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Hey UFC, If You've Got Any More Beatable, Aging Welterweights, Please Send Them Matt Hughes' Way

Matt Hughes vs. Royce Gracie UFC 60
(Whaddaya say, Royce. Wanna do it again?)

Matt Hughes may not know exactly what he wants to do with the new four-fight contract that he signed with the UFC, but he definitely knows what he doesn’t want to do.  Fights with young welterweight up-and-comers like Josh Koscheck and Mike Swick?  Not interested.  A third chance at getting his first victory over Denis Hallman?  No thanks.  How about simply completing the entire four-fight deal?  No guarantees there, either.  So what the hell does Hughes want to do with the remainder of his career?  I don’t know, you got any more washed-up legends laying around?

As far as who I fight next? You know, looking at these younger kids who are wanting to come in and be the next world champion or be the next contender, I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't know if I'll take on those guys.  There are plenty of older guys out there with big names who can fight, too. I like to take fights where I've got something to win. If I take a fight against Mike Swick or Josh Kosheck, I've really got nothing to gain from that fight besides a paycheck and beating somebody up. They've got more to win than I do. Those aren't the kinds of fights that interest me.

Royce Gracie was a big fight, you know? It was a huge name, a guy that had won the old tournaments in the beginning. Those are the fights I like, the ones I can really get revved up for and get motivated. Those are the kinds of fights that gets me into the gym ready to train and work.

In other words, Hughes only wants to fight very beatable aging legends.  And that doesn’t just mean aging fighters.  When asked whether he’d like to fight Hallman, who’s beaten him twice, he said he didn’t like the idea because he’s “gone on and done bigger and better things since then,” while Hallman “hasn't done anything since.”  Okay, fair point.  How about one more go-round with Frank Trigg, just for the hell of it?

“I've seen lots of people talking about me fighting Frank Trigg, but I don't think anyone within the UFC is interested in seeing that again.”

Dammit Matt, why don’t you suggest someone if you hate everybody else’s ideas.  And no, you can’t fight Royce Gracie again, so name someone else.  See, not so easy, is it?  That’s because the only aging welterweight legend left in the UFC is you.  To these younger guys, you’re the Royce Gracie of today.  And yeah, I know that kind of sucks.  But what can you do?  Circle of life, buddy.  It's a bitch.  

Tags: Frank Trigg, Josh Koscheck, Matt Hughes, Mike Swick, Royce Gracie, UFC news
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Comments

imakeutap Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 09:23

first?

GEE-yuh-TEEN Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 09:33

I know I'm in the minority, but I agree with Hughes.

Don't think he doesn't know he's on the decline. He's trying to stay active in MMA without tarnishing his image with a lot of unnecessary losses.

He should find another role in MMA other than fighting where he can be useful or retire. I didn't enjoy watching Hughes destroy Gracie and I wouldn't enjoy watching Koscheck destroy Hughes.

Every time I watch Liddell fight (and dance) I feel embarrassed for him.

DiazBros209 Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 09:31

Hughes should stop being a pussy and fight one of the AKA guys.

J-Dog Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 09:30

He's being a douche. The UFC should tear up that contract if he wants to be so difficult.

skeletor Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 09:32

How about Baroni? God knows neither of them have anything to lose or gain from that fight. And I know that he's not old or washed up but Karo is credible and hasn't exactly looked good lately.

Ronan the Barbarian Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 09:41

In other news Matt Hughs admits he's a complete bitch... oh wait... same story!?

LargeMidget Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 09:41

Hughes could pack on a few pounds and come up to middleweight, where his wrestling skills would have more of an impact.

Hughes vs. Henderson? Hughes vs. Wanderlei Silva? I think he'd get mauled either way.

raspberrymight Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 09:48

what is wrong with hughes? if he doesn't want to risk his status as a former prolific fighter then why sign another fight deal?

Isn't anyone else getting frustrated by these hypocritical fighters? I mean how did he get to his status as a top notch fighter in the first place, GSP certainly got the arse end of the deal first time he fought Hughes, his skills werent polished enough but he had a go anyways, and that drive has sent him speeding to the top of his weight class. Hughes needs to shit or get off the pot, there are no more relevant legends for you to fight Matthew, so stop being such a dick and pay it forward like other fighters have when it came to face you in the past. jeeze...

superflat Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:01

More relevant question: Which MMA fighter do you see yourself beating on "Dancing with the Stars"?

Ouch That hurts Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:04

Country boy can connive!

Smitty Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:08

I think Dana should at least make him fight one of them dudes.

Barbarian......that was some funny shit!

jimbonics Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:22

nice one Ouch

MMAComments2 Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:24

I think matt hughes should fight the person who writes the post on CP

Fedor vs. Bas Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:27

It sounds like he wants to fight the caliber fighters of guys making their octagon debut, but wants them to be fighters with names. If you want to fight a guy with a name you need to fight someone legit Matt.

Either that or I'd love to see him fight Baroni. That is a great idea K.E.G. I think he's too small to get punished by Wanderlei. And out of his league as well.

Goog Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:28

I don't blame Hughes, either. He didn't make his name when he was young by squashing old legends, he fought the young fresh guys like himself at that point and worked his way up. I'm faaar from putting Hughes in league with Liddell and Coleman yet and don't see him getting run through. But he's earned the right to pick some fights by now. He's sold a lot of tickets and you won't see a UFC highlight reel without him on it several times. If he runs his mouth, at least he's done something. I can't stand the kids who've got 10 no-name fights disrespecting the guys who've paved the way for them.

Earn it like Hughes has. Whether you like him or not for something ridiculous like his farming, religion, camouflage, or other things some guy bust him for ... you can't argue he's been a dominant force during the time the sport was trying to get a foothold and he's helped put it where it is. Big time. And I still think he's a great fighter.

El Famous Burrito Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:31

How about Lance Armstrong?

for the love of mma Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:38

we all seen the serra fight and he didnt win that one and he's not as big size wise as he used to be and wont be able to lay on top of any on in the welter weight division he should hang it up!!

Fight Fan Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:50

I would have gone with two different pictures for this post.

ArmFarmer Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:50

Well put goog.

rh Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 11:00

A reading from the Gospel according to Miletich:

...and the Lord spake unto him, from a burning kettlebell, saying "Matt Hughes, the time is nigh for you to hang up thy gloves. The peoples of the earth, both pagan and saved, do not wish to bear witness to you fighting warriors venerable enough that their children's children cover all the gyms of the earth in their abundance.

Verily, there is but one fight left for you that maketh sense. Thou shalt fight a rubber match with the heathen Penn, known unto his family as Baby Jay. Eat of a healthy country breakfast, and go forth and do my bidding, lest thy name be trampled in the dust of the earth. For this is the word of the Lord.

Miletich, 13: 3-9

caffn8d Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 10:54

Ok... to those saying he's earned the right to pick some fights, fine. Why isn't he picking some then? Who is he going to name? He needs to stop saying he DOESN'T want this fight, or that fight and start naming fights he DOES want.

Fight Fan Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 11:03

I agree that he's earned the right to be selective, but booking a fight that will interest anyone at this point is not obvious. He's right no one would care for him and Triggs, and at this point, I doubt any fight he could take would be a big draw.

How 'bout Dana do another Cro Cop one-off where he sets up a catch-weight deal with Saku at 180 or 175, since Hughes will never again be in contention for any belt. I could get excited about that. Beyond something like that, which I admit is highly unlikely, I don't care too much.

Socal Tot Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 13:22

So there is nothing to gain by fighting young, hungry fighters. How about, I don't know, proving that you are still relevant? Either fight, or go eat breakfast back on the farm.

phantom151 Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 13:39

It makes no differance what anyone says about him now this and that not still in the mix whatever............. Matt Hughs will go down as the greatest Champion of that weight divition of all time GSP is on his way to that status but lets talk when he has 8 title defences

Bootylam Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 14:34

Hughes went from a cock o the walk, arrogant s.o.b. to a little bitch crying about how there's nobody (easy) left for him to fight. What happened? Is he trying to taint his legacy? Sad.

bpd Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 14:38

So Hughes and Phil Baroni have a dull, obvious war of words and a dull, obvious fight. Then who, Lytle again? How long before he's on "TUF14: Old Timers' Day", trying to find out why Pete Spratt refused a title shot in 03, or why Jason Von Flue keeps saying they know each other?

He wants to pretend he isn't finished. I'd feel bad for him if I liked him.

BackbaconBilly Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 15:15

He doesn't want anyone making a name off beating the shit outta him, thats all, Hughes is done as far as ever being a champ again and now he wants to pick and choose his opponents, shit he may as well go to the wwe and ask vince to script win for him. Hang up the mitts old soldier!

4inch4skin Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 15:33

So, put into MMA terms, I guess you're trying to say that finding an old fighter for Matt Hughes is like finding a pubic hair at a Jonas brothers' concert.

Dochin Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 15:41

I hear that Stephen Hawkins' overall stamina has been somewhat of an issue, can't remember why, but maybe Hughes should look into some kind of match possibility there.

Monstrosity Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 18:17

he already did fight a young up and comer. remember Thiago Alves? got a title shot from it... haha wow that was me kind of defending matt hughes... i hate matt hughes... im so confused

tallkitchenbags Says:

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 20:21

feed him to koscheck. hughes is a whiny bitch with brain damage. time for him to retire, go back to the farm and f**k some more sheep, hunt some more possum and read the gospel. praise jebus.

Zee German Says:

Thu, 10/08/2009 - 02:23

Well put, Goog. The man fought when nobody was paying attention or money and defined a certain period of the sport. You guys really want to call him a little bitch because he is trying to choose what's best for him? You don't have to be a fan of his but show some respect.

Sjsurf Says:

Thu, 10/08/2009 - 02:31

phantom, learn to put a sentence together that makes sense before you post. Hughes is a whiney, pre-madonna little bitch who I once had much respect for. what happened to the bodyslamming bad ass we once knew as a predominant force in the world of mma?

rpn452 Says:

Thu, 10/08/2009 - 07:33

"I think matt hughes should fight the person who writes the post on CP"

That does sound like the level of fight Hughes is looking for at this point.