Part 1:

Part 2:

On Monday August 25, 2008 the city of Utica N.Y. threw a pep rally for Matt Hamill. Matt is fighting the toughest fight of his life on September 6, 2008 at UFC 88 in Phillips, Georgia. Matt will be fighting his childhood friend Rich Franklin. After Matt graciously greeted, shook hands, signed his autograph, and took pictures with fans, I spoke with him to get his thoughts on the upcoming fight. First thing I wanted to know was about his friendship with Rich he told me, “Yes. He is a really good friend of mine. I helped him with wrestling takedowns. Rich and I we grew up together. We were raised and born in Cincinnati, Ohio. One day he asked me. He wanted some help with his takedowns so I just helped him out with takedowns and we’re still friends. No matter what, inside the ring or outside the ring. We leave friendship at the door. We two are professionals. I know it’s sad. It’s like fighting my brother but I have to do this. I fight for my daughter. I’m getting my name out there. I know he has more experience then I have. I’m inexperienced. My record is 6 and 1 and his record is 25 and 3. So that could be a stepping stone for me. He is a former World Champion that’s got me more motivated. I want to show what I got. I’m getting better every time I fight. So don’t miss my fight Sept 6th because I’m ready!”