Matt Hughes MMA Profile Record, Stats, Biography, UFC Career & Fight History
Credit: UFC/Zuffa LLC
MATT HUGHES
UNITED STATES • WELTERWEIGHT
W-L-D
45-9-0
(T)KO
17-5
SUB
18-4
BIOGRAPHY
COUNTRY
United States
WT CLASS
Welterweight
HT / WT
5′ 9″, 170 lbs (175 cm / 77 kg)
BIRTHDATE
10/13/1973 (53)
STANCE
Switch
REACH
73.0″ (185 cm)
TEAM / RESIDENCE
Finney’s HIT Squad • Hillsboro, Illinois
RESOURCE LINKS
CAREER HONOURS & HISTORICAL RECORDS
Matt Hughes Record
WINS45
KO/TKO
17
SUB
18
DECISION
10
LOSSES9
KO/TKO
5
SUB
4
DECISION
0
DRAWS0
DR
0
NO CONTEST0
NC
0
Percentage Statistics
Calculated from 54 professional bouts (45-9-0).
RESULT
FIGHTER
EVENT
METHOD
DURATION/DATE
LOSS
Josh Koscheck
United States
United States
UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage
Sep / 24 / 2011
KO/TKO (Punches)
Rnd 1 (4:59)
Sep / 24 / 2011
ROUND1
TIME4:59
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 135 Co-Main Event • Hughes vs. Koscheck
Co-Main Event Feature
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Josh Koscheck
Fight Location Denver, Colorado, United States (Pepsi Center)
Denver, Colorado, United States (Pepsi Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170½ lbs
Josh Koscheck Record at Bout (Opponent)15-5-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout45-8-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Josh Koscheck: -450 (Favorite)
vs
Matt Hughes: +350 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Mario Yamasaki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In the final bout of Hughes’ legendary career, Koscheck controlled distance before rocking Hughes with a brutal right hand against the fence and following up with heavy ground strikes to force referee Mario Yamasaki’s stoppage with just one second remaining in the opening round.
LOSS
BJ Penn
United States
United States
UFC 123: Rampage vs. Machida
Nov / 20 / 2010
KO/TKO (Punches)
Rnd 1 (0:21)
Nov / 20 / 2010
ROUND1
TIME0:21
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Historic Trilogy Rubber Match • Hughes vs. Penn 3
Co-Main Event
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs B.J. Penn
Fight Location Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States (The Palace of Auburn Hills)
Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States (The Palace of Auburn Hills)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup169½ lbs vs 169 lbs
B.J. Penn Record at Bout (Opponent)15-7-1
Matt Hughes Record at Bout45-7-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
B.J. Penn: -140 (Favorite)
vs
Matt Hughes: +120 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Dan Miragliotta
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In the rubber match of their iconic rivalry, Penn came out aggressive and caught Hughes on the chin with an overhand right in the opening exchange, knocking him to the canvas and finishing with follow-up punches in just 21 seconds.
WIN
Ricardo Almeida
Brazil
Brazil
UFC 117: Silva vs. Sonnen
Aug / 07 / 2010
Submission (Dave Schultz Front Headlock)
Rnd 1 (3:15)
Aug / 07 / 2010
ROUND1
TIME3:15
METHOD
Submission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 117 Main Card Feature • Hughes vs. Almeida
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Ricardo Almeida
Fight Location Oakland, California, United States (Oracle Arena)
Oakland, California, United States (Oracle Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170½ lbs vs 170½ lbs
Ricardo Almeida Record at Bout (Opponent)12-3-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout44-7-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: +165 (Underdog)
vs
Ricardo Almeida: -190 (Favorite)
Officials
Ref: Josh Rosenthal
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes dropped BJJ black belt Almeida with a crisp left hook, locked up a modified Dave Schultz front headlock choke against the fence, and rendered Almeida unconscious at 3:15 of round one to claim a $60k Submission of the Night bonus.
WIN
Renzo Gracie
Brazil
Brazil
UFC 112: Invincible
Apr / 10 / 2010
KO/TKO (Leg Kicks and Punches)
Rnd 3 (4:40)
Apr / 10 / 2010
ROUND3
TIME4:40
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC in Abu Dhabi Legend Clash • Hughes vs. Renzo Gracie
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Renzo Gracie
Fight Location Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Concert Arena, Yas Island)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Concert Arena, Yas Island)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Renzo Gracie Record at Bout (Opponent)13-6-1 (1 NC)
Matt Hughes Record at Bout43-7-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -400 (Favorite)
vs
Renzo Gracie: +325 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Herb Dean
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes dominated the stand-up exchanges against BJJ pioneer Renzo Gracie in the open-air Abu Dhabi arena, battering Gracie’s lead leg with crushing low kicks before swarming with punches to earn a TKO victory at 4:40 of the third round.
WIN
Matt Serra
United States
United States
UFC 98: Evans vs. Machida
May / 23 / 2009
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
May / 23 / 2009
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHOD
Decision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Bitter TUF 6 Rivalry Clash • Hughes vs. Serra
Co-Main Event
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Matt Serra
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 171 lbs
Matt Serra Record at Bout (Opponent)9-5-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout42-7-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -260 (Favorite)
vs
Matt Serra: +220 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Steve Mazzagatti
Glenn Trowbridge: 29-28
Richard Bertrand: 29-28
Tony Weeks: 29-28
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Following an accidental clash of heads early in round one that rocked Hughes, Hughes weathered Serra’s onslaught, responded with big takedowns, and dominated rounds two and three from top position to take a unanimous decision and Fight of the Night ($60k).
LOSS
Thiago Alves
Brazil
Brazil
UFC 85: Bedlam
Jun / 07 / 2008
KO/TKO (Flying Knee and Punches)
Rnd 2 (1:02)
Jun / 07 / 2008
ROUND2
TIME1:02
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 85 Main Event • Hughes vs. Alves
Main Event Feature
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Thiago Alves
Fight Location London, England, United Kingdom (The O2 Arena)
London, England, United Kingdom (The O2 Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 174 lbs (Catchweight – Alves missed weight)
Thiago Alves Record at Bout (Opponent)14-3-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout42-6-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Thiago Alves: -125 (Favorite)
vs
Matt Hughes: +105 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Herb Dean
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Alves missed weight by four pounds and stuffed Hughes’ wrestling throughout round one. Early in the second round, Alves exploded into a flying knee that rocked Hughes, followed by punches to force referee Herb Dean’s stoppage at 1:02.
LOSS
Georges St-Pierre
Canada
Canada
UFC 79: Nemesis
Dec / 29 / 2007
Submission (Armbar)
Rnd 2 (4:54)
Dec / 29 / 2007
ROUND2
TIME4:54
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Interim UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. St-Pierre 3
Challenger for Interim Title
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Georges St-Pierre
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Mandalay Bay Events Center)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Mandalay Bay Events Center)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Georges St-Pierre Record at Bout (Opponent)14-2-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout42-5-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Georges St-Pierre: -220 (Favorite)
vs
Matt Hughes: +180 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Steve Mazzagatti
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Stepping in on short notice for the injured Matt Serra, St-Pierre dominated the trilogy bout with takedowns and positional grappling, securing an armbar with six seconds remaining in the second round to capture the interim title.
WIN
Chris Lytle
United States
United States
UFC 68: The Uprising
Mar / 03 / 2007
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Mar / 03 / 2007
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 68 Featured Welterweight Bout • Hughes vs. Lytle
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Chris Lytle
Fight Location Columbus, Ohio, United States (Nationwide Arena)
Columbus, Ohio, United States (Nationwide Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Chris Lytle Record at Bout (Opponent)22-13-5
Matt Hughes Record at Bout41-5-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -500 (Favorite)
vs
Chris Lytle: +375 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: Mark Matheny
Cecil Peoples: 30-27
Tony Weeks: 30-27
Junichiro Kamijo: 30-27
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes rebounded from his title loss to GSP by grounding veteran submission artist Lytle across three rounds, controlling top position with heavy ground strikes to win a shutout 30-27 unanimous decision.
LOSS
Georges St-Pierre
Canada
Canada
UFC 65: Bad Intentions
Nov / 18 / 2006
KO/TKO (Head Kick and Punches)
Rnd 2 (1:25)
Nov / 18 / 2006
ROUND2
TIME1:25
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. St-Pierre 2
Defending UFC World Champion
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Georges St-Pierre
Fight Location Sacramento, California, United States (ARCO Arena)
Sacramento, California, United States (ARCO Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Georges St-Pierre Record at Bout (Opponent)12-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout41-4-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -150 (Favorite)
vs
Georges St-Pierre: +120 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In their rematch, St-Pierre dropped Hughes with a superman punch and left hook in round one, then uncorked a head kick early in round two followed by unanswered ground strikes to end Hughes’ championship reign at 1:25.
WIN
BJ Penn
United States
United States
UFC 63: Hughes vs. Penn
Sep / 23 / 2006
KO/TKO (Punches from Crucifix)
Rnd 3 (3:53)
Sep / 23 / 2006
ROUND3
TIME3:53
METHOD
KO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. Penn 2
Defended UFC Welterweight Title
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs B.J. Penn
Fight Location Anaheim, California, United States (Arrowhead Pond)
Anaheim, California, United States (Arrowhead Pond)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 167 lbs
B.J. Penn Record at Bout (Opponent)10-3-1
Matt Hughes Record at Bout40-4-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -200 (Favorite)
vs
B.J. Penn: +165 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Penn dominated the first two rounds with crisp boxing and almost locked up a submission, but gassed and suffered a rib injury in round three. Hughes capitalized by trapping Penn in a mounted crucifix and pounding him out with unanswered strikes at 3:53 to avenge his 2004 defeat and win Fight of the Night ($30k).
WIN
Royce Gracie
Brazil
Brazil
UFC 60: Hughes vs. Gracie
May / 27 / 2006
KO/TKO (Punches)
Rnd 1 (4:39)
May / 27 / 2006
ROUND1
TIME4:39
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Historic Pioneer Superfight • Hughes vs. Royce Gracie
Main Event Feature
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Royce Gracie
Fight Location Los Angeles, California, United States (Staples Center)
Los Angeles, California, United States (Staples Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs (Catchweight)
Royce Gracie Record at Bout (Opponent)14-2-2
Matt Hughes Record at Bout39-4-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -400 (Favorite)
vs
Royce Gracie: +300 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Welcoming UFC pioneer Royce Gracie back to the Octagon in a non-title superfight, Hughes took Gracie down, hyperextended his arm in an armbar attempt, and then transitioned to Gracie’s back to deliver unanswered punches until referee John McCarthy waved the bout off at 4:39.
WIN
Joe Riggs
United States
United States
UFC 56: Full Force
Nov / 19 / 2005
Submission (Kimura)
Rnd 1 (3:28)
Nov / 19 / 2005
ROUND1
TIME3:28
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 56 Main Event • Hughes vs. Riggs
Main Event Feature
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Joe Riggs
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 172 lbs (Non-Title – Riggs missed weight)
Joe Riggs Record at Bout (Opponent)25-6-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout38-4-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -550 (Favorite)
vs
Joe Riggs: +400 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Riggs failed to make weight, turning the scheduled championship bout into a three-round non-title main event. Hughes grounded Riggs early, isolated his arm, and locked in a kimura to secure the submission at 3:28 of round one.
WIN
Frank Trigg
United States
United States
UFC 52: Couture vs. Liddell 2
Apr / 16 / 2005
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Rnd 1 (4:05)
Apr / 16 / 2005
ROUND1
TIME4:05
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. Trigg 2
Defended UFC World Title • Hall of Fame Fight
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Frank Trigg
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Frank Trigg Record at Bout (Opponent)12-2-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout37-4-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -300 (Favorite)
vs
Frank Trigg: +240 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Mario Yamasaki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Widely celebrated as one of the greatest comebacks and fights in UFC history (inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing). After an accidental groin strike went unnoticed, Trigg swarmed and nearly locked in a rear-naked choke. Hughes escaped, hoisted Trigg on his shoulder, carried him across the Octagon, slammed him down, and locked in his own rear-naked choke at 4:05.
WIN
Georges St-Pierre
Canada
Canada
UFC 50: The War of ’04
Oct / 22 / 2004
Submission (Armbar)
Rnd 1 (4:59)
Oct / 22 / 2004
ROUND1
TIME4:59
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
Vacant UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. St-Pierre 1
Recaptured UFC Welterweight Title
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Georges St-Pierre
Fight Location Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States (Trump Plaza)
Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States (Trump Plaza)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Georges St-Pierre Record at Bout (Opponent)7-0-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout36-4-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -180 (Favorite)
vs
Georges St-Pierre: +150 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Battling for the vacant welterweight belt, young undefeated contender St-Pierre took the fight to Hughes early with dynamic striking and takedowns. Hughes kept his composure on the canvas, caught GSP in an armbar from the bottom, and forced the tap with only one second left in round one (4:59) to regain his UFC world championship.
WIN
Renato Verissimo
Brazil
Brazil
UFC 48: Payback
Jun / 19 / 2004
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Jun / 19 / 2004
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 48 Welterweight Contender Bout • Hughes vs. Verissimo
Co-Main Event
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Renato Verissimo
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Mandalay Bay Events Center)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Mandalay Bay Events Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Renato Verissimo Record at Bout (Opponent)5-0-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout35-4-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -360 (Favorite)
vs
Renato Verissimo: +280 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: John McCarthy
Doug Crosby: 30-27
Tony Weeks: 30-27
Dalby Shirley: 29-28
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Bouncing back from his title loss to Penn, Hughes used power takedowns and positional wrestling to neutralize Nova União BJJ black belt “Charuto” Verissimo over three rounds to take a unanimous decision.
LOSS
BJ Penn
United States
United States
UFC 46: Supernatural
Jan / 31 / 2004
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Rnd 1 (4:39)
Jan / 31 / 2004
ROUND1
TIME4:39
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. Penn 1
Defending UFC World Champion
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs B.J. Penn
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Mandalay Bay Events Center)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Mandalay Bay Events Center)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 168 lbs
B.J. Penn Record at Bout (Opponent)7-1-1
Matt Hughes Record at Bout35-3-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -280 (Favorite)
vs
B.J. Penn: +220 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Penn moved up in weight to challenge dominant five-time defending champion Hughes. Penn stunned Hughes with crisp boxing combinations, took his back on the canvas, and locked in a rear-naked choke at 4:39 to pull off one of the biggest championship upsets in UFC history.
WIN
Frank Trigg
United States
United States
UFC 45: Revolution
Nov / 21 / 2003
Submission (Standing Rear-Naked Choke)
Rnd 1 (3:54)
Nov / 21 / 2003
ROUND1
TIME3:54
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. Trigg 1
Defended UFC Welterweight Title
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Frank Trigg
Fight Location Uncasville, Connecticut, United States (Mohegan Sun Arena)
Uncasville, Connecticut, United States (Mohegan Sun Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Frank Trigg Record at Bout (Opponent)10-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout34-3-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -320 (Favorite)
vs
Frank Trigg: +250 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In the headliner of the UFC’s 10th-anniversary event, Hughes overpowered WFA champion Trigg, took him down, transitioned to his back, and locked in a standing rear-naked choke to force the tap at 3:54 of the first round.
WIN
Sean Sherk
United States
United States
UFC 42: Sudden Impact
Apr / 25 / 2003
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 5 (5:00)
Apr / 25 / 2003
ROUND5
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. Sherk
Defended UFC Welterweight Title
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Sean Sherk
Fight Location Miami, Florida, United States (American Airlines Arena)
Miami, Florida, United States (American Airlines Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Sean Sherk Record at Bout (Opponent)19-0-1
Matt Hughes Record at Bout33-3-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -260 (Favorite)
vs
Sean Sherk: +210 (Underdog)
Officials & Scorecards
Ref: John McCarthy
Doug Crosby: 49-46
Tony Weeks: 48-47
Jorge Alonso: 48-47
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes handed undefeated powerhouse wrestler “The Muscle Shark” Sherk the first loss of his career, using his length, knees in the clinch, and decisive takedowns over 25 grueling championship minutes to earn a unanimous decision.
WIN
Gil Castillo
United States
United States
UFC 40: Vendetta
Nov / 22 / 2002
KO/TKO (Doctor Stoppage)
Rnd 1 (5:00)
Nov / 22 / 2002
ROUND1
TIME5:00
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. Castillo
Defended UFC Welterweight Title
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Gil Castillo
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Gil Castillo Record at Bout (Opponent)11-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout32-3-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -500 (Favorite)
vs
Gil Castillo: +375 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes controlled Cesar Gracie black belt Castillo on the mat throughout the opening round. An accidental clash of heads opened a severe laceration over Castillo’s eye, prompting the ringside physician to stop the championship bout at the conclusion of round one.
WIN
Carlos Newton
Canada
Canada
UFC 38: Brawl at the Hall
Jul / 13 / 2002
KO/TKO (Punches from Crucifix)
Rnd 4 (3:37)
Jul / 13 / 2002
ROUND4
TIME3:37
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. Newton 2
Defended UFC Welterweight Title
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Carlos Newton
Fight Location London, England, United Kingdom (Royal Albert Hall)
London, England, United Kingdom (Royal Albert Hall)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Carlos Newton Record at Bout (Opponent)11-5-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout31-3-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -200 (Favorite)
vs
Carlos Newton: +160 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In the UFC’s historic inaugural UK event at Royal Albert Hall, Hughes eliminated all controversy from their first bout. After controlling Newton on the canvas for three rounds, Hughes locked Newton in a mounted crucifix in round four and pounded him out with unanswered strikes at 3:37.
WIN
Hayato Sakurai
Japan
Japan
UFC 36: Worlds Collide
Mar / 22 / 2002
KO/TKO (Punches)
Rnd 4 (3:01)
Mar / 22 / 2002
ROUND4
TIME3:01
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. Sakurai
Defended UFC Welterweight Title
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Hayato Sakurai
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout (Opponent)18-1-2
Matt Hughes Record at Bout30-3-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -220 (Favorite)
vs
Hayato Sakurai: +180 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In his first title defense, Hughes faced top-ranked Shooto champion “Mach” Sakurai. Hughes imposed his wrestling from the opening seconds, wore Sakurai down with top pressure, and secured full mount in round four to stop the Japanese star with strikes at 3:01.
WIN
Carlos Newton
Canada
Canada
UFC 34: High Voltage
Nov / 02 / 2001
KO/TKO (Slam)
Rnd 2 (1:27)
Nov / 02 / 2001
ROUND2
TIME1:27
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
UFC Welterweight Championship • Newton vs. Hughes 1
Captured Undisputed UFC Welterweight Title
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Carlos Newton
Fight Location Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Carlos Newton Record at Bout (Opponent)11-4-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout29-3-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Carlos Newton: -130 (Favorite)
vs
Matt Hughes: +100 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
One of the most dramatic finishes in MMA history. Newton locked Hughes in a tight triangle choke. Hughes lifted Newton high into the air against the fence; as Hughes lost consciousness, he collapsed and slammed Newton violently to the canvas, knocking Newton out cold to claim his first UFC Welterweight Championship.
WIN
Steve Gomm
United States
United States
EC 43: Extreme Challenge 43
Sep / 08 / 2001
TKO
Rnd 2 (3:18)
Sep / 08 / 2001
ROUND2
TIME3:18
METHODTKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 43 • Hughes vs. Gomm
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Steve Gomm
Fight Location Orem, Utah, United States (McKay Events Center)
Orem, Utah, United States (McKay Events Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Steve Gomm Record at Bout (Opponent)2-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout28-3-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes dominated Gomm on the canvas with heavy wrestling takedowns before pounding him out at 3:18 of round two.
WIN
Hiromitsu Kanehara
Japan
Japan
Rings: 10th Anniversary
Aug / 11 / 2001
Decision – Majority
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Aug / 11 / 2001
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Majority
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Rings 10th Anniversary Superfight • Hughes vs. Kanehara
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Hiromitsu Kanehara
Fight Location Tokyo, Japan (Ariake Coliseum)
Tokyo, Japan (Ariake Coliseum)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup176 lbs vs 176 lbs
Hiromitsu Kanehara Record at Bout (Opponent)21-12-6
Matt Hughes Record at Bout27-3-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Traveling to Tokyo for Fighting Network Rings, Hughes controlled veteran Kanehara against the ropes and on the canvas to take a majority decision.
WIN
Chatt Lavender
United States
United States
EC 41: Extreme Challenge 41
Jul / 13 / 2001
Submission (Arm Triangle)
Rnd 3 (2:31)
Jul / 13 / 2001
ROUND3
TIME2:31
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 41 • Hughes vs. Lavender
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Chatt Lavender
Fight Location Davenport, Iowa, United States (Quad City Sports Center)
Davenport, Iowa, United States (Quad City Sports Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Chatt Lavender Record at Bout (Opponent)5-2-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout26-3-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes controlled top position for two-plus rounds before locking in an arm-triangle choke to force the tap at 2:31 of round three.
WIN
Scott Johnson
United States
United States
EC 40: Extreme Challenge 40
Jun / 16 / 2001
KO
Rnd 1 (3:24)
Jun / 16 / 2001
ROUND1
TIME3:24
METHODKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 40 • Hughes vs. Johnson
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Scott Johnson
Fight Location Springfield, Illinois, United States
Springfield, Illinois, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Scott Johnson Record at Bout (Opponent)5-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout25-3-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes swarmed Johnson with heavy strikes in round one to secure a knockout victory at 3:24.
WIN
John Cronk
United States
United States
Gladiators 14: Gladiators 14
May / 11 / 2001
Submission (Punches)
Rnd 1 (3:00)
May / 11 / 2001
ROUND1
TIME3:00
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Gladiators 14 • Hughes vs. Cronk
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs John Cronk
Fight Location Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Omaha, Nebraska, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
John Cronk Record at Bout (Opponent)15-5-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout24-3-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes took Cronk down, gained mount, and rained down unanswered strikes until Cronk tapped out due to punches in round one.
WIN
Bruce Nelson
United States
United States
FCC 4: Freestyle Court Challenge 4
Mar / 31 / 2001
Submission (Guillotine)
Rnd 1 (3:04)
Mar / 31 / 2001
ROUND1
TIME3:04
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 FCC 4 • Hughes vs. Nelson
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Bruce Nelson
Fight Location Mount Vernon, Illinois, United States
Mount Vernon, Illinois, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Bruce Nelson Record at Bout (Opponent)3-5-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout23-3-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes snapped on a tight guillotine choke during an exchange to elicit the tap at 3:04 of round one.
WIN
Brett Al-azzawi
United States
United States
Rings USA: Battle of Champions
Mar / 17 / 2001
Submission (Armbar)
Rnd 1 (3:27)
Mar / 17 / 2001
ROUND1
TIME3:27
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Rings USA • Hughes vs. Al-azzawi
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Brett Al-azzawi
Fight Location Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States (Harvey’s Casino)
Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States (Harvey’s Casino)Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Brett Al-azzawi Record at Bout (Opponent)0-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout22-3-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes grounded Al-azzawi with a powerful takedown, took dominant position, and finished with an armbar at 3:27 of round one.
LOSS
Jose Landi-Jons
Brazil
Brazil
Shidokan Jitsu: Warriors War 1
Feb / 08 / 2001
KO
Rnd 1 (4:45)
Feb / 08 / 2001
ROUND1
TIME4:45
METHODKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Shidokan Jitsu Warriors War Superfight • Hughes vs. Pelé
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Jose Landi-Jons
Fight Location Kuwait City, Kuwait
Kuwait City, KuwaitDuration1 x 10 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Jose Landi-Jons Record at Bout (Opponent)17-5-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout22-2-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In Kuwait, Brazilian striker “Pelé” Landi-Jons caught Hughes with a devastating flying knee during a takedown entry, knocking Hughes out cold at 4:45.
LOSS
Dennis Hallman
United States
United States
UFC 29: Defense of the Belts
Dec / 16 / 2000
Submission
Rnd 1 (0:20)
Dec / 16 / 2000
ROUND1
TIME0:20
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC in Tokyo Rematch • Hughes vs. Hallman 2
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Dennis Hallman
Fight Location Tokyo, Japan (Differ Ariake)
Tokyo, Japan (Differ Ariake)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Dennis Hallman Record at Bout (Opponent)24-5-2
Matt Hughes Record at Bout22-1-0
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -200 (Favorite)
vs
Dennis Hallman: +165 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In their UFC rematch in Tokyo, Hallman immediately attacked off his back as Hughes grounded him, locking in an armbar to secure a lightning-fast submission in only 20 seconds.
WIN
Maynard Marcum
United States
United States
Rings Australia: Free Fight Battle
Nov / 12 / 2000
Submission (Keylock)
Rnd 1 (6:29)
Nov / 12 / 2000
ROUND1
TIME6:29
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Rings Australia • Hughes vs. Marcum
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Maynard Marcum
Fight Location Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Brisbane, Queensland, AustraliaDuration1 x 10 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Maynard Marcum Record at Bout (Opponent)2-3-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout21-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes controlled Marcum on the mat with top pressure before isolating the arm to secure a keylock submission at 6:29.
WIN
Robbie Newman
United States
United States
Rings USA: Rising Stars Final
Sep / 30 / 2000
Submission (Arm Triangle)
Rnd 1 (1:40)
Sep / 30 / 2000
ROUND1
TIME1:40
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Rings USA Rising Stars • Hughes vs. Newman
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Robbie Newman
Fight Location Moline, Illinois, United States (The MARK of the Quad Cities)
Moline, Illinois, United States (The MARK of the Quad Cities)Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Robbie Newman Record at Bout (Opponent)3-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout20-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes shot in for a fast takedown, passed to side control, and locked up an arm-triangle choke to force the tap in only 1:40.
WIN
Chris Haseman
Australia
Australia
Rings: Millennium Combine 3
Aug / 23 / 2000
Unanimous Decision
Rnd 2 (5:00)
Aug / 23 / 2000
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODUnanimous Decision
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Rings Millennium Combine 3 • Hughes vs. Haseman
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Chris Haseman
Fight Location Osaka, Japan (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium)
Osaka, Japan (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium)Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup176 lbs vs 180 lbs
Chris Haseman Record at Bout (Opponent)16-12-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout19-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes dominated Australian veteran Haseman in Osaka with persistent takedowns and top control over two rounds to take a unanimous decision.
WIN
Joe Guist
United States
United States
EC 35
Jun / 29 / 2000
Submission (Armbar)
Rnd 1 (2:45)
Jun / 29 / 2000
ROUND1
TIME2:45
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 35 • Hughes vs. Guist
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Joe Guist
Fight Location Davenport, Iowa, United States
Davenport, Iowa, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Joe Guist Record at Bout (Opponent)1-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout18-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes grounded Guist early, transitioned smoothly into mount, and extended an armbar to secure a tap at 2:45 of round one.
WIN
Marcelo Aguiar
Brazil
Brazil
UFC 26: Ultimate Field of Dreams
Jun / 09 / 2000
TKO – Doctor’s Stoppage
Rnd 1 (4:34)
Jun / 09 / 2000
ROUND1
TIME4:34
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC 26 Welterweight Feature • Hughes vs. Aguiar
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Marcelo Aguiar
Fight Location Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States (Five Seasons Center)
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States (Five Seasons Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Marcelo Aguiar Record at Bout (Opponent)2-1-1
Matt Hughes Record at Bout17-1-0
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In his sophomore UFC appearance, Hughes took Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Aguiar to the canvas and landed cutting elbows from inside guard. The severe cuts opened over Aguiar’s eyes prompted the ringside doctor to stop the fight at 4:34 of the first round.
WIN
Shawn Peters
United States
United States
EC 32: Extreme Challenge 32
May / 21 / 2000
Submission (Choke)
Rnd 1 (2:52)
May / 21 / 2000
ROUND1
TIME2:52
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 32 Feature • Hughes vs. Peters
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Shawn Peters
Fight Location Springfield, Illinois, United States
Springfield, Illinois, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Shawn Peters Record at Bout (Opponent)4-3-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout16-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes dominated Peters with an early takedown, passed to mount, and locked in a submission choke at 2:52 of the opening round.
WIN
Alexandre Barros
Brazil
Brazil
WEF 9: World Class
May / 13 / 2000
Unanimous Decision
Rnd 3 (5:00)
May / 13 / 2000
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODUnanimous Decision
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 WEF 9 Main Card • Hughes vs. Barros
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Alexandre Barros
Fight Location Evansville, Indiana, United States (Roberts Stadium)
Evansville, Indiana, United States (Roberts Stadium)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Alexandre Barros Record at Bout (Opponent)4-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout15-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes controlled Brazilian vale tudo veteran Barros with ground control and takedowns over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision.
WIN
Eric Davila
United States
United States
SB 17: SuperBrawl 17
Apr / 15 / 2000
Submission (Keylock)
Rnd 2 (3:24)
Apr / 15 / 2000
ROUND2
TIME3:24
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 SuperBrawl 17 • Hughes vs. Davila
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Eric Davila
Fight Location Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Blaisdell Center)
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Blaisdell Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Eric Davila Record at Bout (Opponent)5-4-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout14-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes dominated in Honolulu, taking Davila down and locking up a keylock in the second round to finish the bout at 3:24.
WIN
Jorge Pereira
Brazil
Brazil
WEF 8: Goin’ Platinum
Jan / 15 / 2000
TKO
Rnd 1 (6:00)
Jan / 15 / 2000
ROUND1
TIME6:00
METHODTKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 WEF 8 Main Card • Hughes vs. Pereira
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Jorge Pereira
Fight Location Rome, Georgia, United States (The Forum)
Rome, Georgia, United States (The Forum)Duration1 x 10 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Jorge Pereira Record at Bout (Opponent)16-4-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout13-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes overpowered Brazilian vale tudo veteran Pereira on the mat, raining down ground strikes until the referee called a stop to the contest at 6:00.
WIN
Daniel Vianna
Brazil
Brazil
JKD: Challenge 4
Nov / 20 / 1999
TKO (Cut)
Rnd 1 (0:17)
Nov / 20 / 1999
ROUND1
TIME0:17
METHODTKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 JKD Challenge 4 • Hughes vs. Vianna
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Daniel Vianna
Fight Location Chicago, Illinois, United States
Chicago, Illinois, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Daniel Vianna Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout12-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes landed an early strike that opened a severe cut on Vianna, prompting a doctor stoppage after just 17 seconds of round one.
WIN
LaVerne Clark
United States
United States
EC 29: Extreme Challenge 29
Nov / 13 / 1999
Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Rnd 2 (1:35)
Nov / 13 / 1999
ROUND2
TIME1:35
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 29 Tournament Final
Tournament Final
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs LaVerne Clark
Fight Location Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)
Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
LaVerne Clark Record at Bout (Opponent)18-9-1
Matt Hughes Record at Bout11-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In his third fight of the evening, Hughes controlled experienced slugger Clark on the ground and locked in a rear-naked choke at 1:35 of round two to win the Extreme Challenge 29 tournament.
WIN
Joe Doerksen
Canada
Canada
EC 29: Extreme Challenge 29
Nov / 13 / 1999
Submission (Knees)
Rnd 2 (0:25)
Nov / 13 / 1999
ROUND2
TIME0:25
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 29 Tournament Semifinal
Tournament Semifinal
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Joe Doerksen
Fight Location Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)
Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Joe Doerksen Record at Bout (Opponent)8-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout10-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes overpowered Canadian submission artist Doerksen, delivering punishing knees on the canvas early in the second round to force a verbal submission at 0:25.
WIN
Tom Schmitz
United States
United States
EC 29: Extreme Challenge 29
Nov / 13 / 1999
Submission (Eye Injury)
Rnd 1 (0:48)
Nov / 13 / 1999
ROUND1
TIME0:48
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 29 Tournament Quarterfinal
Tournament Quarterfinal
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Tom Schmitz
Fight Location Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)
Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Tom Schmitz Record at Bout (Opponent)4-2-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout9-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Opening his tournament run, Hughes took Schmitz down and landed strikes that caused an eye injury, forcing Schmitz to submit at 0:48 of round one.
WIN
Valeri Ignatov
Bulgaria
Bulgaria
UFC 22: There Can Be Only One Champion
Sep / 24 / 1999
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00)
Sep / 24 / 1999
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 UFC Octagon Debut • Hughes vs. Ignatov
UFC Debut
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Valeri Ignatov
Fight Location Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States (Civic Center)
Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States (Civic Center)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Valeri Ignatov Record at Bout (Opponent)1-0-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout8-1-0
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Making his UFC promotional debut, Hughes took Sambo champion Ignatov down repeatedly, controlling position inside the guard over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision.
WIN
Akihiro Gono
Japan
Japan
Shooto: 10th Anniversary Event
May / 29 / 1999
Unanimous Decision
Rnd 3 (5:00)
May / 29 / 1999
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODUnanimous Decision
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Shooto 10th Anniversary Superfight • Hughes vs. Gono
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Akihiro Gono
Fight Location Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan (Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium)
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan (Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium)Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Akihiro Gono Record at Bout (Opponent)8-4-5
Matt Hughes Record at Bout7-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Traveling to Japan to compete on Shooto’s 10th-anniversary show, Hughes used his wrestling advantage to control Shooto veteran Gono across three rounds to take a unanimous decision.
WIN
Erick Snyder
United States
United States
JKD: Challenge 3
Apr / 24 / 1999
TKO
Rnd 1 (0:15)
Apr / 24 / 1999
ROUND1
TIME0:15
METHODTKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 JKD Challenge 3 • Hughes vs. Snyder 2
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Erick Snyder
Fight Location Chicago, Illinois, United States
Chicago, Illinois, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Erick Snyder Record at Bout (Opponent)0-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout6-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes swarmed Snyder right off the opening bell, securing a TKO finish in only 15 seconds.
WIN
Joe Stern
United States
United States
EC 23: Extreme Challenge 23
Apr / 02 / 1999
TKO
Rnd 1 (2:30)
Apr / 02 / 1999
ROUND1
TIME2:30
METHODTKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 23 • Hughes vs. Stern
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Joe Stern
Fight Location Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Birmingham, Alabama, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Joe Stern Record at Bout (Opponent)2-3-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout5-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes grounded Stern early and unleashed ground-and-pound to earn a referee stoppage at 2:30 of round one.
WIN
Ryan Stout
United States
United States
ES: Extreme Shootfighting
Sep / 30 / 2000
TKO
Rnd 2 (5:00)
Sep / 30 / 2000
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODTKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Shootfighting • Hughes vs. Stout
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Ryan Stout
Fight Location Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States
Waukesha, Wisconsin, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Ryan Stout Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout4-1-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes dominated the action on the canvas over two rounds, prompting a corner stoppage after round two.
LOSS
Dennis Hallman
United States
United States
EC 21: Extreme Challenge 21
Oct / 17 / 1998
Submission (Guillotine)
Rnd 1 (0:17)
Oct / 17 / 1998
ROUND1
TIME0:17
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 21 Tournament Final • Hughes vs. Hallman 1
Tournament Final
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Dennis Hallman
Fight Location Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)
Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)Duration1 x 15 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Dennis Hallman Record at Bout (Opponent)11-2-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout4-0-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In his third bout of the evening during the Extreme Challenge 21 tournament final, Hughes shot for an immediate takedown, but Hallman locked in a tight guillotine choke to hand Hughes his first career defeat in only 17 seconds.
WIN
Victor Hunsaker
United States
United States
EC 21: Extreme Challenge 21
Oct / 17 / 1998
TKO
Rnd 1 (1:39)
Oct / 17 / 1998
ROUND1
TIME1:39
METHODTKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 21 Tournament Semifinal
Tournament Semifinal
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Victor Hunsaker
Fight Location Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)
Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)Duration1 x 15 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Victor Hunsaker Record at Bout (Opponent)3-1-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout3-0-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In the tournament semifinal, Hughes grounded Hunsaker and unleashed ground strikes to earn a TKO victory at 1:39.
WIN
Dave Menne
United States
United States
EC 21: Extreme Challenge 21
Oct / 17 / 1998
Unanimous Decision
Rnd 1 (15:00)
Oct / 17 / 1998
ROUND1
TIME15:00
METHODUnanimous Decision
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Extreme Challenge 21 Tournament Quarterfinal
Tournament Quarterfinal
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Dave Menne
Fight Location Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)
Hayward, Wisconsin, United States (LCO Casino)Duration1 x 15 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Dave Menne Record at Bout (Opponent)16-3-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout2-0-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In a grueling 15-minute single-round tournament quarterfinal, Hughes used his collegiate wrestling to control future UFC middleweight champion Menne on the canvas to take a unanimous decision.
WIN
Craig Quick
United States
United States
JKD: Challenge 2
Apr / 25 / 1998
Submission (Punches)
Rnd 1 (0:15)
Apr / 25 / 1998
ROUND1
TIME0:15
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 JKD Challenge 2 • Hughes vs. Quick
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Craig Quick
Fight Location Chicago, Illinois, United States
Chicago, Illinois, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Craig Quick Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Matt Hughes Record at Bout1-0-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Hughes grounded Quick right off the opening bell and forced a submission to punches in just 15 seconds.
WIN
Erick Snyder
United States
United States
JKD: Challenge 1
Jan / 01 / 1998
KO (Slam)
Rnd 1 (0:15)
Jan / 01 / 1998
ROUND1
TIME0:15
METHODKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials
View Dossier
🥊 Professional MMA Debut • Hughes vs. Snyder 1
Pro Debut
Fighter MatchupMatt Hughes vs Erick Snyder
Fight Location Chicago, Illinois, United States
Chicago, Illinois, United StatesDuration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup175 lbs vs 175 lbs
Erick Snyder Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0 (Debut)
Matt Hughes Record at Bout0-0-0 (Debut)
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In his professional mixed martial arts debut, two-time NCAA Division I All-American Matt Hughes hoisted Snyder into the air and slammed him emphatically onto the canvas, scoring a knockout in only 15 seconds to begin his Hall of Fame career.
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