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[Ramma]

UFC light heavyweight contender Stephan Bonnar talks about his upcoming clash with Matt Hamill on April 2nd at UFC Fight Night 13. Check out what he had to say about the fight, his thoughts on UFC 79, the Jackson-Griffin clash and much more.


PC: How have you been doing man?


SB: I can't complain; things are going good.


PC: Have you been in the gym training or just taking it easy right now?


SB: I took a few weeks off for Christmas and New Years and I just started again Friday.


PC: How has the move to Vegas been and working with Xtreme Couture?


SB: It's great man. I love it here.


PC: It looks like Matt Hamill is going to be your next opponent. Do you guys have a date yet?


SB: April 2nd on Spike TV.


PC: Cool man. What do you think of him as a fighter?


SB: He's tough and durable and his biggest strength is wrestling. I think I got the edge in striking.


PC: Do you think he won his fight against Michael Bisping?


SB: Oh yeah! I think everyone did. It's not too often you see one judge score it 30-27 for Hamill…I mean, he got every round from one judge and somehow loses the fight?


PC: Hamill is a decorated wrestler, but it seems like he is trying to improve his hands. I'm sure you're hoping he fights you like he did Bisping?


SB: You know, I'm just going to get as prepared as possible for everything. If he wants to stand up with me…great! If he wants to take me down, I'll sub him from there too.


PC: If Hamill decides to use his wrestling, why wouldn't this fight resemble your fight with Rashad Evans?


SB: The reason Rashad got a lot of takedowns, a few of those takedowns, I gave him. I wrapped his head up for a guillotine and he got a takedown. I made some dumb mistakes and I'm not going to make those mistakes.


PC: If you had a choice, would this be the type of fight you would've chosen stylistically for this fight?


SB: Yeah, sure. You pretty much have to be ready to fight any style of fighter. I feel good about it. I think I have a striking edge and submissions over him, so more than likely, I will get a knockout or a submission. I think his biggest chance is to get the takedown and get the decision.


PC: Is this too much time between fights for you or are you satisfied with your activity?


SB: I could've fought more, but I understand the end of the year comes and they are pretty busy. They got more fighters so the cards are going out pretty quick, but that's just how it is. I'm sure after this, I will fight in June or July.


PC: What did you think of UFC 79?


SB: Oh yeah!!! Wanderlei lost, but man, he showed some toughness eating all of those punches. I've never seen anyone take those punches from Chuck. I was surprised that Machida finished Sokoudjou. I thought it would be a much closer fight, but he dominated him. I thought St-Pierre had the advantage standing up on his feet, but he put Matt Hughes on his back and dominated him there. It's hard to put Matt Hughes on his back, but if you can, kudos to you; it's going to be your night.


PC: Your fight with Forrest put MMA into the mainstream and you guys are forever linked to one another. He will be fighting Rampage at the end of TUF 7. What chance do you give him?


SB: I didn't think he had a chance against Shogun and he proved me wrong. I think he has a much better chance than he probably gets credit for. Remember, Shogun pretty much tore apart Rampage and Forrest stopped Shogun so that could actually be a good fight.


PC: We'll get more of you after your fight with Hamill; good luck. Is there anything you want to say in closing?


SB: Not really man. Stay cool guys. I don't know (laughing).


PC: You have to have some sponsors to thank.


SB: Yeah, Tapout and MMA Authentic.

Source - FIGHTHYPE \\ CONTENT

[RKO7645]

Pretty good interview. I think Hamill will take him by decision. But i would rather see Bonnar win.

[superjld]

I'm gonna have to pick Bonnar to take it. He has the definite advantage on the feet, and his ground game is much better than people give him credit for. I think Hamill can take him down, but I'm sure that will prove to be a good move. There's an excellent chance this fight will end with Hamill getting the take down and Bonnar submitting from there.

[Intellectual]

i know Bonnar has a boxing background, but does anyone know how skilled he is in just boxing?

other than that, i can see this fight go in so many directions.

[virtualpurple]

Bonnar has won the Chicago Golden Gloves superheavyweight title twice. Once in the novice division in 2002, and again in 2004 in the open division.

What does that mean? I don't really know, but I'd want no part of trading bricks with him.

[rivethead]

MMA Math Alert: I'd say he's got Bisping covered in footwork and accuracy...and where Bisping was able to stay out of Hamills range and land shots virtually at will, the difference is, with Bonnar, those shots will hurt.

And if it goes to the ground, I think Hamill should bring a notebook...he's going to get schooled.

rh

[Dugout]

No doubt Bonnar will win. His toolbox is much more complete.

[jlruthven84]

Like some other fights coming up, if Bonnar can keep Hamill from taking him down and controlling him there, he should have this one wrapped up. His striking and sub games are far beyond Hamill, and he has a big reach advantage.

[POINDEXTER]

It should be a good, close fight. If Hamill actually utilizes his wrestling he should have an advantage, but he has bee trying to stay on his feet it seems.

[markzabin]

It might come down to Bonners counter punching and take down defense.