Matt Hughes: Loss to BJ a big step closer to retirement

[BigDawg]

Tweet"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."

-Matt Hughes discusses his UFC 123 rubber match with B.J. Penn on his personal blog and says it was a step towards the end of his career.

Penick's Analysis: Matt Hughes is obviously one of the legends of the sport. His initial runs as Welterweight Champion will not be overlooked, and he's already earned his place in the UFC Hall of Fame. That said, this loss was really tough for him. It was clear to see in his post fight interview how much the fight meant to him, and to lose in such a convincing and devastating fashion had a negative effect on him. I hope it doesn't mean the end just yet, as I believe he's still got plenty of fight in him, but this is one he'll need to recover from mentally more than physically to move forward.

[FUZO]

TweetThis was a great fight and no one would of ever thought BJ would of won in 21 seconds.

[Strella]

TweetI think hes done

[FUZO]

TweetYOU THINK BJ DONE STRELLA OR MATT

[tn94z]

TweetMatt will probably retire unless momma wants another big pay check. He said in his pre-fight interview that if he lost to BJ this last time, he would consider himself 0-3 against BJ.

[FUZO]

Tweethe might consider himself o-3 but what does dana consider himself and does matt still draw attendance if so he will fight again

[tn94z]

Tweet

he might consider himself o-3 but what does dana consider himself and does matt still draw attendance if so he will fight again

Who knows? I know Matt said the reason he starting this last round of fighting was because he could use that extra check, so I guess it will come down to that. Oh yeah, if he can put butts in the seat, Dana will gladly pay him

[FUZO]

TweetEveryone needs more money and if they throw 250k at matt you bet he will take it at anytime win or lose

[tn94z]

Tweet

Everyone needs more money and if they throw 250k at matt you bet he will take it at anytime win or lose

I agree.

[Strella]

TweetSorry, i think Hughes is done not BJ. I think BJ can fight for a few more good yrs if he puts his heart into it. I thought Hughes was done a yr or so ago until he won a couple of fights and it seemed kind of like he was gonna fight until he lost or something. A former champ who knows he is nowhere near the top wont fight for too much longer IMO.