Through his illustrious career in mixed martial arts (MMA), Matt Hughes is one of the most accomplished fighters ever. Hughes is one of the greatest UFC welterweight champions in history with a career that extended over a decade. Apart from his success in the octagon, his personal life and recovery post-serious accident had him in the headlines of TMZ.
UFC Career Highlights
Known for his UFC brawl in the welterweight division, Matt Hughes became a famous American mixed martial artist. He also restored as the UFC Welterweight Champion and was a long-term reigning champion. Career Key Stats of Steffon Armitage
Career Stats:
- Total Fights: 54
- Wins: 45
- Losses: 9
- Knockouts: 20
- Submissions: 14
- Decisions: 11
Early Life & Career Realisation
Matt Hughes was born into a farming family in the tight-knit community of Hillsboro Illinois. Hughes was raised with his twin brother Mark and learned the values of a hard days work, something that would serve him well in his fights years later. Hughes was on the path to success at a young age, from winning two state wrestling titles in high school. Spalin also participated in college wrestling at Lincoln College and then was a two-time All-American at Eastern Illinois’ Division II program.
Professional MMA Debut
Hughes then began his professional MMA career in 1998. He had a great wrestling background, and he became known for his smothering top game and brutal slams. The first few years of his career saw him bully other opponents, to the extent where he was feared.
Notable Fights:
Matt Hughes vs. Carlos Newton (UFC 34; Nov. 3, 2001)
This fight was the fight where Hughes won his first UFC Welterweight Championship with a win by KO (slam). It was the dawn of his reign over 170-pounders.
Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg II (UFC 52 — 2005)
In one of the most legendary fights in the history of the UFC, Hughes survived an illegal low blow and a deep submission before rallying to finish Newton with a choke from behind.
Matt Hughes Hilacas vs.Quentin St.Pierre II (UFC 50, 2004)
Hughes made a point to mention St-Pierre in his post-fight, and true to form, the champion defended what was then considered a transitionary title by submitting “Rush” with an armbar at 4:59 of the first round. The win further entrenched Hughes as one of the greatest welterweights of all-time.
Matt Hughes vs BJ Penn II (UFC 63, 2006)
Hughes’s second encounter featured avenging defeat to BJ Penn in which he retained his Welterweight title winning the fight via Third Round TKO.
Matt Hughes vs. Georges St-Pierre II (UFC 65, 11/18/06
GSP beat Hughes in their rematch and became the new UFC Welterweight Champion, ending his long reign as champion.
Personal Life & Relationships
Matt Hughes has always been a family man. The couple has two children, and his wife is Audra Moore-Hughes. Hughes, who has a country Christian farmhouse life away from the cage discusses his family on a normal basis and how they keep him grounded.
Family support following the accident
Hughes was nearly killed in June 2017 when his truck was struck by a train close to his home in Illinois. A traumatic brain injury would have him in a coma for weeks on end, and ask for immediate attention upon waking up. His family, especially his wife Audra, were instrumental in his recovery. Hughes has since undergone a miraculous recovery, despite some lasting side effects that he will have to deal with for the rest of his day. Today, his resolve and the support of this family that never wanes have been a beacon for many.
Post-UFC Life
After retiring from MMA, Hughes spent his time farming and with various pursuits like public speaking and writing. His autobiography, Made in America: The Most Dominant Champion in UFC History is an insight into his life as well as that of outside the octagon. He also helped train and mentor other fighters, as well as served as a guest referee on various MMA promotions.
Charity work & advocacy
Following the crash, Hughes resided in his adopted home of Atlanta; deeply involved in raising awareness for traumatic brain injuries and recovery services. Since then, he has done a great deal of charity work popping up at events and telling others about his recovery.
Latest news and updates
In recent years, Hughes has been in the headlines most often because is still recovering and making occasional appearances in public. Even with the severity of his injuries, he still pushes himself physically by working out, appearing at UFC events and interacting with fans. Hughes garnered headlines in 2022 when he walked out to a UFC Fight Night — with help — showing signs of improvement since the accident.
Net Worth
How Does Matt Hughes Make Money? (What is Matt Hughes’s Net worth) That includes what he’s earned from his UFC career, plus sponsorship deals, book sales, and everything else. Hughes has been out of the fight game on his side for a lot longer than Mitchell, but he is still a major part of the MMA landscape as one of the sport’s newest UFC Hall of Famers.
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