UFC 130: Matt Hamill talks about fighting Quinton “Rampage” Jackson
Matt Hamill and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson collide in a light-heavyweight contest at UFC 130 (May 28th, 9PM eastern start time).
Matt “The Hammer” Hamill on being an underdog:
Everyone thinks that I’m not ready for Rampage. I love to be the underdog. I got that from my grandfather. He said something about “being under the radar”. So let people think that I’m just going to get killed by Rampage. Just wait and see.
Hamill on Rampage and his gameplan:
Everyone knows his game plan. He doesn’t really change. He loves to strike. I got my mind open and I’m going to go out there and fight real smart and I’m going to avoid his knockout power.
Is Rampage underestimating Hamill?:
His game is going to be attacking, he’s going to be attacking me because he thinks that I’m not really experienced. I know what he’s thinking, “Oh Hamill, he’s not in my league.” But it’s going to be a real different ballgame when I face Rampage.
On what a win means against Rampage:
It’s perfect timing. He’s the one so close to being the contender, so I feel like I want to be ready to be the contender. One fight away from the title shot. I want to get close to the top 5. So the high end, the more motivation. I’m just really excited.
UFC 130: Rampage Jackson talks about fighting Matt Hamill
Matt Hamill and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has been moved to being the main event at UFC 130 after Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard’s title fight was scrapped. The Hamill versus Rampage fight is a tough one to call. Rampage is coming into the bout as a favorite, but Hamill has definitely developed well as a fighter over his last few bouts and if he indeed does want to go out there and take this into a takedown fest and ground and pound contest, he can win. His wrestling is so advanced and explosive that he probably is going to be able to put Rampage on his back. It’s not a simple task, but the greater difficulty lies in keeping him there and further issues arise in dealing with Rampage on the feet. Striking-wise Rampage is very aggressive and technical boxer. He blends his raw rage with technique and good defense covering up. On the feet it’s likely going to be Rampage’s fight, but on the ground it’s Hamill. I think Hamill will try and play it smart and edge out this fight by taking it to the mat and grab a close decision, scoring 2 rounds out of the 3.
