UFC Hall of Famer and former welterweight champion Matt Hughes took on Josh Koscheck at last night’s UFC 135.
In a back and forth stand-up battle, Hughes and Koscheck exchanged a myriad of strikes before the former top contender took top control and finished the fight, knocking Hughes out.
Despite the loss, Hughes showed a vastly improved boxing game, taking a page out of Georges St. Pierre’s book by landing his jab over and over again. Late in the first round, Hughes also landed a nice knee in the clinch.
Koscheck, however, landed the more effective strikes, repeatedly hammering Hughes with his powerful overhand right as well as with uppercuts in the clinch.
Overall, Koscheck out struck Hughes, landing 29 strikes out of 54 attempts to Hughes 13 strikes out of 53 tries.
This was a peculiar fight because both fighters are known for their wrestling, which was non-existent in this match. Hughes did not attempt a single take down while Koscheck had his only take down attempt stuffed.
This is Hughes’ second straight, first round loss via knockout, having previous been stopped by BJ Penn at UFC 123. That loss came in just 21 seconds.
Speculation has arisen over whether the former champion and Hall of Famer will hang up the gloves for good.
“I think he’s going to retire,” UFC President Dana White said at the post-fight press conference. WHite also said that Hughes will be flying out to Las Vegas next month to discuss his options, as this fight with Koscheck was the last on his contract.
Stay tuned to B/R for all the post-fight reactions from UFC 135.