In the sport of mixed martial arts, it can be difficult for a fighter to find his place. After a stop and go run at light heavyweight failed to yield the best results, Jared Hamman made the decision to drop a weight class.
No longer having to slug it out with much larger opponents, “The Messenger” has found his groove. Hamman’s stoppage victory over C.B. Dollaway marked an impressive middleweight debut and he has no plans of slowing down.
“The change to 185 pounds was more than just a professional change; it was a lifestyle change as well,” Hamman said. “Eating the right food and living healthy is something I wish I would have done a long time ago. Adding a nutritionist like P.R. Cole (Fuel the Fighter) and implementing those changes have made all the difference. In my last camp against C.B. Dollaway things were firing on all cylinders and everything went amazing.
“This camp has been the same way. I’ve had no injuries or illnesses. I keep a journal for my workouts and the work I’ve done for this camp have surpassed what I did last time. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been and the move to middleweight was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.”
Up next for the northern California native is Constantinos Philippou, another middleweight with the tendency to put on exciting fights. The possibility of a barnburner has Hamman excited.
“I like to fight guys who want to get in there and bring it because some guys don’t. On the ground they call it ‘lay and pray’ and I’m not sure what it’s called in the stand-up, but some guys are just shy. Constantinos doesn’t seem to be that way and I think it will make for a great match-up between us. I’ve been working hard on my wrestling and jiu-jitsu but my biggest strength has always been striking. I love to punch things.
“He is really tough, has a solid chin and is just a strong dude. He has a background in boxing and you can see that when he fights. He also has strong takedowns and defensive wrestling. I like to kick box and work in some take downs. I haven’t been able to show that part of my game yet but I’m looking forward to it.”
Hamman is a two-time “Fight of the Night” bonus winner. Strangely enough, those are the only two bouts on his record which have gone to decision. If Hamman has it his way, the judges won’t be necessary for his future fights.
“I love to finish fights,” Hamman said. “I can’t stand letting a fight go to the judges. I’ve always said this and that is why I was so jacked when my fight with C.B. ended in that fashion. I love a TKO. I’ll take a knockout. I’ll take a submission but there is something very appealing when the referee has to pull you off of your opponent.
“A guy can say he got caught with a punch and was knocked out or he can say he was caught in a submission, but with a TKO there is nothing to say. You got beat up and there are no excuses. That would be my ideal way of ending all of my fights with skills, heart and determination.
“I don’t train to lose or to maybe get a victory – I train for all out war. For me it all comes down to cardio because if you have cardio, you’re always in the fight. I can guarantee I’m going in there to finish this fight and will be looking to end it in any way I can. I don’t lay and pray. I’m looking to finish and get my hand raised.”
The opportunity to fight a game opponent isn’t the only thing Hamman is fired up about. The bout with Philippou will be his first time fighting in front of a Canadian crowd.
“I’m excited about fighting in Canada because Canadians love their sports,” Hamman said. “I was there for UFC 129 and to see 55,000 people in Rogers Arena screaming and loving MMA was an amazing thing. It’s a rad environment, good people, a knowledgeable fan base and I’m really looking forward to putting on a show in Toronto.”
