Connect with us

Articles of 2006

Matt Hughes seeks to avenge loss against B.J. Penn

Published

on

It was the slam heard around the mixed martial arts world.  The date was November second of 2001 and Matt Hughes had just pulled off an upset over the Welterweight champion Carlos Newton in spectacular fashion.  The country boy from Hillsboro, Illinois had arrived with a loud thump and things would never be the same. “Things definitely changed for me. I became more recognizable, people started asking for my autograph and pictures. I got a lot of notice after that win,” said Hughes (41-4) from Anaheim where he’ll defend his UFC Welterweight title against Hawaiian B.J. “The Prodigy” Penn (10-3-1).

The match is the main event of a UFC Pay Per View taking place on Saturday with the TV signal emanating from the Anaheim Pond in Southern California.

Hughes was losing his bout against Newton who had his rival in a choke hold when Hughes, showing tremendous strength, stood up and carried Newton towards the Octagon fence and slammed the very credible champion onto the canvas where he was knocked out cold. It was the beginning of an excellent career for the 33-year-old that’ll now face Penn for the second time in what will be an important rematch for Hughes. Penn has the distinction of being the last man to beat the former All-American wrestler in 2004’s UFC 46. “I just wasn’t as complete a fighter when I last fought B.J. I know it sounds like an old wife’s tale but honestly I wouldn’t be the fighter I am today without that loss. I learned so much from it. I learned that I had to work on many more things like my striking and grappling. I definitely gained something from that loss,” says Hughes.

Originally scheduled to fight George St. Pierre who he already beat via submission, Hughes was elated to hear he’d be fighting Penn. “When I heard B.J. Penn was going to be my opponent I felt really excited and motivated. I’ll take the opportunity to avenge a loss over just a regular win any time,” said Hughes. B.J. Penn is a world-class fighter well versed in all subjects of the MMA science. “He’s a well-rounded fighter. That’s what makes him so great. He’s a great striker and grappler and very fast. He’s also a pretty decent wrestler. He’s an athletic guy that ties all his strengths together very well,” said Hughes. Penn is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Hughes’ originally scheduled opponent St. Pierre. What’s that old saying? Styles make fights? Very true in any combat sport.

Hughes’ latest win came against the man who helped build the UFC. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master, Royce Gracie, was untouchable throughout the ranks of the UFC for almost half a decade. Gracie defeated all comers whether they were wrestlers, grapplers or boxers; his Gracie Jiu-Jitsu proved greater than all the other martial arts.

But that was then and Hughes is now.  

Hughes easily destroyed the legend and was on route to submitting Gracie with an armbar but reportedly told Grappling magazine “that he let go of the armbar because he did not want to break Gracie's arm.”

It was obvious from watching the bout, that the prideful Gracie, who had never been submitted, wasn’t about to be submitted for the first time now, even if he had to suffer a broken arm. Hughes then quickly mounted Gracie from the back and landed an unanswered volley of punches to the back of the Brazilian’s head that prompted the referee to stop the fight. It was Hughes’ highest profile win. What happened to Gracie? Was it his age? Were Gracie’s skills irrelevant in the Octagon. Hughes has his own thoughts regarding the match and the former legend. “I never would of thought that I’d be able to dominate Gracie the way I did on the ground. I though that when we hit the ground he’d be the one dictating and I’d be the one defending. I feel like I evolved as an MMA fighter and Gracie didn’t. He still had this notion that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was so superior. But the facts are that you have to be well-rounded to be succesful in the Octagon,” said Hughes.

Hughes is a devout Christian who doesn’t see his faith clashing with his violent profession. “I don’t go out there with the intent of hurting anybody. I go out there with the intent of winning. Besides, if you look at the Old Testament you’d see how violent God was,” said Hughes. Hughes and his twin brother Mark came back to the church after being regular attendees as children. He and Mark were baptized and surrendered their life to Jesus. It was his religion that inspired him to think of others instead of getting caught up in the everyday rat race. Hughes spends his non-combat time between helping the youth of his community and helping out at a Mexican orphanage named Rancho 3M where he assists in the development and construction of dwellings.

The father of two feels grateful for his station in life and feels that MMA shaped his future into something he could’ve never envisioned. “If I wasn’t doing Mixed Martial Arts as a profession I’d probably be working two jobs. I’d be working on the family farm and working some type of construction work. Something with my hands like construction, electrical, something along those lines,” he stated.

Hughes is expecting Penn to show up as fierce as always but feels he’ll ultimately avenge his loss. “He’s technically better all over but I don’t think he’s changed a whole lot. I think he’ll be pretty much the same type of fighter I encountered last time out,” said Hughes. “I think I’ve changed a lot more than he has.”

Surprisingly, the former wrestling phenom likes to watch one of the best strikers in the business when it comes to personal favorites. “Chuck Liddell is a very unique person that can throw punches like no one’s business. He doesn’t really worry about getting hit like most people do. He’s got a hard head. If he gets someone to trade with him then he’s pretty happy. I personally like watching the strikers more than any other fighters. Myself as a striker, I feel I match up pretty well against any of the MMA fighters. Against a boxer I’d be nothing, but in the Octagon I’m a pretty good striker.”

Minutes before his fights, Hughes has a ritual that he goes through. “I’m usually pretty relaxed just before a fight. I’ll hit the mitts for a little while and then sit there and visualize the fight,” he says. So what can we expect from Hughes on Saturday night? “You’re going to see a lot more tools than you’re used to from me. I’m not going to go out there and go for the takedown right away. I’m going to let my hands go a litlle bit. If I can take him down then I will, but if not, I’m more than prepared to exchange punches. God willing this will be my night and I’ll avenge the loss. That will make it a truly satisfying win,” ends Hughes.

Catch Hughes vs. Penn on Pay Per View this Saturday at 10 P.M. Eastern/7 P.M. Pacific. Also on the card are Mike Swick vs. David Loiseau, Jason Lambert vs. Rashad Evans Joe Lauzon vs. Jens Pulver, Gabe Ruediger vs. Melvin Guillard, Roger Huerta vs. Jason Dent, Mario Neto vs. Eddie Sanchez and Danny Abbadi vs. Jorge Gurgel. For more info go to www.ufc.com

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles21 hours ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles7 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles1 week ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles4 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles3 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles18 hours ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles21 hours ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles3 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles4 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles7 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles1 week ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending