Deaf UFC alumnus Matt Hamill hears for first time in more than 40 years

2025 is off to an incredible start for former UFC fighter Matt Hamill.

Deaf since birth, Hamill recently was able to hear for the first time thanks to powerful hearing aides newly acquired, he revealed in an Instagram post Wednesday.

“I just got the most powerful digital hearing aids ever made,” Hamill wrote. “For the first time in 41 years, I can finally hear my kids’ voices, the sounds of people walking and laughing. I finally heard my mom’s voice and she cried. I’m looking forward to hearing my brother Pat’s voice too. I only hope he doesn’t have a voice like a foghorn. This is awesome although I know it will take time to adapt to all of this. Happy New Year!”

Hamill competed 15 times in the UFC from 2006 to 2013 after a stint on Season 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” His lack of hearing presented adversity for Hamill in a sport that includes corner advice and instruction as a key element. However, Hamill didn’t let that deter him. He garnered international attention as a successful deaf athlete and even was the subject of a 2010 biopic, “The Hammer,” named after his nickname.