Nicholas Ramsey Matt Hughes was born on the 13th of October 1973 in Hillsboro Illinois. A prominent name in the history of mixed martial arts (MMA) is an artist who, with his school, teaches interested students the art. Living in a rural area, Hughes developed a work ethic and a love for wrestling. A two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at Eastern Illinois University. Lessons from his days as a college student laid the groundwork for future successes in MMA.
Here’s a table summarizing Matt Hughes’s MMA career statistics:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 54 |
| Wins | 45 |
| – By Knockout | 21 |
| – By Submission | 14 |
| – By Decision | 10 |
| Losses | 9 |
| – By Knockout | 4 |
| – By Submission | 3 |
| – By Decision | 2 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No Contests | 0 |
Rise to fame in MMA
Hughes later switched to MMA in the late 90s, where he showed his greatness by consistently being one of the most dominant wrestlers and relentlessly fighting. He was one of the most dominant fighters in the welterweight division. He debuted at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1999. Hughes held the UFC Welterweight Championship on two occasions, first in 2001 and again in 2004, making him one of the most dominant welterweights in history.
Notable wins and losses
Here’s a table of Matt Hughes’s most notable wins in his MMA career:
| Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georges St-Pierre | UFC 50 | Win | Submission (Armbar) | October 22, 2004 | Hughes won the vacant UFC Welterweight title by submitting GSP in the first round. |
| BJ Penn | UFC 63 | Win | TKO (Strikes) | September 23, 2006 | Hughes avenged an earlier loss and retained the UFC Welterweight title. |
| Carlos Newton | UFC 34 | Win | KO (Slam) | November 2, 2001 | Hughes won his first UFC Welterweight title with an iconic slam KO. |
| Frank Trigg | UFC 52 | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | April 16, 2005 | Famous comeback victory after escaping a near submission. |
| Royce Gracie | UFC 60 | Win | TKO (Strikes) | May 27, 2006 | Hughes dominated and stopped MMA legend Gracie in a one-sided fight. |
| Matt Serra | UFC 98 | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | May 23, 2009 | Hughes won a grudge match against longtime rival Serra by decision. |
| Sean Sherk | UFC 42 | Win | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) | April 25, 2003 | Hughes defended his UFC Welterweight title against future lightweight champ Sherk. |
| Renzo Gracie | UFC 112 | Win | TKO (Leg Kicks) | April 10, 2010 | Hughes won by TKO in the third round against BJJ legend Renzo Gracie. |
| Joe Riggs | UFC 56 | Win | Submission (Kimura) | November 19, 2005 | Hughes defended his UFC Welterweight title with a first-round submission. |
| Hayato Sakurai | UFC 36 | Win | TKO (Punches) | March 22, 2002 | Hughes defended his UFC Welterweight title against top contender Sakurai. |
Personal life and relationships
Matt Hughes Married with Audra Hughes in 2004, they have two children. Hughes has always been very vocal about how his family is a major key to his strength and durability inside and outside of the octagon. In addition to Mount Rushmore, Hughes has a twin brother, Mark, who is also an MMA fighter.
The recent challenges and the recovery
Back in June 2017, Matt Hughes was the subject of a horrific accident after his truck was struck by a train. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and has been battling furiously to make what will be a very long recovery. Even against the odds, Hughes has responded with typical spirit and courage, quickly recovering from his injuries. His journey has inspired many, fighting with the same grit outside as he does within the octagon.
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.
View all news and activities
Hughes still pops up occasionally around the MMA world, usually when one of his fighters has an upcoming fight or because he’s made the long trip out to share stories with fans and future fighters. He has also given back to the community through many other acts of charity. Hughes’ tale of triumph and determination is still told and replicated by many, and he continues to be a revered figure in the world of unarmed combat.
Matt Networth
Former UFC fighter Matt Hughes has $8 million (approx.). He was one of the wealthiest mixed martial artists in the world and amassed a fortune during his fighting career from purses worth over $9 million. Hughes is a former two-time UFC Welterweight Champion and was paid handsomely during his time with the organization. On top of that, he has done a fair share of business deals and endorsements, which further help increase his income.
At last
Matt Hughes’ career is a testament to his skill, determination, and resilience. From his early days as a wrestler to becoming a two-time UFC Welterweight Champion, Hughes has left an indelible mark on MMA. His victories, challenges, and ongoing recovery journey highlight his unwavering spirit and dedication. As he continues to inspire others with his story, Matt Hughes’ legacy as “The Country Boy” who conquered the MMA world remains strong.
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