Matt Hughes: Loss to BJ Penn was another step towards retirement
Posted on December 3, 2010, 06:18 AM by Daniel Cassidy“A lot of people have been asking about the fight and how I am doing. Of course, the fight didn’t go like I had planned it. I knew BJ was going to be in shape, but I didn’t know he was going to come in with a game plan and really look for my tendencies. I think BJ knew I was going to come in throwing my jab and I think he had a game plan for that. He hit me with a hard right hand that I never saw coming.”
“It’s funny how styles make fights and I’m not at all like Frankie Edgar. So it just kind of stinks that BJ came off two losses and then ended up beating me in less than 30 seconds. I knew BJ was going to be tough that first round. I was trying to get him into the second and the third round where I could wear on him, slow him down and soften him up a little bit; but it just didn’t go that way.”
“I don’t know what I’ll do now. I’m definitely going to take the winter off and some of the spring. I had three fights this year, so I’ve just got some other things I want to do; but I will say that this was one big step closer to retirement for me.”
UFC Hall of Famer and MMA Legend Matt Hughes reflects on his loss to BJ Penn at UFC 123. It took the former Lightweight Champ just 21 seconds to connect with a perfect counter right that put Hughes on the canvas and ended the fight. But at 37, with a hugely impressive record of 45-8, is there still a place for Matt Hughes in the UFC, as he looks to get one last title shot. Prior to his loss to Penn, Hughes was on a 3 fight win streak, with 2 wins over Renzo Gracie Black Belts, as well as one over Renzo himself.
So LowKick'ers, what do you think? Should Matt Hughes retire following the loss to Penn? Or is there still a place for Hughes in the UFC? Will he ever get that title shot he wants so badly?
Source: Matt Hughes.com
Comments
Should a fighter retire just because he got caught by a guy that has always had his number? Hell no that is the worst reason to retire.
I wouldn't say that's why he's going to retire, he has a lot of other stuff going on in his life. He's a family man for one, he also has a hunting show for television he's been working on.
You also have to remember Hughes is one of the greatest WW if not the greatest (at this point) of all time. He doesn't want to turn into a gate keeper or a guy just doing novelty fights. He's 37 now, might be 38 before he fights again, I think he probably thinks if he can't win the belt he might as well retire.
I feel bad for Hughes, he said it himself that the BJ fight was one of the most important fights in his career and he lost so embarrassingly and for him retiring, it's up to him, I would still like to see him fight, fights against people like Condit, Hardy and Kampmann are still interesting to me but if he retires then thats ok too hes given plenty of great memorable fights
I agree but I reckon he has one or two fights left in him, it would be nice to see him bow out with a win. Don't be surprised if you see Chuck do the same next year too
I agree. Its not so much the loss itself that should make him look at retirement, its what the loss means. He was knocking on the door for a title shot and now he will have to take a couple steps back again. I have no doubt that he can still be competitive and there are at least a couple good fights left in him... The problem is tho, it will take a couple just to put him back where he was and I'm not sure that he is interested in climbing the latter all over again.
has chuck not already retired? he's definitely never fighting in the ufc again, according to dana white
One more.... Dennis Hallman. Ouch that would hurt to lose though.
I don't see anything wrong with him becoming the Randy Couture of the welterweight division. He should take interesting fights when they come along without feeling the pressure to chase a title. He said it even before the BJ fight that he'd achieved everything he wanted in the sport. He's already a hall of famer so there's nothing wrong with him becoming an elder statesman of MMA.
he has more self respect and integrity than that i think. let's face it, the couture toney fight was a joke. hughes probably only wants to fight if it's to be champ again, and if he doesn't think he can do that, then you have to respect the guy deciding to call it a day and retire with an incredible record and the respect off mma fans worldwide.
Have a nice vacation, Matt.
I wouldn't be shocked if he just retires. It's such a shame, because you could make the argument that he was a win or two away from fighting for the title, again. That would have been a great finish for Matt, to win or lose in championship fight and then retire; regardless of the outcome. And yes, if he had or could win the title again, I'd tell him to retire; go out on top, like Ellway; win and walk out the door; now, that's a highlight reel.
I was truly disappointed for him in his loss, particularly that it came so quickly, but there are fighters who have other fighter's numbers and Penn (as does GSP) has Matt's number.
I wish Matt all the best, no matter he does. He was a good champ, but the sport and time, have probably (now) passed him by and I would figure he's not interested in being a gatekeeper or carnival act, so I won't be surprised if, when he comes back from his vacation, that he doesn't announce his retirement.
Long Live The Champ.
I think Hughes should stop now because i don't think he will ever win the title.
i couldnt have more respect for this guy if i tried, if he chooses to retire then thats his right and no1 can say he hasnt earned it, but as people have already said on this thread bj has matts number, and on top of that bj needed that win VERY badly so he came out like a man possessed...i think hes still a top 10 WW and would beat guys like hardy, mayb even kampman and koscheck? but its up to him...hes already given more than enough, but as the man sai himself, he just loves to compete
i think well see him in the cage again
haha none of u guys knoticed the plkace i dont spell well myself but for mess ups on here lol. and no i dont think he should retire i think he should first at least one more time... like a hughes and sera 2 would be sweet
Wow, he is really reeling from this one. He should NOT quit based on this loss- everyone gets caught and it doesn't mean he's at the end. He should look at his last four fights as a whole, do the math and move on.