Matt Hughes is a retired American mixed martial artist and collegiate wrestler. Widely considered among the greatest fighters in the history of MMA, Hughes is a former two-time UFC Welterweight Champion, UFC Hall of Fame inductee, and NJCAA Hall of Fame inductee.

Raised on a farm in rural Illinois, where hard work wasn’t optional—it was a way of life, Hughes learned discipline and grit from an early age. The daily demands of farm life instilled in him a tireless work ethic and physical toughness that would later define his fighting style.

Hughes began wrestling in junior high and quickly excelled, going on to dominate at Hillsboro High School, undefeated both junior and senior seasons. He was a 2X IHSA State Champion and 2X NCAA D1 All-American for Eastern Illinois University.

Breaking into MMA in 1998, Hughes was known for his dominating wrestling and suffocating ground-and-pound, earning nicknames like "the Gracie Killer" after submitting several Brazilian jiu-jitsu legends. After joining the UFC in 1999, Hughes put together two separate six-fight winning streaks, defeated all the available opposition in the welterweight division, and defended the belt a then-record seven times. During his reign, Hughes was considered the #1 pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world.

Hughes announced his retirement from fighting in 2013 and was named Vice President of Athlete Development and Government Relations for the UFC. Hughes went on to write an autobiography, became a host on many TV shows, including Texas Trophy Hunters, Uncaged with Matt Hughes, and The Takedown with Matt Hughes.

On June 16, 2017, Hughes was involved in a horrendous accident where the truck he was driving was struck by a train. As a result of this collision, he suffered a very serious brain injury; a stage 3 diffuse axonal brain injury.

Hughes was helping a local farmer deliver diesel fuel to a nearby farm and crossed a set of railroad tracks on a narrow country road. He did not see or hear the approaching train due to the absence of railroad crossing gates, railroad lights, or a train whistle.

After spending several weeks in a coma, it was unlikely that Hughes would ever wake up. If he did regain consciousness, due to the amount of brain damage, he was expected to suffer from a serious condition known as “locked-in syndrome”.

Medical experts gave their predictions, but God had other plans. Not only did Hughes regain consciousness, but he re-learned how to walk, speak, and live with independence.

In retirement, Hughes has found joy in staying active and engaged each day. He works for a local township, volunteers for his church, and goes to the gym every day. Hughes stays connected to his old sport by doing appearances for the UFC, teaching MMA seminars, and mentoring young fighters. Hughes also attends therapy once a week to continue treating his TBI.

In 2024, Hughes founded the Matt Hughes Project: A non-profit that provides support to brain injury survivors who have served in our nation's military.

As you may hear Hughes say often, "Any day the dirt runs down the drain in my shower is a good day, and proof that I showed up for life today."

Hughes’ present days are full, purposeful, and rewarding.