Before the fight, Duff Holmes, who trains Hamill, spoke exclusively with Fightline.com on their strategy heading into the fight with Franklin.

"No way Matt Hamill stands with a guy like Franklin," said Holmes. "Matt is, by far, the best wrestler in the UFC's light heavyweight division so our plan is simple; we're going to take Rich down and work the ground and pound while avoiding submissions."

"Matt's been training with Bruno Tostes, and his submission defense looks awesome. We know what Rich is going to do. He's going to come out, keep his distance and work his striking; try to keep things standing and pick Matt apart. We know he's coming with leg kicks, body kicks and quick combinations, but Matt's ready. We've got him in there with lightening quick professional welterweight boxer's and he's holding his own. Speed should not be an issue in this fight."

There were other issues of concern however. According to Holmes, Hamill has a deep reverence for the man responsible in many ways for his UFC career.

"Matt got his start helping Rich work on his takedown defense. Those two go way back and Matt has a deep respect and allegiance to Rich. He vouched for Matt to join "The Ultimate Fighter" and helped get Matt on the show. He's sponsored Matt with his company American Fighter and has been a kind of mentor to him, and to be honest, that has me a little concerned.

Holmes' concern appeared wholly justified after Hamill's lackluster performance, which saw the former collegiate wrestling champion attempt exactly zero takedowns the entire fight. Holmes desperately pleaded with his fighter between rounds to take the fight to the canvas.

"I practically begged Matt to take Rich down," said a clearly frustrated Holmes. "I was screaming at him to stop fighting Rich's fight and fight his fight. I can't explain it. He just had this blank look on his face. I don't know where he was, but the Matt Hamill that I know and trained for the past 11 weeks was not in that octagon on Saturday."

Holmes had assembled a virtual "who's who" of trainers across many disciplines to prepare Hamill. World renown pro boxing coach Tim Greene has been a mainstay with the camp and has worked along with Muay Thai expert Master Seng on improving Hamill's striking.