Former UFC welterweight champion, and current UFC Hall of Famer, Matt Hughes (45-9) is currently on a two fight losing skid, suffering first round knockout losses to Josh Koscheck at UFC 135 and to BJ Penn at UFC 123.
After the defeat to Koscheck, Hughes said he was going to evaluate his future as a fighter, even considering hanging up the gloves to join the likes of other former champions such as Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture in retirement.
Hughes was on hand at the United Center for last nights UFC on FOX 2 show in Chicago, Ill. and took a few moments to speak to reporter Ariel Helwani who asked about the former champions future plans.
“I want to fight again. My wife tells me I’m going to retire. Dana (White) is the deciding vote and we’ll talk with him to see what happens…I haven’t talked to him tonight so I don’t know yet to be honest.”
Helwani responds by inquiring about his wife’s thoughts asking whether or not she should be one to help make that final decision, noting that “happy life, happy wife.”
“No I think Dana can be the final decision maker. My wife is a great lady but she is not going to tell me when Matt Hughes retires.”
If he fights again, when could fans expect to see him in the Octagon again.
“I’m just hoping that I can fight next. We’ll see what happens, and I’m not scouting anybody out. I’m just hoping the opportunity is still there…As soon as this ole’body can get back in shape I’d love to jump back in there. That’s another question he’ll (White) will answer for me.”
Hughes last held the UFC welterweight title back in November 2006 when he faced Georges St-Pierre at UFC 65. GSP would go on to win via second round TKO to take the title from Hughes.