Rich Frankiln vs Matt Hamill UFC 88 Fight Analysis

August 23, 2008 · Filed Under MMA Fight Analysis 

Rich Franklin (23-3) vs. Matt Hamill (4-1) are on the main card for a lightheavyweight fight in UFC 88 On September 6, 2008.

I think this is going to be a very exciting fight, showcasing Franklin’s striking vs Hamill’s grappling. Also interesting to see is Franklin’s move back up to 205, this is the weight class he started his UFC career and beat notable light-heavyweight fighters such as Evan Tanner and Edwin Dewees.

While Matt Hamill is a rising star with a bright future in the UFC Light-Heavyweight division. Hamill was a contestant on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter reality television show, training under Tito Ortiz in the 205 lb group.

Here is a quick look at the each fighter’s strengths and advantages:

Rich Franklin Strengths

Excellent Striker – Franklin is a vicious striker and has the ability to throw a bombardment of punches with plenty of force.

Experience and Take Down Defense - Franklin is no stranger to the octagon and is a former UFC champion. He is used to the pressure and comfortable, focused. Also he a has good take down defense.

Speed and Explosiveness - Franklin likes to come out banging, and quickly. He also has great conditioning to sustain his fast pace.

Matt Hamill Strengths

Power and Size – Hamill is one of the bigger 205-pounders and he has a heavy right-hand with knockout-power.

Excellent Wrestler and Takedowns – Hamill is a championship NCAA wrestler. Also he has phenomenal takedowns that are hard to stop.

Ground and Pound – Hamill can overwhelm his opponent on the ground.

Fight Opinion

I will give the advantage to this fight to Matt Hammill. I think that this fight can be a tough one for Rich Franklin. I suspect he will engage Hamill early to a stand up battle. Franklin needs to come out swinging and blasting away. However, if he can’t catch Hamill with his striking then it will go to the ground where it will be trouble. Franklin needs to be focused on scrambling quickly to get back up or effectively tie up Hamill.

Hamill’s gameplan will probably be to find openings for takedowns and work the ground and pound. There is no doubt that this fight will end up on the ground and with Hamill ‘s size and wrestling expertise, he’ll be victorious.

Comments

One Response to “Rich Frankiln vs Matt Hamill UFC 88 Fight Analysis”

  1. Tom Humes on August 23rd, 2008 1:14 pm

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    Tom Humes

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