Matt Hughes Is Working With Apex Brain Center To Combat His TBI

Matt Hughes is taking steps to improve his brain health. Matt Hughes is a UFC Hall of Famer and former UFC champion. Hughes walked away from fighting back in 2013 but stayed close to the sport in several different roles. In 2017 Hughes was teasing a possible return to the Octagon but then was involved…

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Matt Hughes is taking steps to improve his brain health.

Matt Hughes is a UFC Hall of Famer and former UFC champion. Hughes walked away from fighting back in 2013 but stayed close to the sport in several different roles. In 2017 Hughes was teasing a possible return to the Octagon but then was involved in a horrible accident.

Hughes was hospitalized after his truck was hit by a train in his home state of Illinois back in 2107. Hughes suffered from head trauma and was put into a medically induced coma for 19 days. Now five years later, Hughes is still dealing with some lasting effects of his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and is looking to some specialists for help.

“I’m not a little step guy, so it’s always tough for me to just not move past the little steps to the big steps,” Hughes told ABC 13 News. “But you just have to take it. Inch by inch can lead to a mile.”

Hughes is pairing up with the Apex Brain Center out of Ashville, NC to undergo treatment for TBI. Following his accident, Hughes was forced to relearn how to do almost everything in his life, from talking to walking. He visits the center twice a year for a few weeks at a time to help regain as much of his former life as he can.

“The brain injury took away my balance and I’ve always had super-good balance,” he said. “So, that would be what I don’t like the most. And I just don’t have the best memory now, so that’s another thing.”

TBI is unfortunately a part of many fighters’ lives. Repeated blows to the head can lead to permanent damage. This is an issue that has been prominent in MMA and studies with other fighters both past and present are popping up all over the world.

Do you think all MMA fighters should be checked for TBI?

Continue Reading Matt Hughes Is Working With Apex Brain Center To Combat His TBI at MMA News.

Matt Hughes Celebrates How Far He’s Come Since 2017 Train Accident

Matt HughesOn June 16 2017 UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes was involved in a near-fatal train accident. Hughes sustained a severe head injury after a train smashed into his truck at a rail crossing near his home in Montgomery, Illinois. The former welterweight champion later sued Norfolk Southern Railway company, claiming “severe, progressive and permanent […]

Matt Hughes

On June 16 2017 UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes was involved in a near-fatal train accident. Hughes sustained a severe head injury after a train smashed into his truck at a rail crossing near his home in Montgomery, Illinois. The former welterweight champion later sued Norfolk Southern Railway company, claiming “severe, progressive and permanent brain and bodily injuries” as a result of the accident.

Three years on and Hughes has taken time out to reflect on how far he’s come on his road to recovery. He posted two pictures to social media showing him in 2017 and 2020, accompanied by the following statement.

“6-16-17. My accident was 3 years ago today,” Matt Hughes wrote in the caption for his post. “In some ways it doesn’t feel like that long ago, but in other ways, my old life feels like a lifetime ago. My life has changed so much in these past 3 years. Some for the better, some for the worse. According to my MRI, I should have never woke up from my coma. I should be dead or have what is referred to as locked-in syndrome.

“About a year after my accident, I got complacent,” Hughes continued. “I wasn’t noticing any big improvements. I was depressed, I felt like a burden, I felt worthless, and I would pray for God to take me. This past year has been an awakening for me. I have a new mindset and goals. I am beyond grateful for every physician, doctor, nurse, therapist, coach, first responder, family member, friend, etc. who worked with me over the past 3 years. I thank God for guiding their hands and their decisions. I am extremely thankful for all the many prayers from each and every one of you. To my friends and family who stuck it out with me during all the ups and downs, I wouldn’t be here if not for you.

“As an athlete, I thought I knew the body well,” Hughes wrote. “I realized, I know nothing when it comes to the brain. I still have a long way to go and I still have days where I get extremely sad and down, but I refuse to accept “this is as good as it’s going to get”. If you are caring for someone with a brain injury, please be patient with them. Please don’t pick arguments or be overly critical. Educate yourself about the injury before you assume we are just being difficult for no reason.

“If you have a brain injury, get help immediately,” Hughes concluded. “Stick to your therapy. Try and surround yourself with supportive people. See a counselor to help you through the tough times. Remove negative people and as much stress as possible from your life. This injury will not fix itself over time. You have to challenge yourself daily. Push your body further than what you think is possible.

“Finally, thank you all for the support and encouragement you have given me these past 3 years. It definitely helps. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. Please keep the prayers coming, I sure do appreciate them.”

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6-16-17. My accident was 3 years ago today. In some ways it doesn't feel like that long ago, but in other ways, my old life feels like a lifetime ago. My life has changed so much in these past 3 years. Some for the better, some for the worse. According to my MRI, I should have never woke up from my coma. I should be dead or have what is referred to as locked-in syndrome. About a year after my accident, I got complacent. I wasn't noticing any big improvements. I was depressed, I felt like a burden, I felt worthless, and I would pray for God to take me. This past year has been an awakening for me. I have a new mindset and goals. I am beyond grateful for every physician, doctor, nurse, therapist, coach, first responder, family member, friend, etc. who worked with me over the past 3 years. I thank God for guiding their hands and their decisions. I am extremely thankful for all the many prayers from each and every one of you. To my friends and family who stuck it out with me during all the ups and downs, I wouldn't be here if not for you. As an athlete, I thought I knew the body well. I realized, I know nothing when it comes to the brain. I still have a long way to go and I still have days where I get extremely sad and down, but I refuse to accept "this is as good as it's going to get". If you are caring for someone with a brain injury, please be patient with them. Please don't pick arguments or be overly critical. Educate yourself about the injury before you assume we are just being difficult for no reason. If you have a brain injury, get help immediately. Stick to your therapy. Try and surround yourself with supportive people. See a counselor to help you through the tough times. Remove negative people and as much stress as possible from your life. This injury will not fix itself over time. You have to challenge yourself daily. Push your body further than what you think is possible. Finally, thank you all for the support and encouragement you have given me these past 3 years. It definitely helps. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. Please keep the prayers coming, I sure do appreciate them. #rebirth #tbi #tbiawareness #aliveday

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Matt Hughes Suing Train Operator From 2017 Accident

Matt Hughes is suing the train company that was a part of his horrific 2017 accident. The UFC Hall of Famer suffered serious injuries in the crash. According to MMA Fighting, ‘per the complaint, filed June in Montgomery County (Ill.) Circuit Court, Hughes’ attorneys claim Norfolk Southern Railway didn’t have adequate warning signs at the […]

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Matt Hughes is suing the train company that was a part of his horrific 2017 accident. The UFC Hall of Famer suffered serious injuries in the crash.

According to MMA Fighting, ‘per the complaint, filed June in Montgomery County (Ill.) Circuit Court, Hughes’ attorneys claim Norfolk Southern Railway didn’t have adequate warning signs at the crossing and knew it “posed a grave danger to the public” given its placement and visibility.

Hughes’ attorneys also claim the ex-UFC welterweight champ was lawfully driving when his vehicle when he was struck and “thrown dozens of feet,” resulting in “severe, progressive and permanent brain and bodily injuries,” according to the complaint.’

Hughes and his wife each seek in excess of $50,00, attorney costs, and other relief allowed by the court. However, the train company denies Hughes’ allegations.

The train company has also requested a jury trial and filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit. MMA Fighting’s report also states: ‘Norfolk’s defense attorney Charles Swartwout claims Hughes failed to stop his truck at a safe distance and didn’t heed a warning from the “plainly visible” train. Swartwout claims Hughes failed to yield the right of way and “knowingly drove his vehicle onto a railroad grade crossing.” The attorney also claims Hughes was talking on a cellphone at the time of the crash.

But, the lawsuit says Matt Hughes had lost earning capabilities and will require ongoing medical attention.

”The injuries he suffered have caused his personality to change and his marriage and relationships with friends and family have been strained,” the complaint states.

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Matt Hughes Settles Tractor Lawsuit With Twin Brother

Matt Hughes and his twin brother, Mark, have settled their lawsuit over a tractor incident. “Any disputes about property – there was more than a tractor – have been resolved by a comprehensive agreement between the parties,” Mark Hughes’ attorney Thomas G. DeVore said (H/T MMA Junkie). The two went to court due to Mark […]

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Matt Hughes and his twin brother, Mark, have settled their lawsuit over a tractor incident.

“Any disputes about property – there was more than a tractor – have been resolved by a comprehensive agreement between the parties,” Mark Hughes’ attorney Thomas G. DeVore said (H/T MMA Junkie).

The two went to court due to Mark failing to honor a restraining order against his twin brother. He alleged that Matt assaulted his 15-year-old son and damaged a tractor they shared. Matt Hughes denied it, and now, they have settled it outside of the court. For what exactly happened to begin with, with the tractor, is murky. Mark Hughes alleged this happened.

“Matt approached the tractor and when my son got out of the tractor to ask his uncle what he needed, Matt physically assaulted my 15-year-old son by grabbing him and shaking him, all the while telling him that it’s his (expletive) tractor,” Mark said in a previous written statement.

While the UFC Hall Of Famer denied it and sued his brother to seek an official ruling from a judge for who owns the tractor.

“Hughes wants a judge to decide who owns the equipment and other personal property he claims is being held at Mark Hughes’ residence. No monetary damages are named in the suit – Hughes vs. Hughes – filed on March 5 in Montgomery County (Ill.) circuit court.”

The good news for both is that it is settled, but the details of their settlement are unknown.

What do you make of Hughes finally settling with his twin brother outside of court?

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Chael Sonnen Has Interesting Theory About Colby Covington’s Matt Hughes Insult

All everyone has been talking about since the conclusion of UFC Newark this past weekend was Colby Covington’s train insult directed at Matt Hughes. However, Chael Sonnen has suggested they both may have been in on it. Following his win over Robbie Lawler, Covington decided to take a shot at Hughes — who is notably […]

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All everyone has been talking about since the conclusion of UFC Newark this past weekend was Colby Covington’s train insult directed at Matt Hughes. However, Chael Sonnen has suggested they both may have been in on it.

Following his win over Robbie Lawler, Covington decided to take a shot at Hughes — who is notably a mentor and close friend to Lawler — about his train accident back in 2017.

“Let’s talk about the lesson we learned tonight,” Covington said. “It’s a strong lesson that Robbie should’ve learned from his good buddy Matt Hughes. You stay off the tracks when the train’s coming through, junior. Don’t matter if there’s a Trump train or the Colby train, get out the way!”

Many were appalled by the comment, though to his credit, Hughes was cool about the barb. But his response leads Sonnen to believe that he may have been in on it, particularly given his relationship with Dan Lambert — Covington’s manager as well as the owner of American Top Team.

“I am inclined to believe that whether I’m right or not, that there’s a likelihood that Matt was in on it,” Sonnen said. “A likelihood that Matt was tipped off ahead of time [by Covington]… Matt got a chuckle and gave it support. I don’t have evidence of that.

“But Matt Hughes in real life is best friends with Dan Lambert. Dan Lambert is not only Colby’s manager and mentor — Dan owns the American Top Team. So I don’t believe that Colby would be able to just go out and insult with such a dirty line. I don’t believe he would go out and do that to Matt Hughes, unless there was a little discussion ahead of time. None of which I can prove happened. But that was my takeaway.

What do you think of Sonnen’s theory?

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Chael Sonnen Feels Matt Hughes May Have Known Of Colby Covington’s Dig Ahead Of Time

Chael Sonnen has a theory on Colby Covington’s nasty dig at Matt Hughes. Covington caused controversy at the conclusion of UFC Newark. “Chaos” turned in a stellar performance against Robbie Lawler, but it was perhaps overshadowed by h…

Chael Sonnen has a theory on Colby Covington’s nasty dig at Matt Hughes. Covington caused controversy at the conclusion of UFC Newark. “Chaos” turned in a stellar performance against Robbie Lawler, but it was perhaps overshadowed by his post-fight speech. After defeating Lawler via unanimous decision, Covington hurled a verbal jab at the expense of […]

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