Matt Hughes facts for kids
Matthew Allen Hughes (born December 13, 1978) is a retired American mixed martial artist. He is famous for being a two-time UFC Welterweight Champion and is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame. Matt had two separate winning streaks of six fights each. He beat many top fighters in his weight class, including six former UFC Champions. Matt also coached on the reality TV shows The Ultimate Fighter 2 and The Ultimate Fighter 6. He was also the host of Trophy Hunters TV.
On June 16, 2017, Matt was in a serious accident. A train hit his truck near his home. He was hospitalized with a head injury.
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Amazing Achievements in Fighting
Matt Hughes achieved a lot during his career as a fighter. He earned many awards and honors.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
- UFC Welterweight Champion: Matt won this title two times!
- Title Defenses: He successfully defended his championship seven times. This is one of the highest numbers of defenses in the welterweight division.
- UFC Hall of Fame: Matt is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame. This is a very special honor for fighters who have made a big impact.
- Most Wins: He had 18 wins in the UFC. This places him among the fighters with the most wins in the organization's history.
- Most Finishes: He had 13 "finishes" (wins by knockout or submission) in the welterweight division.
- Winning Streaks: Matt had two different times where he won six fights in a row in the UFC.
- Beating Champions: He defeated six different fighters who were also UFC champions.
Other Awards and Honors
Matt was recognized by many different sports groups for his skills:
- Black Belt Magazine: He was named the "NHB Fighter of the Year" in 2006 and is in their Hall of Fame.
- Bleacher Report: They named him the "Welterweight of the Decade" for the 2000s.
- Sports Illustrated: They ranked him as the #3 Fighter of the Decade for the 2000s. They also listed two of his fights as some of the greatest UFC fights ever.
- MMAFighting: He was named the "Welterweight Fighter of the Year" in 2002 and 2003.
Amateur Wrestling Success
Before his mixed martial arts career, Matt was a very successful amateur wrestler.
- NCAA Division 1 All-American: He was named an All-American two times while wrestling for Eastern Illinois University.
- In 1996, he placed 8th in the 158 lb weight class.
- In 1997, he placed 5th in the 158 lb weight class.
- NJCAA All-American: He was also a two-time All-American in junior college and is in the NJCAA Hall of Fame.
- Illinois High School Champion: Matt won the Illinois state wrestling championship twice in high school (1991 and 1992).
Submission Grappling
- Grapplers Quest: In 2002, he won the Middleweight Advanced Champion title at the Grapplers Quest West Championships.
Books About Matt Hughes
- (2008) Made in America: The Most Dominant Champion in UFC History. This book tells the story of his career.
