Veteran Matt Hamill has gone back into retirement from mixed martial arts.
The popular deaf standout from The Ultimate Fighter 3 returned from a one-year retirement in 2012 and fought twice. But what Hamill termed a ‘nagging injury’ has caused the 37-year-old to step away once and for all.
Hamill announced his retirement on Wednesday via Facebook.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank my most loyal fans for standing by me throughout my 10 year career with MMA,” Hamill said. “All good things must come to an end and I am saddened that the time has come for me to hang up my gloves permanently due to a nagging injury that has never healed and has worsened with time. The memories have been good.”
Following his appearance on TUF, Hamill had a successful run in the UFC, with victories over the likes of Tim Boetsch, Mark Munoz, Keith Jardine, and Tito Ortiz.
He was also involved in two of the most controversial fights in MMA history. His split-decision loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 75 in London is considered one of the biggest judging robberies in the sport’s history. On the other end of the spectrum, Hamill is responsible for the only blemish on Jon Jones‘ record, a first-round disqualification for illegal elbows in 2009.
Hamill first retired in 2011, after back-to-back losses to Quinton Jackson and Alexander Gustafsson. He retired in 2012 an earned a decision over Roger Hollett, then lost to Thiago Silva.
He was released by the UFC after the loss to Silva, and signed with World Series of Fighting, but never competed in the organization. Hamill retired with a record of 11-5.