At UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort, two Light Heavyweights meet as Matt Hamill (10-4 MMA; 9-4 UFC) faces Roger Hollett (13-3 MMA; UFC Debut). This is the second bout on the UFC 152 PPV. Neither man is ranked in the USA TODAY / MMA Nation Consensus MMA Rankings. The UFC 152 PPV airs live Saturday night September 22 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
The big story of this fight clearly focuses on Hamill, who returns from a one year retirement with this fight. It's a weird road we've taken here as well. Originally, this was announced as Hamill vs. Hollett. Hollett was then pulled from the bout for what was later revealed to be Bellator contractual issues, and was replaced by Vladimir Matyushenko. When The Janitor went down to injury, he was replaced by... Roger Hollett. Weird.
How do these two stack up?
Hamill: 35 years old | 6'1" | 76" reach
Hollett: 33 years old | 5'10"
What have these two done recently?
Hamill: L - Alexander Gustafsson (TKO) | L - Quinton Jackson (UD) | W - Tito Ortiz (UD)
Hollett: W - John Hawk (SD) | W - Martin Desilets (TKO) | W - Mychal Clark (UD)
How did these two get here?
Matt "The Hammer" Hamill comes here rather unexpectedly. Last year, after back to back loses, he announced his retirement seemingly out of the blue. Now, a year later, he just as suddenly announced his comeback. A veteran of TUF season 3, Hamill was originally known in the UFC for his strong wrestling skills and his status as the UFC's first deaf fighter. Over the years, he put together a solid career, adding a good striking game and wins over the likes of Tito Ortiz and Mark Munoz. He held his own against Rampage in his only PPV main event, and is overall an underrated talent. The big question here is just how committed he is to his return.
Roger "The Hulk" Hollett is a Canadian fighter out of Titan's MMA in Nova Scotia. He made his pro debut in 2006 and has so far fought exclusively in Canada. He's currently on a 5 fight win streak that includes a victory over John Hawk in Bellator last November. That win was supposed to put Hollett into the Bellator Light Heavyweight tournament, but that didn't happen. Hollett has struggled with injuries somewhat over the years, and at 33, it will be interesting to see if that plays a factor in his UFC career.
Why should you care?
This one is all about Hamill. Is he really back, or just looking for some publicity to help the push for Hamill The Movie? I'm curious to find out Saturday night.
More UFC 152 preview coverage from Bloody Elbow after the jump.
SBN coverage of UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort
UFC 152: Joseph Benavidez Vs. Demetrious Johnson Dissection - Dallas Winston
UFC Fans Owe Jon Jones $55.95 For Killing UFC 151 And Improving UFC 152 - Nate Wilcox
UFC 152 Weigh-In Results: Jones 204.6, Belfort 204.2 - Time Burke
Bad Boy Presents Bloody Elbow Radio - Episode 209: Stipe Miocic, UFC 152 Preview - Matt Bishop
UFC 152 Staff Picks And Predictions - Tim Burke
Vitor Belfort's New Camp Reunites Him With An Old Mentor - Nate Wilcox
Bloody Elbow's UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort Custom Poster - Anton Tabuena
UFC 152: Michael Bisping Vs. Brian Stann Dissection - Dallas Winston
UFC 152: Jon Jones Doesn't Think Dana White Will Apologize, But Forgives Him Anyway - Tim Burke
Rashad Evans Confident In Vitor Belfort, Believes He Can KO Jon Jones - Mookie Alexander
UFC 152 Pre-Fight Press Conference Video And Coverage - Tim Burke
UFC 152: Matt Hamill Vs. Roger Hollett Dissection - Dallas Winston
UFC 152: The Trials and Tragedies of the UFC's Original Phenom, Vitor Belfort - T.P. Grant
UFC 152: Jones Vs. Belfort Betting Lines - Tim Burke
UFC 152: Charles Oliveira Vs. Cub Swanson Dissection - Dallas Winston
UFC 152 FX Prelims: Grant Vs Dunham, Pokrajac Vs Magalhaes Preview - David Castillo
UFC 152: Charlie Brenneman 'In Hindsight, It Wasn't Such A Bad Thing' - Steph Daniels
UFC 152 FX Prelims: Hettes Vs Brimage, Pierson Vs Benoist Preview - David Castillo
Video - Countdown To UFC 152: Jones Vs. Belfort - Tim Burke
UFC 152: Facebook Preliminary Card Dissection - David Castillo
UFC 152 Video: Jon Jones Career Retrospective - Nate Wilcox
UFC 152: Vitor Belfort Wants To Make Sure MMA Doesn't Turn Into Formula 1 - Tim Burke
UFC 152: Jon Jones Rejects Villain Role - 'I'm The Nicest Guy Ever' - Nate Wilcox
UFC 152, Chavez Jr. Vs. Martinez, And The Value Of Truth In Promotion - Fraser Coffeen
Killing The King: Jon Jones - Jack Slack
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