I believe God has a bigger plan for Matt. [1] In 2008, Hughes published his autobiography, Made in America, which made the New York Times bestseller list. I over-trained for the fight. [43] At the beginning of the third round, Sherk took Hughes down, while Hughes attempted a kimura from the bottom. Dennis who?If that was your reaction upon reading this, I don't blame you. The horrific incident took place on the Beelers Trail, Zanesville. [29] At this point in their careers, Hallman was the only man to have defeated Hughes in MMA competition. This fight would probably come off as a "stepping stone" fight for Swick. Planet Hank 710K views 2. During the event, UFC president Dana White and Hughes shared an emotional moment. Hes accomplished everything a fighter could want to. Between 1999 and 2000, Hughes fought 18 times. [37] He won the fight by technical knockout when he successfully trapped Newton in a modified crucifix position, which allowed him to rain unanswered blows on Newton's face until the referee stopped the contest at 3:27 of round 4. I didn't even know Matt Hughes was in a horrific accident that almost killed him, until I saw him speak at a UFC Fight last year. In the third fight of that night he lost to then-undefeated Dennis Hallman by technical submission (guillotine choke) at 0:17 of the first round. [43] Round 4 saw Hughes using his strength to control the challenger on the ground. Combined with a sport that seemed to have evolved past Hughes, and it looked like the cowboy of the welterweight division was finally going to have to ride off into the sunset.Luckily, no one told Matt Hughes. [89], In late mid-2007, Hughes left the Miletich camp with Miletich stablemate Robbie Lawler, longtime boxing coach Matt Pena, and wrestling/conditioning teacher Marc Fiore to form The H.I.T. In the third round, Hughes unsuccessfully tried an armbar again before the horn sounded. After Hughes was decisively knocked off his championship perch by Georges St. Pierre, his days as an elite level welterweight seemed to be over. It very much mirrored many of the more memorable fights in his career, particularly his momentum shifts against Carlos Newton and Frank Trigg. Check out the 16 fighters who made the cut for "TUF 31" including eight former UFC fighters. She also has a son from a previous relationship. UFC 25 Years; Starts in / [46] This event marked the UFC's 10th anniversary. Following a championship win by Matt Serra over Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69,[96] UFC President Dana White announced that Hughes would fight for the World Welterweight title in November 2007 against Serra. (Hughes Intensive Training) Squad in Granite City, Illinois.[1]. Penn via rear naked choke at 4:39 of the first round,[51] in a fight he was heavily favored to win. By FNA Staff May 31, 2019 No Comments 1 Min Read. Penn Claims Rib Injury Influenced Loss To Matt Hughes", "UFC 63: Matt Hughes Gets Revenge On B.J. Knocked out by the big hands of Koscheck, Hughes did something curious after the loss. Sing A Country Boy Can Survive in the Style of "Hank Williams, Jr.". Hughes lost to Alves by TKO at 1:02 of the second round. Penn at the post-fight interview.[119]. Everything Else (The Really Unlikely Ones). Some people have asked why I raised his hand at the end. Shaking hands, signing autographs, being a world title holder and being inducted into the Hall of Fame, this is beyond what I ever would have pictured my life being. Morbi eu nulla vehicula, sagittis tortor id, fermentum nunc. If any content is used from this article, kindly backlink to this page. He also told me that, no matter what the decision was, he was done with the rivalry". Sonnen. [126], The UFC announced on January 24, 2013, that Matt Hughes retired from fighting and was named a Vice President of Athlete Development and Government Relations. Catchweight (174 lbs) bout; Alves missed weight. [140] Matt and his twin brother were born on their father's birthday. Your login session has expired. After stringing together a trio of victories, and then a flash knockout to longtime rival B.J Penn. With two minutes to go he knocked Gracie down with a leg kick. I can live with that. Genres Music Videos and Concerts Subtitles https://www.tmz.com/2019/02/26/ufc-matt-hughes-domestic-violence-restraining-order/, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. [145] On September 19, 2019, news surfaced that Hughes sued Norfolk Southern Railway and several of its employees for the 2017 train crash. Unfortunately, with Penn tied up at 155 for the forseeable future, the timing of this fight just doesn't seem likely.Rickson Gracie: If Hughes wants to cement his "Gracie Hunter" image, he needs to go after the big dog. From king of the world to on the way out, all in the span of a year.Sure, Hughes isin't that old per se. The documentary is a good reflection of Hughes deep-seeded ability to never quit. I didn't even know Matt Hughes was in a horrific accident that almost killed him, until I saw him speak at a UFC Fight last year. [17] Hughes went to Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois, before transferring to Lincoln College, in Lincoln, Illinois and then on to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE: Matt Hughes' Fight for Survival 02:22. Really, really badly. [109], Hughes won the grudge match against Serra at UFC 98 via unanimous decision. [84], On November 18, 2006, at UFC 65: Bad Intentions, Georges St-Pierre defeated Hughes by TKO via strikes at 1:25 of round two, ending Hughes's title reign. The fight marked the first time Hughes had been knocked out (he had previously lost via technical knockout). [113] Hughes defeated Renzo Gracie, the 1st cousin once removed of his opponent at UFC 60, via third round TKO at UFC 112: Invincible, setting the record for most UFC wins with 17. I mean the only thing I don't like about it is it's a three-round fight and I've trained for five rounds. [77][78] In the process, Hughes became the first man to stop Penn in a fight. Please logout and login again. Donec gravida mi a condimentum rutrum. [10][11][12][13], A long-time member of Miletich Fighting Systems, Hughes left the Miletich camp in late 2007 to start Team Hughes. [108] On January 9, 2009, Hughes confirmed on his blog that UFC 98 would likely be the day he and Serra met in the Octagon. TRENDING > Watch Matt Hughes land the ultimate slam on Carlos Newton at UFC 34 (full fight video). Walking away right now saves Hughes from a lot of indignities that a lot of fighters suffer on their way down from the peaks of MMA. 101.5 KGB Wants You To Experience The Celebration Of 100 Years Of Disney At The Disneyland Resort. Be the first one to comment on this story. [36] At the start of the third round, Hughes quickly slammed Sakurai to the ground, again staying three minutes on top. In an interview with Burt Watson in 2021, Hughes opened up about his therapy and recovery, saying: Matt Hughes' documentary A Country Boy Can Survive aired during the UFC's 25th anniversary. Country Boy Can Survive: The Story of Matt Hughes Fight for Survival is the raw, emotional recounting of the struggle of Hughes and his family from the time that Hughes was still fighting until the accident and then his recovery. [71] Before the stoppage, Gracie was caught in an armlock from the side mount position;[71] although Hughes appeared to have the submission in place, Gracie would not tap out. [53], Hughes faced Penn's training partner Renato Verissimo at UFC 48: Payback, winning via unanimous decision (30-27; 3027; 29-28). I didn't expect that but I also think that had nothing to do with the outcome of the fight. He had regarded Hughes as his idol, not as someone he could beat. In fact, it was Hughes's only loss in his last 19 fights. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS. [90] This was the first season where the coaches did not fight each other after the conclusion of the show, because Franklin and Hughes were champions in different weight divisions. COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE: Matt Hughes' Fight for Survival. Released in 1982, "A Country Boy Can Survive" became a signature song for Hank Williams Jr., one of the most prolific artists in country music. The official description, courtesy of the UFC: Matt Hughes was a dominant UFC champion, but after his hall of fame career came to a close, he faced his toughest fight ever, this time, for his very survival. Marvel Comics & Venom #17 Spoilers & Review: Can Eddie Brock Finally Rid Himself Of Bedlam His Rage Made Flesh If So, Whos Next?! He looked too strong for Sakurai. Hughes agreed to head coach again for The Ultimate Fighter 6, alongside then-UFC Welterweight Champion, Matt Serra. [49], Hughes's next fight took place at UFC 56: Full Force, where he was scheduled to fight Judo practitioner Karo Parisyan. [149], For other people named Matthew or Matt Hughes, see. The result was officially announced as a KO at 1:27 of the second round. The former fighter failed to notice an oncoming train due to the absence of railroad crossing signs in the area. Hughes placed fifth in the nation at 158lb. It would be epic. The UFC celebrated its 25-year anniversary with a series of poignant short documentaries, collectively titled 25 Years in Short. In April, the docuseries received a Sports Emmy Award nomination in the Outstanding Edited Sports Special or Series category. [28] The stoppage came at 4:34 of the first round. A win in that fight would give him all the momentumnot to mention microphone timethe Long Island native would need to call out Hughes again. [17], His college career started at Southwestern Illinois College. [49], Hughes kept the title until UFC 46: Supernatural,[50] when he was submitted by Hawaiian Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist B.J. Feel free to Sign Up today. Most people don't start collecting their pension at age thirty-six, after all. Hughes now had four wins over mixed martial artists with ties to the Gracies, including UFC pioneer Royce Gracie, the prior mentioned Renzo Gracie and former champ Serra. Designed & Developed by, COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE: The Story of Matt Hughes Fight for Survival, Patricio Pitbull claims hed beat his UFC counterpart Max Holloway no problem, Alexander Gustafsson wants to beat Anthony Smith and remain busy in 2019, Kevin Holland submits an internet troll after online challenge accepted. Their first two encounterssplit evenlyare two of the most exciting welterweight title fights in UFC history, and there is unfinished business in their feud without a doubt. -B.J. Matthew Allen Hughes was born on October 13, 1973, in Hillsboro, Illinois. Actually I didn't, he raised mine. After Southwestern dropped their wrestling program, Hughes transferred to Lincoln College, where he placed third in the nation, notching a 333 record for the Lynx. I started training too much, too hard, for too long. Hughes has no nickname, although because of his successes against Gracie Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) practitioners such as Royce Gracie, Renzo Gracie, Ricardo Almeida, and Matt Serra, people often refer to him as "the Gracie Killer" (the same as Sakuraba's nickname). [123] However, Sanchez missed the bout with an injury and was replaced by Josh Koscheck. Hughes started the second round with powerful leg kicks, but after that Gracie returned to his in-and-out punching style. Matt Hughes - Entrance & Introduction - UFC 60 - A Country Boy Can Survive - Hank Williams Matt Hughes: UFC Legend Talks about life after his accident. [9] He was also regarded by many analysts and several media outlets as one of the greatest welterweight fighters of all time, as well as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport's history. Hughes was involved in a tragic accident in June of 2017 when the pickup he was driving was hit by a train. Hughes is an amazing fighter. [130] The book debuted at No. And heres the thing that keeps coming to mind. [87] Nearing the end of the first round, St-Pierre landed a Superman punch, which floored Hughes. Didnt he get some brain damage in his accident? Hughes never liked the idea, however, and considers himself primarily an amateur and submission wrestler.[15]. Hughes got double underhooks and managed to take Gracie down briefly. Matthew Allen Hughes (born October 13, 1973)[4] is an American retired mixed martial artist with a background in wrestling. [26] In the process, Hallman handed Hughes his first professional defeat. This was a huge fight for me. I remember watching Matt Hughes slamming people through the floor. [44][45], Hughes faced former WFA Welterweight Champion Frank Trigg at the main event of UFC 45: Revolution. upbringing on a farm in Illinois or his adolescent slugfests with We dont take it overly serious, and neither should you. Hughes was a two-time 145lb IHSA Class A state wrestling champion. He returned to the promotion at UFC 26: Ultimate Field of Dreams, where he defeated Marcelo Aguiar via TKO, throwing some elbows which cut Aguiar and forced the doctor to end the match. doing a big bore kit. In 2007, Hughes participated as a guest coach for long-time friend and training partner, Jens Pulver during The Ultimate Fighter 5 season. Their rivalry stemmed from the time when Serra was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter and Hughes was guest coach. Former two-time UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2017 after the truck he was travelling in was hit by a train. [127], In the UFC, Hughes frequently used the song "A Country Boy Can Survive" by Hank Williams, Jr. as he made his entrance towards the Octagon. Hughes is reaching that point and anything further would be watching Liddell go out on his shield repeatedly. With a tough matchup with Josh Koscheck looming, one question remained: Did Hughes have anything left after a career spent as one of the most dominant welterweights of all time? I don't have pressure of possibly losing my title. Hughes opened the second round with a quick takedown, moving up to side-control and then landed an elbow that cut Lytle. -Dana White told Hughes in the cage at UFC 63. He constantly had to fight throughout his career, as he did after the accident. [82], St-Pierre stepped into the ring to promote his upcoming title fight against Hughes, stating that he was glad that Hughes won his fight, but that he was "not impressed" by Hughes's performance. Pull List Roundtable 6/29/2022 Avengers, Superman, X-Men, Batman & More. Hughes has appeared at a few UFC events and functions since the accident and the filming of the documentary. I've been good at it. 21 on the New York Times bestseller list. Rematch with Matt SerraThese two first met at UFC 98 in May of last year, in what was supposed to be the blow off match in their heated rivalry. Discussion in 'UFC Discussion' started by kore, May 11, 2020. Non-title bout. I'm really, really happy. Louis. Get free classic rock music live from a radio station in San Diego, California - 101KGB is an iHeartRadio station and home of The DSC Show with features like classic rock music news, San Diego concerts and shows, funny story jokes, celebrity interviews, Babes & Bikes, hot babes photos and more! Sherk took Hughes down again in the fifth round, but the champion controlled the rest of the time sprawl-and-brawling as he finished on top. Fight one of the AKA TrinityFor months, the American Kickboxing Academy trio of Jon Fitch/Josh Koscheck/Mike Swick have been calling Matt Hughes out in the MMA media. [41], At UFC 42: Sudden Impact, Hughes faced future UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk, winning via unanimous decision. [19], After graduation Hughes continued wrestling at Eastern Illinois University, where he was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American placing eighth in 1996 and fifth in 1997 at 158lb. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. At this point in his career even if he can prove that he has a durable chin, and these were both flukes, he hasnt shown that he can even fight at the highest levels. Former two-time UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2017 after the truck he was travelling in was hit by a train. #bigborekit #diy #electraglideclassic #harleydavidson #iowa #downforthewinter". When it appeared that the fight would be stopped, the bell rang signaling the end of the first round. In the UFC, Hughes frequently used the song "A Country Boy Can Survive" by Hank Williams, Jr. as he made his entrance towards the Octagon. Anderson Silvas son Gabriel Silva gets knocked out in 1st round Fedor Emelianenko on Ring Girls: Dress them more decent. I had a lot on the line. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts He won in 1991 and 1992 while attending Hillsboro High School. I was really surprised. [36] In round 2, Sakurai landed a right hand that sent Hughes to the mat; despite this, Matt won the round by spending three minutes hitting Sakurai with elbows from the top position. At the UFC 56 live broadcast, Joe Rogan said: "My favorite walk-out song in all the UFC, A country boy can survive." Autobiography 4K views, 67 likes, 9 loves, 11 comments, 23 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from UFC Fight Pass: COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE: After Matt Hughes' hall of fame career came to a close, he faced his toughest. [141][142] On June 18, Hughes's family released a statement that he had no broken bones or internal injuries but was unconscious and unresponsive. [132][133] The show is closely related to the Texas Trophy Hunters Association. Finally, Hughes mounted his opponent, but Lytle swept and was able to reverse that position. After nearly two minutes of struggling, Hughes broke free, picked Trigg up, carried him across the Octagon and slammed him to the ground. Lost Golden Age Heroes & Sidekicks Exposed Whos Who Style! " A Country Boy Can Survive " is a song written and recorded by American musician Hank Williams Jr. This page was last edited on 16 January 2023, at 08:02. Sell the revenge angle, try to get Hallman over with casual fans, and hope to hell he doesn't make it 3-0 and totally put Hughes's last minute resurgence into a hole. This video makes me sad but inspires me with his tenacity and the love of his wife and kids. In order to sell this fight, the UFC would have to make smoke where there really isn't a fire.The best way I could see this working is to put the fight on in Chicagothe closest thing to Matt Hughes's hometown. Unfortunately, Hughes story doesnt yet have the fairy-tail ending that was hoped for in the documentary. Win Tickets To The Red Hot Chili Peppers at San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium! Like the first round, they stood up for a moment. UFC 25 Years in Short premiered on UFC Fight Pass in fall of 2018, so the time is right to showcase it to a new audience, UFC senior vice president of production and programming Chris Kartzmark stated. Hes been in, or close to, the main event of nearly every card hes been on. On Tuesday, the promotion released the seventh film in the series, COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE: The story of Matt Hughes Fight for Survival.. Matt Hughes was a dominant UFC champion, but after his hall of fame career came to a close, he faced his toughest fight ever, this time, for his very survival. Hughes also did nearly everything a top UFC fighter couldve. A late stand up led to a second takedown by Sherk. This is "COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE FINAL CUT" by First Row Films on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them. [116] Hughes landed a huge left hook that knocked Almeida down, sinking in the very deep choke which earned him the Submission of the Night honors. Riggs failed to make weight (172.5 lbs). ). Penn and Koscheck both caught Hughes with big shots, of course, but there are only a certain amount of times you can be knocked out in combat sports before you lose any durability. St-Pierre apologized, saying he had misunderstood something Hughes had said on the microphone and did not mean to offend him. The slam is considered to be one of the greatest in MMA history. Penn (Pictures) in rounds one and two to avenge his 2004 loss to the Hawaiian with a come-from-behind TKO win at 3:53 of the third. Matt Hughes was a dominant UFC champion, but after his hall of fame career came to a close, he faced his toughest fight ever, this time, for his very survival. Sure, Rickson is 51 years old and hasn't had an MMA fight in over a decade. [86] However, Hughes stated in the post-fight interview that the second kick mainly affected his legs, rather than his groin. Immediately after the Alves fight, Hughes stated that he had "one more fight" left in him, and that he wanted to fight Matt Serra. [139] Hughes and his wife have two daughters together. Instead of announcing his retirement, like some thought, he asked to be put on the shelf for a while by the UFC. [43] In round two, they started to trade punches, but eventually Hughes took Sherk down. Enter To WIN An Epic Arizona Bike Week Package from LAW TIGERS! 47 Likes, TikTok video from Matt Andries (@mattandries): "built a bike stand. ", Hughes then signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC. In a come-from-behind fight, Hughes was caught in a triangle choke by then-champion Carlos Newton, but he lifted Newton in the air and slammed him to the mat,[32] causing Newton to hit his head and lose consciousness just as Hughes was himself on the verge of blacking out from the choke. You are the greatest champion of all time. Hughes will be the guy always held over GSP, too, when it comes to the discussion of that fighters legacy despite GSP finishing Hughes the second two times in their trilogy of fights. The fight quickly went to the ground, with Trigg ground-and-pounding Hughes, then attempting a rear naked choke. [35] In the first round of the fight, Hughes spent all the time either clinching Sakurai up against the fence, or ripping his feet out from under him. [1] It is considered one of Williams's signature songs even though it never reached number one. [89] Hughes secured an armbar at the end of round one, but Lytle was saved by the bell. [48] The choke earned Hughes the Tapout of the Night Submission Award. I was [also] surprised by the strength difference, and especially when I was on the ground with him. [81] Despite the injury, Penn congratulated Hughes, calling him a great fighter and saying he deserved the victory.[81]. Fan's Take", "UFC History: 20 Best UFC Fighters Of All-Time", "Ranking Chuck Liddell and the UFC Hall of Fame inductees", Fight Night Goiania Free Fight: Thiago Alves vs. Matt Hughes, "Former Lincoln College Wrestler Matt Hughes to Be Inducted in the NJCAA Wrestling Hall of Fame", "Matt Hughes vs Ricardo Almeida-ADCC 2000", "History of the UFC 12.10.07: UFC XXVI Ultimate Field of Dreams", "History of the UFC 01.07.07: UFC XXIX Defense of the Belts", "History of the UFC 03.03.08: UFC XXXIV High Votlage", "Rampage Jackson and the 6 Most Devastating Slams in MMA History", "The Seven Most Brutal KO Slams in MMA History", "25 Best Championship Fights in UFC History", "History of the UFC 03.24.08: UFC XXXVI Worlds Collide", "Matt Hughes vs. Carlos Newton II, UFC 38", "History of the UFC 05.12.08: UFC XL Vendetta", "History of the UFC 06.09.08: UFC XLII: Sudden Impact", "Sean "The Muscle Shark Sherk MMA Stats, Pictures, New, Videos, Biography", "History of the UFC 07.14.08: UFC XLVI Supernatural", "BJ Penn sues Zuffa over Stripping of Welterweight title", "History of the UFC 08.18.08: UFC XLVI Supernatural", "Top 5 UFC fights in the promotion's modern history", "Top 10 Best MMA Comeback wins of All-Time", "UFC 52: Matt Hughes Survives To Defeat Arch Nemesis Frank Trigg", "Riggs's Failed Weigh-In Makes UFC History", "UFC 56: Hughes vs. Riggs, Franklin vs. Matt Hughes fought Tito Ortiz for the bronze medal (3rd place) and was defeated. The official description, courtesy of the UFC: Matt Hughes was a dominant UFC champion, but after his hall of fame career came to a close, he faced his toughest fight ever, this time, for his. Be the first to review this item 4min 1982 PG-13. I just had a good night that night, and he had a bad night. Hughes started the match with a big slam and then began to attack from Castillo's guard with elbows and punches. Any fights against a top contender or prospect he hasnt fought already, from Rory McDonald to Jon Fitch, would end in a similar way as his fight against the Ultimate Fighter semi-finalist. He finished with an 8015 record for Eastern Illinois. Serra did not like the way Hughes criticized other contestants on the show and was disgusted when Hughes constantly picked on Georges St-Pierre during a lunch break and bragged about his submission victory. [121] The bout was ended at 21 seconds into the first round, with Hughes trilogy against Penn ending at 12. Widely considered among the greatest fighters in the history of MMA, he is a former two-time UFC Welterweight Champion, UFC Hall of Fame inductee, and NJCAA Hall of Fame inductee. Chuck Liddell was knocked out repeatedly in violent ways; Wanderlei Silva is following the same path. Hughes faced Dennis Hallman in a rematch at UFC 29: Defense of the Belts. White further stated that he had seen the film at least 50 times, but was still getting emotional talking about it. [25] He won his next fight via submission due to strikes. [137] In response to outrage over trophy hunting pictures posted on his Twitter account in 2012, Hughes called some of the commenters "PETA idiots" and told them to stop following his page. At UFC 60: Hughes vs. Gracie,[70] on May 27, 2006, Hughes defeated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend and UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie in a non-title, catch-weight bout by TKO (strikes) at 4:39 of the first round.