Having the title of world champion synonymous with your name is a dream that most fighters will never achieve.
Going even further, leaving a legacy that fans will talk about decades from now is never even on the radar until a champion reaches the twilight of their career.
For UFC Hall of Famer and former UFC Welterweight champion Matt Hughes, that crossroad has finally come.
Ever since he made his UFC debut almost 12 years ago, Hughes has been exciting fans with his dominating style and spectacular performances against the elite of the sport. Still possessing the title as the longest reigning welterweight champion in UFC history, Hughes has left a legacy that few fighters will ever match.
Now set to face Diego Sanchez at UFC 135, it seems that the former All-American may be overstaying his welcome as retirement continues to loom large over the head of the aging legend.
The question remains, what more does he have to prove?
Hughes has already established himself as one of the greatest champions of all-time, putting on spectacular performances in his title fights and owning win over some of the biggest names in the sport, such as Georges St. Pierre and BJ Penn.
While still an active member of the UFC roster, the promotion bestowed upon him one of the most prestigious honors in sports, adding Hughes to the gallery of legends in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Even after his championship reign was over, Hughes put on some spectacular performances, taking out a whole slew of stars, such as Ricardo Almeida, Matt Serra, and Renzo Gracie, all in a row.
But after such a brutal knock out loss to Penn in the rubber match of their trilogy, it seems that his tank is finally reaching empty.
Sure he’s still in great shape and poses a threat to any opponent, but putting his body through this stress, especially against a top contender in Sanchez, just seems like too much.
As members of the old guard continue to be taken out one by one, fans of the fighters who took the UFC to another level do not want to see another legend retire after a few bad beatings.
Hughes is dangerously entering Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture territory, having their retirements handed to them after heart breaking losses.
I’m not saying that Hughes cannot beat Sanchez, but what does fighting him even prove?
Hughes has already admitted that he only wants to fight in bouts that interest him and that making a run at the title is unrealistic.
But just because a fight may pique his curiosity does not mean he should take them.
Win or lose on September 24th, Hughes should recognize the incredible legacy he has already set and make the decision to hang up the gloves.
The fans love him for everything he has given the sport and he has nothing left to prove to the public. All that remains is convincing himself that the name Matt Hughes will stay in the memories of fans for a long, long time.
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