UFC light heavyweight Matt Hamill, who was on the wrong end of a split decision at UFC 75, wants a rematch with his opponent, “The Ultimate Fighter 3” winner Michael Bisping, as soon as December.
Hamill, a castmate of Bisping’s who campaigned for the first fight at London’s UFC 75 event earlier this month, says a recent surgery should only require two to three weeks of recovery time — not the six to 10 months that originally was speculated.
In a post on his official site, matthamill.com, the fighter stated:
While training for UFC 75 I developed a knee issue. My knee would lock up whenever I bent it past parallel. I was able to work through it and wanted to wait until after UFC 75 was over to get it taken care of… The day after I returned from UFC 75 I had a consultation with one of the best orthopedic surgeon’s in the country… It was a relatively minor arthroscopic procedure. I was diagnosed with a partially torn meniscus. This is why my knee was locking… I am happy to say that on 9/20/07, I underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to remove the torn piece of the meniscus. I am feeling better already and began my 2 to 3 weeks of rehab before going back to full time training.
After the controversial fight, UFC President Dana White said a rematch would be booked. Hamill confirms that UFC 78 in November was discussed — news MMAjunkie.com passed along this morning — but that the date was too soon because of the surgery.
However, Hamill says he’d be happy to fight at the UFC’s year-end show.
From matthamill.com:
The UFC did offer the rematch in November which I would love to take, however it’s just too close and I don’t want to rush it. I did tell the UFC that I would be ready by late December and would love to do it in Vegas on 12/29.
UFC 79 takes place Dec. 29 in Las Vegas and features a main event between current UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra and former champ Matt Hughes, who recently served as coaches on the latest season of “The Ultimate Fighter.“
