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2024-09-22 08:20:01

Matt Hughes

Former UFC Welterweight Champion and Hall of Famer
Former UFC Welterweight Champion and Hall of Famer

Matt Hughes is a legendary MMA fighter with a record of 45-9-0. He is known for his successful career in the UFC and his contributions to the sport.

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1973-10-13
Birth of Matthew Allen Hughes

Matthew Allen Hughes, an American retired mixed martial artist known for his wrestling background, was born in Hillsboro, Illinois. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of MMA.

1998-01-01
Hughes MMA Debut at JKD Challenge

Matt Hughes made his mixed martial arts debut at Joe Goytia's JKD Challenge on January 1, 1998. He quickly defeated his opponent via KO with a signature slam move.

1998-10-17
Hughes Fights at Extreme Challenge 21

At Extreme Challenge 21 on October 17, 1998, Matt Hughes fought and won two matches against Victor Hunsaker and Dave Menne. However, he suffered his first professional defeat against Dennis Hallman.

1999-09-24
Hughes UFC Debut at UFC 22

Matt Hughes made his UFC debut at UFC 22 on September 24, 1999, defeating Valeri Ignatov via unanimous decision. This marked his entry into the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

2000-09
Matt Hughes vs Dennis Hallman

In September 2000, Matt Hughes faced Dennis Hallman in a fight where Hughes secured a victory over Hallman.

2001-11-02
Hughes Wins UFC Welterweight Title at UFC 34

At UFC 34 on November 2, 2001, Matt Hughes won his first UFC World Welterweight title in a dramatic fight against Carlos Newton. Hughes slammed Newton to the mat, causing him to lose consciousness and securing the championship.

2002-03-22
Matt Hughes defends championship belt against Hayato Sakurai at UFC 36

Matt Hughes successfully defended his championship belt at UFC 36 by defeating former Shooto Middleweight Champion Hayato Sakurai via TKO due to strikes in the fourth round. Hughes dominated the fight by clinching Sakurai against the fence and landing strikes.

2002-07-13
Matt Hughes wins by KO/TKO with punches

On July 13, 2002, Matt Hughes achieved victory in a fight by knockout or technical knockout using punches.

2002-11-22
Matt Hughes defeats Gil Castillo at UFC 40

At UFC 40, Matt Hughes fought Gil Castillo, winning via TKO. Hughes dominated the match with a big slam, ground-and-pound attacks, and strong defense against submission attempts.

2003-04-25
Matt Hughes wins against Sean Sherk at UFC 42

Matt Hughes faced Sean Sherk at UFC 42, winning via unanimous decision. Hughes controlled the fight with takedowns, ground control, and effective striking, becoming the first man to defeat Sherk.

2003-11-21
Matt Hughes defeats Frank Trigg at UFC 45

In the main event of UFC 45, Matt Hughes faced Frank Trigg in a tactical grappling match-up, finishing Trigg with a standing rear naked choke in the first round.

2004-01-31
UFC 46: Supernatural

Matt Hughes lost his welterweight title to B.J. Penn via rear naked choke in the first round, despite being heavily favored to win. The title was vacated due to a contract dispute between Penn and the UFC.

2004-06-04
UFC 48: Payback

Matt Hughes defeated Renato Verissimo via unanimous decision after being caught in a tight triangle choke in the first round. He won the second and third rounds to secure the victory.

2004-06-19
UFC 48 - Payback

Matt Hughes defeated Renato Verissimo at UFC 48 with a Decision (Unanimous) in 2004.

2004-10-22
UFC 50: The War of '04

Matt Hughes regained the vacant welterweight title by submitting Georges St-Pierre via armbar in the final second of the first round. The fight was competitive with Hughes showing dominance.

2005-04-15
Matt Hughes vs Frank Trigg II - UFC 52

In April 2005, Matt Hughes defended his championship against Frank Trigg in a highly anticipated rematch. After a tough start, Hughes displayed incredible resilience by reversing Trigg's position, slamming him down, and securing a rear naked choke for the win.

2005-04-16
UFC 52: Couture vs. Liddell 2

Matt Hughes retained his title against Trigg in a historic rematch. After a challenging start where Hughes was staggered, he managed to secure a victory with a rear naked choke, considered one of UFC's greatest fights.

2005-11-19
UFC 56: Full Force

Matt Hughes was scheduled to fight Karo Parisyan but ended up facing Joe Riggs due to Parisyan's injury. The match became a non-title fight as Riggs could not meet the weight limit, marking a unique situation in UFC history.

2006-05-27
Hughes vs. Gracie at UFC 60

Matt 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. Hughes had Gracie caught in an armlock from the side mount position, but Gracie refused to tap out.

2006-09-23
Matt Hughes wins by KO/TKO

On September 23, 2006, Matt Hughes achieved victory by knockout or technical knockout in a match where he landed punches. The fight lasted 3 rounds and ended at 3 minutes and 53 seconds.

2006-11-18
Georges St-Pierre defeats Matt Hughes at UFC 65

Georges St-Pierre defeated Matt Hughes at UFC 65: Bad Intentions by TKO via strikes in round two, ending Hughes's title reign. St-Pierre landed a Superman punch in the first round and a head kick in the second round to secure the victory.

2007-03-03
Matt Hughes defeats Chris Lytle at UFC 68

Matt Hughes returned to the Octagon for UFC 68: Uprising, defeating Chris Lytle by unanimous decision. Hughes showcased his skills with takedowns, ground control, and submission attempts throughout the fight.

2007-12-29
Armbar Submission Victory of Matt Hughes over Chris Lytle

On December 29, 2007, Matt Hughes secured a victory over Chris Lytle with an armbar submission in the 2nd round at 4 minutes and 54 seconds. The win showcased Hughes' grappling skills and dominance in the fight.

2008-01-01
Release of Matt Hughes Autobiography

Matt Hughes released his autobiography 'Made in America: The Most Dominant Champion in UFC History' on January 1, 2008, which became a New York Times bestseller.

2008-06-07
UFC 85 - Bedlam

Matt Hughes was defeated by Georges St. Pierre at UFC 85 through TKO (Flying Knee and Punches) in 2008.

2008-09-15
Matt Hughes Inducted into EIU Hall of Fame

In 2008, Matt Hughes was inducted into the EIU Hall of Fame, as reported on matt-hughes.com.

2009-05-23
Hughes vs. Serra Grudge Match at UFC 98

Matt Hughes confirmed on his blog that he would be facing Matt Serra at UFC 98, where he won via unanimous decision in a grudge match. The fight was intense with both fighters showcasing their skills, ultimately earning Fight of the Night honors.

2010-01-02
Birth of Second Daughter

On January 2, 2010, Matt Hughes and his wife welcomed their second daughter. The couple also has two other children, including a son from his wife's previous relationship.

2010-04-10
Matt Hughes vs Matt Serra Fight

On April 10, 2010, Matt Hughes defeated Matt Serra by KO/TKO with punches in the third round at 4:40, securing a victory.

2010-05-28
Induction into UFC Hall of Fame

On May 28, 2010, Matt Hughes was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, acknowledging his contributions to the sport and his remarkable career achievements.

2010-08-07
Matt Hughes vs. Ricardo Almeida at UFC 117

Matt Hughes defeated Ricardo Almeida with a front headlock submission in round 1 at UFC 117. Hughes landed a left hook, followed by a deep choke, earning him Submission of the Night honors.

2010-11-20
Matt Hughes vs. B.J. Penn III at UFC 123

Matt Hughes faced B.J. Penn in a rubber match at UFC 123. Penn knocked out Hughes in the first round, marking Hughes' first knockout loss and hinting at retirement.

2011-09-24
Matt Hughes vs. Josh Koscheck at UFC 135

Matt Hughes faced Josh Koscheck at UFC 135 after Diego Sanchez's injury. Hughes lost via KO in the first round despite showing improved striking.

2012-03-01
Matt Hughes Inducted into NJCAA Hall of Fame

Matt Hughes was honored with induction into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2012, according to matt-hughes.com.

2012-07-12
Matt Hughes Inducted into Champions Database

Matt Hughes was added to the Champions Database, as reported on nwhof.org in 2012.

2013-01-24
Matt Hughes Retirement

On January 24, 2013, Matt Hughes retired from fighting and was appointed as Vice President of Athlete Development and Government Relations at the UFC.

2013-07-04
Host of Uncaged with Matt Hughes

On July 4, 2013, Matt Hughes became the host of Uncaged with Matt Hughes, a show that aired on Saturdays on the Sportsman Channel.

2014-10-07
Host of The Takedown with Matt Hughes

On October 7, 2014, Matt Hughes partnered with producer Joe David Garza to host The Takedown with Matt Hughes, a series that aired on Sundays on the Sportsman Channel. The show was nominated for 'Best New Series' in 2015 at the Sportsman's Choice Awards.

2017-06-16
Matt Hughes hospitalized after train accident

On June 16, 2017, Matt Hughes was hospitalized with a serious head injury following a train accident near his home in Montgomery County, Illinois.

2017-06-17
Matt Hughes Injured in Truck vs. Train Accident

UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes was seriously injured in a truck vs. train accident on June 17, 2017.

2019-09-19
Lawsuit against Norfolk Southern Railway

On September 19, 2019, Matt Hughes sued Norfolk Southern Railway and its employees for the 2017 train crash that resulted in his serious head injury.

2024-02-23
Matt Hughes Documentary Segment Released

A documentary segment by Century Martial Arts explores the early days of Matt Hughes in mixed martial arts.

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Matt Hughes
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