Tag: Matt Hughes

Shady Business: 10 Fight Fixing Scandals In MMA

From time to time, allegations of fight fixing have reared their ugly head in mixed martial arts (MMA) over the years, but in the vast majority of occasions, it’s been little more than wishful thinking. After all, you only need to look at the medical suspension lists after any major event to see that the […]

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From time to time, allegations of fight fixing have reared their ugly head in mixed martial arts (MMA) over the years, but in the vast majority of occasions, it’s been little more than wishful thinking.

After all, you only need to look at the medical suspension lists after any major event to see that the only fixes going on are to the broken bones and other assorted ailments that are part of a full-contact sport that lives up to the mantra of being ‘As Real As It Gets’.

That being said, particularly in the early years of the sport, and more often than not in Japan, there have been serious allegations of fight fixing that go beyond the realms of just baseless speculation.

In this article we’ll home in on 10 instances of such scandals, seeking to avoid guesswork where possible by focusing on firsthand accounts of shameful behind-the-scenes corruption that led to the line between reality and fiction becoming distorted and threatened to tarnish the sport’s credbility.

Ken Shamrock vs. Minoru Suzuki II

In 1995, Ken Shamrock was the ‘King Of Pancrase’ titleholder, but was also about to fight Dan Severn for the UFC 6 superfight championship title.

Rumors suggest that Pancrase’s head honcho’s were concerned that it would reflect badly on their promotion if he lost in the Octagon while still being their champion as so asked him to throw his next fight with Pancrase co-owner Minoru Suzuki.

In the fight at Pancrase: Eye Of The beast 4, Suzuki miraculously escapes a fully extended armbar, gets on top and then submits Shamrock soon after with a kneebar just 2:14 minutes into the fight.

There’s no official proof that the fight was fixed, but when asked point-blank to confirm long-standing rumors that it was a fix during an interview by ugo.com, Shamrock’s non-answer told fans all they needed to know.

”I can’t really talk about those things because of agreements and things that were set down by the organization,” Shamrock stated.

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Video: Back To Health, Matt Hughes Thanks Those Who Aided Recovery

Former two-time UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes was in a very tough spot earlier this year. The 43-year-old was driving his pickup truck this past June near his hometown of Hillsboro, Illinois when he was struck by an oncoming train while crossing the tracks. The train hit the driver’s side of the vehicle and Hughes was […]

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Former two-time UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes was in a very tough spot earlier this year.

The 43-year-old was driving his pickup truck this past June near his hometown of Hillsboro, Illinois when he was struck by an oncoming train while crossing the tracks. The train hit the driver’s side of the vehicle and Hughes was airlifted to the HSHS St. John’s Hospital to be treated. Miraculously, Hughes was in stable condition just days after the crash and had suffered no broken bones or any other internal injuries. Despite this, however, Hughes was only minimally responsive for quite some time, per his sister, Beth Hughes Ulrici.

Months later in August Hughes’ best friend, Tony Zucca, posted a video of he and Hughes playfully rolling on the floor and doing some jiu-jitsu. Now four months later, Hughes is up walking and laughing with his friends and family. The UFC Hall Of Famer returned to the HSHS St. John’s Hospital yesterday (Tues. October 3, 2017) to honor the two nurses that treated him immediately after the crash.

Hughes appeared at the hospital alongside his wife, two daughters, and Zucca. He had this to say at the ceremony (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“My family and friends have told me that the entire team at St. John’s was really good to me and all of them,” Hughes said. “It means the world to me. Thank you all so very much.”

Zucca nominated the two nurses, Ashley Hull and Megan Simpson, for the DAISY nurse award – which is given each month to a nurse at St. John’s Hospital. The two women each won the award for the months of October and November. Zucca had this to say about Hull and Simpson’s efforts during the ordeal:

“They were extremely patient and knowledgeable with our countless questions; they would bring coffee when our eyes couldn’t stay open a minute longer,” Zucca said. “And the professionalism they displayed instilled confidence in us in that we knew Matt was in great hands. They are masters of their craft and the most caring nurses I have ever encountered. Matt has a long road ahead of him, and I can say with certainty that the family wishes Ashley and Megan could stick with us every step of the way. St. John’s should be proud of employing people of their caliber.”

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Matt Hughes’ Progress After Coma ‘Nothing Short of a Miracle,’ Says Friend

UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes’ recovery progress after his accident in June is “nothing short of a miracle,” according to his friend Tony Zucca.
Zucca posted a photo of himself and the former UFC welterweight champion on Instagram o…

UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes‘ recovery progress after his accident in June is “nothing short of a miracle,” according to his friend Tony Zucca.

Zucca posted a photo of himself and the former UFC welterweight champion on Instagram on Sunday as Hughes continues his recovery after his truck collided with a train near Hillsboro, Illinois, less than two months ago:

       

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available. 

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Matt Hughes’ Friend Provides Update On His Miracle Recovery

UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes has been in a fight for his life since June 16th when his pickup truck was slammed on the passenger side by an oncoming train in Raymond, Illinois. He was placed in a coma as a result of the incident. However, he pulled out of the coma, and some […]

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UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes has been in a fight for his life since June 16th when his pickup truck was slammed on the passenger side by an oncoming train in Raymond, Illinois. He was placed in a coma as a result of the incident. However, he pulled out of the coma, and some positive news has surfaced regarding his recovery.

The former UFC welterweight champion recently went out for some sushi, which is no doubt encouraging news. Hughes’ close friend Tony Zucca posted a photo of himself and Hughes on social media to offer the latest update on his condition. He called Hughes’ progress “nothing short of a miracle.” He wrote the following on Instagram:

“I can’t even describe the emotions I am feeling as I write this post. Less than two months ago I didn’t know if my best friend was going to make it, and tonight we made a jail break for sushi (in disguise. Ha). Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions! His progress is nothing short of a miracle. He is working so hard and fights through the frustration. He is, as he’s always been, an inspiration. I can’t wait to hit the mats with him again…and he told me today that he has “one more round” left in him! Ha. (He laughed…but definitely wasn’t joking!). Thank you for all of your prayers! Please keep them up as he still has a long road ahead of him. I am witnessing the power of them firsthand! So thankful!”

It’s nice to read that update. Keep in mind that Hughes’ sister stated last month that he still faced a “long journey for his recovery.” The UFC Hall of Famer is one of the greatest welterweights in MMA history as he held the title from 2001-2004 and 2004-2006.

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Robbie Lawler Comments On Matt Hughes’ Recent Accident

Former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler will return to action for the first time since losing his 170-pound title last summer later tonight (July 29, 2017), as he’s set to take on fellow fan favorite Donald Cerrone on the main card of UFC 214 from Anaheim, California. Attempting to bounce back from a brutal TKO […]

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Former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler will return to action for the first time since losing his 170-pound title last summer later tonight (July 29, 2017), as he’s set to take on fellow fan favorite Donald Cerrone on the main card of UFC 214 from Anaheim, California.

Attempting to bounce back from a brutal TKO loss to current titleholder Tyron Woodley, Lawler will unfortunately enter his bout with Cerrone without the presence of longtime friend and fellow former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes.

Both Lawler and Hughes came up together in the Miletich Fighting Systems under the legendary Pat Miletich, but Hughes recently suffered various injuries from a tragic train accident last month. Hughes was initially in a coma, but it was recently reported that he was improving.

Lawler confirmed that ‘he’s doing better’, but the “Ruthless” one also admitted that the situation has ‘been hard’ to deal with it:

“Yeah, it’s been hard,” Lawler said at UFC 214’s media day earlier this week. “He’s usually here with us right by our side, hanging out, making sure I’m alright. It is what it is. He’s doing better, but that’s something his family should talk about and let the media know through their outlets, not mine.”

While he admitted that it’s been difficult for him, Lawler also said that he doesn’t put much thought into the situation unless he’s asked about:

“It’s not on my mind until like somebody asks me,” Lawler said, “Because I’m pretty good at focusing on what I need to focus on. But yeah. It’s rough.” 

It seems as if the “Ruthless” one has dealt with the situation to the best of his ability.

Do you expect him to bounce back in the Octagon tonight?

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Robbie Lawler Admits Difficulty Without Matt Hughes by His Side

Robbie Lawler is taking the situation with Matt Hughes as best as he can. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title holder will take on Donald Cerrone this Saturday night (July 29) at UFC 214. Hughes has been a friend and mentor to Lawler for years, but he won’t be by his side this […]

Robbie Lawler is taking the situation with Matt Hughes as best as he can. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title holder will take on Donald Cerrone this Saturday night (July 29) at UFC 214. Hughes has been a friend and mentor to Lawler for years, but he won’t be by his side this […]