Deaf Ultimate Fighter Shares Inspirational Story at Batesville High School

Matt Hamill gave a presentation to American Sign Language students on Monday.

Matt Hamill addresses students at Batesville High School. Photo provided.

(Batesville, Ind.) – Mixed martial artists Matt Hamill was in Batesville on Monday to give a presentation about overcoming adversity and the importance of perseverance and dedication in pursuing goals.

Hamill, a Loveland, Ohio native, was born deaf.

Despite the challenges that come with being deaf, Hamill would earn a scholarship to wrestle at Purdue University. He eventually transferred to Rochester Institute of Technology, where he won three NCAA Division III wrestling titles.

In 2006, Hamill joined the UFC, where he would face fighters such as Tito Ortiz, Jon Jones, Rampage Jackson, and Michael Bisping.

He would amass 13 victories over 21 matches between his debut in 2006 and his last match in 2018.

Now that his MMA career appears to be behind him, Hamill remains active in the deaf community.

His presentation at Batesville High School took place in front of approximately 80 students who are currently enrolled in American Sign Language (ASL) classes.

Hamill’s visit to BHS was funded through a grant from the Batesville Community Education Foundation.