I remember seeing him defeat one of the best MMA guys from UFC’s early days, one Carlos Newton, with sheer brute strength by lifting him right up and slamming him down and knocking him out, and becoming UFC champion for the first time. To quote a disbelieving Matt Hughes, “…I’m waking up from a dream.” Then there were the two fights with Frank Trigg. Frank Trigg was defeated the first time, and was talking smack every chance he could in interviews, probably to convince himself he had a chance. Matt didn’t let this get to him, and basically said he had to teach Trigg not to shoot his mouth off and talk crap. But even after Matt got kicked in the groin in the second fight and was nearly rear naked choked, he managed to escape and recover and choked Trigg out with what else, a rear naked choke. The roar of the crowd was deafening and deservedly so! Never in MMA history has anyone pulled off a comeback like that. This showed Matt Hughes was forged just a little stronger and just a little better tempered than practically anyone else in the UFC. Even more amazing, during the fight against Royce Gracie, Matt showed mercy in the Octagon, by purposely changing to another tactic, rather than intentionally causing very severe injury to Gracie’s arm, to force a submission. Matt emerged the victor in this contest with an MMA legend, causing no more harm than was necessary to win, and become the standard bearer for a new generation of combatants. The legends of the past, and even the biggest names of today have been defeated fair and square by Matt Hughes at some point in their career.

But most importantly Matt Hughes has a biblical sense of destiny and dignity, and chose the right time to retire from the combat arena that is the UFC, leaving the pugilism to others in the hopes that their legacies might one day compare to that which he has already accomplished. The great Matt Hughes has left the UFC something priceless, a model of strength, heart, conduct and compassion that few have a chance to equal, and even fewer will ever equal. He is an inspiration not only stateside, but worldwide. I think he embodies the very best qualities of the American people; overwhelmingly strong, but spiritually compassionate, and humble out of deference to a greater power that made him who he is.

Matt Hughes new career as Vice President of Athlete Development and Government Relations marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the UFC, and no one is better suited than Matt is for this important role as policy maker and counsellor. Even as one stage of his life passes, a new one is beginning. In the transitions from farmer to collegiate wrestler to UFC gladiator to inaugural MMA ambassador, the story is not yet complete. For Matt Hughes, the best is yet to come.

Thank you Matt Hughes for giving so much of yourself to UFC and MMA, for being a great role model, and above all for being true to your family values and to the American Spirit.

Respectfully,

(S)

Congratulations on a GREAT fighting career!!! I think you are a good, strong Christian example. God bless and keep you and your loved ones, always! And congratulations on your new position in the UFC; I know you will be very successful!

In Christ Jesus,
Ty