Matt “The Hammer” Hamill has been criticized for his post-fight victory celebration immediately after he knocked out Mark Munoz at UFC 96. Hamill defeated Munoz via a head kick knockout that sent Munoz straight to the mat. The UFC 96 win over Munoz was Hamill’s first KO win in his mixed martial arts career. According to The Hammer, he had never felt such excitement in his entire fight career and his emotions brought about an excessive celebration that has been criticized by many.
In a blog entry written at MattHamill.com, he explains what he felt immediately after his KO victory. He admits that his emotions took over and did not mean any harm to the “Filipino Wrecking Machine” Mark Munoz:
“I want to say “Thank You” to all my friends and family who made their way to Columbus to support me. It was an experience like never before. I’m still new to the sport with UFC 96 being the 10th fight of my entire life. I’ve never had a knockout before and it really sent an adrenaline rush through me. I felt the roar of the crowd from my fingers to my toes! I would like to wish Mark Munoz all the best. He came out strong and he had me very concerned going into this fight. Mark has a world class team around him and it showed in his performance and preparation for the fight. Mark is an excellent fighter and a total class act. I believe he will have a bright future in the sport and this is certainly not the last we will hear from “The Filipino Wrecking Machine”! He just got caught and it could have just as easily been me. That’s the way it goes in this sport, anyone can beat anyone because anything can happen. I want to thank Mark’s manager Mike Roberts and his Trainer Mike “Joker” Guymon for their kind words and support following the fight and the criticism I faced about my celebration. As I tried to explain in the Post Fight Press Conference. I meant no disrespect to Mark or his camp. I was caught up in the moment and have never felt the crowd react like that before. I feel vibrations when a crowd roars like that and it got me pumped. When I say it feels like bubbles in water, I mean like a hot tub! Get in a hot tub with the bubbles off and then turn them on, see if you feel a difference. That’s what it’s like for me. Also, many people wonder how someone who is deaf can move to the beat of a song like I was while walking into “Hang on Sloopy”. Well I have one more home test for you to give you a taste of what its like. Next time you are at a concert or a club, cover your ears as hard as you can and see if you can feel the beat… That’s what I feel. Anyway I had a great time in Columbus and can’t wait to get back there soon! Best of luck to Mark Munoz in the future, he’s a great guy with great people around him and I wish them all the best.”
Quick note: “Sorry Bruce! Apparently in my excitement I landed a flush elbow to the chin of Bruce Buffer. Good thing he’s tough, he took it like a champ!”
Final Note: “Thanks Dana, Lorenzo and Joe Silva, Knockout of the Night is an honor and appreciated.”
PS: LEGALIZE MMA IN NEW YORK STATE!!!
