UFC Hall-of-Famer Matt Hughes speaks out regarding the domestic abuse allegations that recently came to light.
UFC Hall-of-Famer Matt Hughes is currently embroiled in some controversy. On Tuesday, a TMZ report claimed that the former long-time UFC welterweight champion was issued a restraining order after his wife claimed to have been physically abused since 2017.
Court documents were brought to light, stating that the alleged abuse had been going on while Hughes was recovering from brain injuries resulting from his train collision in June of the aforementioned year.
On Wednesday, Hughes immediately released an official statement via Instagram, denying these claims.
Since my train accident in June of 2017, my life has been changed forever. Some days have been absolute hell. The challenges and battles that I have faced have been far greater than anything I ever took on in a cage. I am not the same person since my accident, even though, everyday I continue to try to be as normal as someone with a brain injury can be.
I understand that it is not fun to teach a grown man to learn to do everything all over again. I understand that I am a burden to those around me. I understand that I am an inconvenience to my family.
Unfortunately, my marriage was not perfect long before the accident, but NEVER, NEVER, NEVER would I, or have I, physically hurt those who I care about most.
I do not resent those who are trying to hurt me and paint me out to be a monster through these false accusations. I understand now that they are just doing what they need to do in order to rid me of their lives forever so theirs can return to normalcy. I feel awful that my accident turned their world upside-down also.
To those of you who have helped me, supported me, cared for me, and prayed for me- I truly cannot thank you enough. To my supporters who defended me and never believed these untrue, disgraceful reports for a second- thank you.
If there is one silver lining that this accident has revealed, it is the ability to see who my true friends are. To know who are faithful and have never given up on me even when I am at my lowest. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I do not know where I would be without you. Please keep the prayers coming. God knows I need them.
Hughes was inducted into the UFC Hall-of-Fame in 2010, and subsequently retired three years later. He was once again honored during the UFC St. Louis broadcast in January 2018 after recovering from the accident.