Matt Hamill last won back-to-back bouts in 2010. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com
Light Heavyweights
Matt Hamill (11-4, 10-4 UFC) vs. Thiago Silva (15-3, 6-3 UFC)Silva’s aggressive style could work well against Hamill, who lacks the length and the footwork to keep his opponent at bay. The other question surrounding “The Hammer” -- who emerged from a year-long retirement to capture an uninspiring win over Roger Hollett at UFC 152 -- is just how much he has left in the tank. Hamill was out of gas by round two against Hollett, but his stout wrestling base kept him afloat against a foe who offered little in the way of significant offense. Such a lapse could prove disastrous against Silva. With 14 of his 15 career triumphs coming by way of knockout or submission, the Blackzilians representative has a keen finishing instinct.
Silva’s tendency to engage in brawls means that he is far from unhittable, but a solid recovery rate makes him difficult to finish. Realistically, Hamill needs to control Silva through takedowns and ground-and-pound. The former Div. III national champion wrestler sometimes bypasses his bread-and-butter in order to stand and bang, a recipe for disaster against a more explosive, athletic opponent. Silva has above-average takedown defense, however, and can land whipping leg kicks to slow Hamill’s advances. If Hamill’s gas tank empties early, it is possible that Silva could mix in a surprise takedown or two of his own. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black-belt, Silva can pass guard and land heavy strikes from above when given the opportunity.
The Pick: It has been more than a year since Hamill last fought. He will have to be far more assertive and better conditioned if he is to continue his comeback against Silva. A more likely scenario sees the American wilting under the pressure of a Silva barrage and losing via KO or TKO in round two or three.
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