamill can manhandle just about anyone he gets his hands on and he does have heavy hands.
by Sacto on Mar 30, 2009 10:24 AM EDT reply actions
You are right, the best way for Hamill to win the fight is to take Vera down repeatedly and score points. However, as we have all noticed, The Hammer is not intersted in winning boring fights. He seems to be all about bringing excitement to the cage and putting on a show for the fans. Going against Vera, I would sincerely hope that Hamill uses his superior wrestling because Vera will not be able to prevent it. BUT, Hamill is very thick headed in every sense of the word and IS going to stand and trade with Vera for at least 1/2 of a round and when he does, Vera needs to capitolize. I am actually quite interested to see who the favorite in this fight will be. I see the lines opening very close to even.
by ViolentMike on Mar 30, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
i see hammil catching vera with something big and finishing him, somethin just tells me vera will get cocky standing up
by randy murders on Mar 30, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Should be an interesting fight. Even though they have provided us a fair share of snooze fest fights, I think this may shape up to be pretty good. They both have something to prove (that usually makes good fights).
by BeerMan on Mar 30, 2009 10:25 AM EDT reply actions
its kinda funny how there making hammil fight two filipino dudes in a row
by J.Mile on Mar 30, 2009 10:38 AM EDT reply actions
Vera by TKO 3rd round
Hamill has good boxing but no answers to body kicks.
by Dubbie81 on Mar 30, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions
It should be similar to Franklin fight, Vera by TKO 2nd Round
by arturo_caap on Mar 30, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions
franklin had way better cardio and more frequent attacks than vera, i don’t think he will be able to do what franklin did and hammill has huge power as we sore in the last two fights. Vera very hot and cold so i got hammill tko late in the fight. Great match up tho
by markg on Mar 30, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Vera by TKO.
If Vera work his muay thai like he said he wanted to do after his last fight we will have a nice knock out to watch.
He is a dick when he talk but he still have the potential.
by Daddy Lupo on Mar 30, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions
I really really hope Vera loses.
But i think Hamill will stand with him and lose a decision :(
by Lester the Pimp on Mar 30, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions
if Matt tries to stand and trade with the Truth,he won’t make it the full 3 rounds.Matt would eventually succome to the devastating strike of the Truth.
by the Levi on Mar 30, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Why am I the only person who thinks Hamills standup is rubbish. All we hear at the moment is about how far its come along and this and that. And how great his head kick KO was. Hamils standup is awful. Im sorry but charging in with all your weight and swinging wild punches mixed with some pointless jabs doesnt mean anything. And is just as 2D as he always was. All I see is hes powerful. I mean jeez…Munoz and Reese Andy? Two great examples of amazing kickboxers there. Come on…
Frankin embarrassed Hamill. And Vera’s kickboxing easily matches Franklins, if not better.
Hamill is going to be limping around the cage chasing after Vera, just like he always does, only this time with a bit swollen battered leg just like Patt until he cant stand anymore.
Vera by easy TKO in the second or third.
by UK_Chris on Mar 30, 2009 12:32 PM EDT reply actions
No, you’re not the only one. I’ve been saying that for a long time, and I think if you look through this thread you’ll actually find at least a couple of other people who agree…
Hamill smothers weaker opponents that don’t have the power to rock him, but a good striker who’s not at a size disadvantage is a terrible match-up for him.
Vera is – at least in theory, if he shows up, restrictions may apply, void where prohibited, etc. – pretty much tailor made to destroy Hamill.
by MattNY on Mar 30, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah great, im not the only one. Yeah there is a few looking through the thread. However on these things sometimes there are so many comments I just quickly glance over them so I may have missed a few people with common sense!
Expose and Destroy him Vera!
by UK_Chris on Mar 30, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
yes,ufc listen to the fans what fight we want to see, i got vera here by tko round 3
by mad_drummer on Mar 30, 2009 1:13 PM EDT reply actions
Matt Hammill’s record against Div. I National Champion wrestlers: 2-0 (Rex Holman and Mark Munoz)
There’s no shame in losing one of elite fighters like Rich Franklin, whom I think Matt is showing too much respect for. I don’t think Matt is going to make the same mistake again. Vera couldn’t finish Reese Andy like Matt did.
Go Matt! Win ‘em ugly. Win ’em boring. Win ’em big. Win whichever, who friggin’ cares. Win is a win. Just go and prove ’em naysayers wrong.
by MoxiePunch on Mar 30, 2009 2:45 PM EDT reply actions
there’s a lot on the line for both fighters. its almost a leave town scenario for vera and matt needs to beat a top 10 lhw. he lost to franklin and bisping (sort of).
by COR on Mar 30, 2009 3:57 PM EDT reply actions
vera has no heart..and just talks a lot and embarssment to filipino fighters
by dana on Mar 30, 2009 10:36 PM EDT reply actions
Vera will not be kicked by the UFC if he loses this one. Who do you think will headline the UFC Philippines card? If the UFC wanted to have a successful event here, Brandon Vera or Chuck Lidell must be there. They are famous already here. Watching these two fighters ever since they fight for the UFC, I will say Brandon Vera will win this either by a split decision or a TKO. Brandon Vera is now focused, rededicated and trains with the best in the world (Rob Kaman is probably the best kickboxer in the world alive and he’s got solid Greco roman wrestling pedigree plus solid underrated jiu jiutsu) . Now Matt Hammil is basically a wrestler who got lucky kicking Mark Muñoz’s ass. His boxing is a bit sloppy and Rich Franklin basically kicked him the whole time. Rich Franklin is not known for his kicks, imagine what Brandon Vera can do with those solid Muay Thai kicks. And for you dana, how many times have you seen Brandon Vera fight to conclude that he does not have a heart? How can he be an embarassment to the Filipino fans? Manny Pacquiao is more of an embarrasment because he said he intends to be another clown and run for a congressional seat here. At least Brandon Vera has never proclaimed any candidacy. I do not know men if you know MMA but the way you criticize Brandon is simply off base. He has never quit in any fight and he has never been submitted or knocked out. The fight with Werdum is a big Miragliotta joke.
I am not a Brandon Vera ass kisser but the way you criticize him has no basis whatsoever.
by Phasebook on Mar 31, 2009 7:10 AM EDT reply actions
Hamil can win this one. I think Vera’s only hope is for Matt to come in with a bad gameplan. Hamil will walk him down and in the clinch he will toss Vera around. Get a good beatdown going and I can see Brandon lose confidence. One thing’s for sure Matt won’t just stand still like Mike Patt did. Vera can "f-this f-them. i don’t care" his ass back to the undercard for all I care and if he loses it’s a leave town scenario for him.
Hamill by whatever he wants
by Vulcano on Mar 31, 2009 9:32 AM EDT reply actions
Oh my dear Vulcano, Hammill can win by whatever he wants? that’s true if he is fighting Hector Ramirez or Carmelo Marrero. He is fighting a serious fighter at 205, so it will not be a slamdunk man. Vera by Split Decision or TKO
by Phasebook on Mar 31, 2009 11:09 AM EDT reply actions
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