Marthin Hamlet (29) was by far the best in the first two rounds against American Cory Hendricks (33), but in the third and final round he lost on “rear naked choke” with 51 seconds left.
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It’s been a month and a half since Hamlet made a name for himself PFL debut when he won spectacularly against Dan Spohn. With a victory in Atlantic City tonight, the heavyweight would easily have secured a place in the semifinals of the tournament in Miami on 19 August.
This did not happen, but other results went Hamlet’s way and thus he gets the chance to get to one finale where one million dollars is the first prize.
– I’m very disappointed. There are a lot of people who sacrifice a lot for me to be able to follow my dream and keep up with this sport, Hamlet told VG after the loss – before he was secured a place in the semifinals.
He followed with excitement the rest of the competition at the same time as he had to sew some cuts he incurred in the tough match.
SHAKEN THE OPPONENT: Marthin Hamlet hits with one of his fierce right-handers in the first round against Cory Hendricks. Photo: Cooper Neill, PFL
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– I gave everything. That’s what makes this sport so unique, you never know the outcome. But I really hope I become a “lucky loser” tonight, Hamlet said.
Chris Camozzi won on points against Cezar Ferreira, but must have won by knockout or submission in the second round to overtake Hamlet.
Check out the final standings in the PFL’s light heavyweight division
Thus, Hamlet was secured a fourth place even before the reigning PFL champion Emiliano Sordi meets Dan Spohn. Only one of them could get past Hamlet. That match ended in a draw anyway, and thus Sordi snuck to the last semifinal place – one point behind Hamlet.
– Now it feels better! I still think I can win the PFL, Hamlet says to VG after the semi-final place has been secured.
Experienced Brazilians are waiting
He will face Cezar Ferreira in the semifinals in Miami in two months. The 36-year-old Brazilian has 15 fights in the major UFC organization, and has 14 wins and nine losses in his professional career. He has among another beaten Jack Hermansson, who is a training buddy with Hamlet.
– It’s perfect to meet Ferreira. He is older and is also recovering from a loss now. I release my loss here and now and prepare for another match. I am lucky to go on and have to take this chance, says Hamlet.
—-NEXT OPPONENT: Brazilian Cezar Ferreira (left) lost on points against Chris Camozzi (right) last night. Now he meets Marthin Hamlet in the semifinals. Photo: Cooper Neill, PFL
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Opened strongly
It started very well for the 29-year-old from Tønsberg. He controlled Hendricks for much of the first round, and was very close to concluding the settlement. He hit with three or four violent right blows towards the end of the round, and Hendricks struggled to defend himself. The American was bleeding from the face and seemed very run down when the fighters got their first break after five minutes.
Early in the second round, Hamlet was down in the canvas for a quick walk, but it was apparently because he slipped and did not seem shaken.
Hamlet suffered a cut in the forehead, but overall also dominated in the second round.
Impressive comeback
The third round was dramatic when Hendricks came back full. The 33-year-old has more routine than Hamlet, and when he hit with a hard low kick and followed up with good punch combinations against Hamlet’s head it turned.
Suddenly it was Hamlet who fought to “survive” the round. He lay for a long time with Hendricks over him and got away with a couple of dangerous submission attempts before Hendricks got a “rear naked choke” attached that Hamlet could not get out of.
In the end, Hamlet had to “drain out”, and with 49 seconds left in the third and final round, the match was over.
Hamlet now stands with seven wins and two losses in his professional MMA career.
PS! In the PFL, a points winner after three rounds gives three points. In addition, bonus points are awarded if the match ends in the first, second or third round. Hamlet got five points when he crushed Spohn in the first game.
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