Matt Hughes Train Accident, What Happened to Former UFC Fighter?

Matt Hughes Train Accident

In 2017, Matt Hughes, a highly respected welterweight in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), was involved in a horrific accident that had life-altering consequences. As a former two-time welterweight champion, Hughes had achieved great success in his fighting career. However, his life took a tragic turn when his pickup truck collided with a moving train in Raymond, Illinois.

The accident occurred on the Beelers Trail as Matt Hughes was returning from Montgomery County. Unfortunately, there were no railroad crossing signs to warn him of the approaching train. Consequently, Hughes was unable to spot the train, leading to a collision that resulted in critical injuries.

According to Hughes, the absence of clear visual cues contributed to the accident. The tall cornfields obstructed his view of the railroad track, and the only indication was a yellow sign, lacking the usual warning lights or signals. This poor angle and limited visibility made it impossible for Hughes to see the oncoming train, which crashed into the passenger side of his pickup truck, inflicting severe harm.

Following the accident, Matt Hughes was promptly rushed to a hospital where doctors placed him in a medically-induced coma that lasted for an arduous nineteen days. The impact of the collision caused a traumatic brain injury, resulting in a condition known as axonal shearing, which involves the tearing of axons away from the brain. This traumatic brain injury posed a significant threat to Hughes’ life and further compounded the physical toll of the accident.

Despite the harrowing ordeal, Matt Hughes demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. While he faced extensive physical challenges, including the impairment of his motor skills, he remained committed to his recovery. Over the course of four years since the accident, Hughes has continued to make progress, regularly attending the gym and working on improving his motor abilities.

The accident had a profound impact on Hughes’s mental health as well. He openly acknowledges going through a period of deep depression, during which he contemplated taking his own life. Recounting the incident, Hughes mentions that he has no recollection of the day itself, relying on accounts from those who were present with him. The brain injury he sustained from the forceful collision with the train caused memory loss and further intensified the challenges he faced.

However, despite the depths of despair he experienced, Matt Hughes found strength and motivation to overcome his suicidal thoughts. One crucial factor was his strong support system, consisting of close friends and family. Hughes recognized that taking his own life would not only devastate those who cared about him but also set a dangerous example for others who might be going through similar struggles. As a former champion, Hughes felt a responsibility to serve as an inspiration to those facing adversity, showing them that it is possible to overcome even the darkest moments.

What Happened to Matt Hughes?

On June 16, 2017, former UFC champion and Hall of Famer Matt Hughes endured a devastating train accident that had a profound impact on his life. While helping a farmer by transporting diesel fuel and filling up a tractor, Hughes crossed a railroad track on his way back from Montgomery County. Unfortunately, he was unable to spot an oncoming train due to the angle of the track and the presence of tall corn vegetation obstructing his view. Additionally, there were no signs or lights to warn drivers about the approaching train.

The collision occurred when the train struck Hughes’ pickup truck on the passenger side, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. The severity of the accident left Hughes unconscious and his truck heavily damaged. Emergency services arrived promptly and airlifted him to a hospital in Springfield, where doctors made the difficult decision to induce a medically induced coma lasting 19 days to protect his brain.

Upon awakening, Hughes faced a challenging road to recovery. The traumatic brain injury he sustained, classified as a grade 3 diffuse axonal injury, presented significant obstacles. Doctors initially expressed doubts about his potential for recovery, describing his condition as “locked-in syndrome” or “brain dead.” Nevertheless, Hughes demonstrated remarkable resilience and began the arduous process of rehabilitation.

Physical therapy and cognitive therapy became integral parts of Hughes’ journey. He had to relearn basic skills such as walking and talking, as the accident had left him with impaired motor skills and difficulties with communication. Despite ongoing treatments, progress was slow, and a year after the accident, Hughes showed minimal improvement. He faced a profound sense of despair and lost faith in his ability to regain a semblance of his previous life. The burdens of his brain injury took a toll not only on him but also on his family.

During this challenging period, Hughes battled depression and contemplated suicide. He felt overwhelmed by a sense of worthlessness and the desire to escape the pain he was experiencing. However, his fighting spirit persisted, and he found solace in his dedication to daily gym sessions. By committing himself to physical training and personal growth, he sought to overcome the darkness that consumed him.

Who is Matt Hughes?

Matt Hughes, whose full name is Matthew Allen Hughes, is a retired American mixed martial artist and former UFC Welterweight Champion. Born on October 13, 1973, in the town of Hillsboro, Illinois, Hughes gained widespread recognition as one of the greatest fighters in the history of mixed martial arts (MMA).

Known for his background in wrestling, Hughes achieved remarkable success during his career. He competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he became a two-time UFC Welterweight Champion. Hughes was inducted into the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame and also received recognition from the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

Throughout his tenure in the UFC, Hughes established an impressive legacy. He went on two separate six-fight winning streaks, defeating all the top contenders in the welterweight division and successfully defending his title a record-breaking seven times. This outstanding feat solidified his status as one of the most dominant champions in the sport.

Considered the number one pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world during his reign, Hughes was highly regarded by analysts and media outlets alike. He was praised for his skills as a welterweight fighter and was often hailed as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the history of MMA.

Hughes trained extensively with Miletich Fighting Systems, a renowned MMA camp, before forming his own team called Team Hughes in 2007. Apart from his achievements in the octagon, he also ventured into writing and published his autobiography, “Made in America,” which achieved success by making it onto the New York Times bestseller list.

Beyond his fighting career, Hughes is known for his deep Christian faith. He regularly shares Bible verses on his website, reflecting his religious convictions. In his personal life, he is married and has two daughters, with his wife having a son from a previous relationship. Interestingly, Hughes and his twin brother were born on their father’s birthday, adding a unique familial connection.

However, Hughes faced a life-altering event on June 16, 2017. He was involved in a serious train accident near his home in Montgomery County, Illinois, resulting in a severe head injury. He was hospitalized and remained unconscious and unresponsive for a period of time. With the support of the Triumph Over Tragedy Foundation, Hughes and his family worked towards determining the best course of care and recovery.

Despite the challenges he faced, Hughes displayed resilience and made remarkable progress in his rehabilitation. He expressed gratitude to the hospital staff who had taken care of him and made a special appearance during a UFC event in 2018. Additionally, he filed a lawsuit related to the train crash incident in 2017, seeking legal recourse for the incident.

Matt Hughes’s legacy extends beyond his accolades in MMA. He is remembered as an exceptional athlete who left an indelible mark on the sport, both for his outstanding performances in the octagon and his enduring fighting spirit in the face of adversity.

Matt Hughes Net Worth

Matt Hughes, the American Mixed Martial Artist, has amassed an estimated net worth of $8 million. Born on October 13, 1973, in Hillsboro, Illinois, Hughes achieved recognition in both high school and college for his athletic prowess. As a high school wrestler, he secured numerous championships, showcasing his talent and dedication. Moving on to Eastern Illinois University, Hughes continued to excel as an NCAA Division I wrestler.

In the late 1990s, Hughes ventured into the world of mixed martial arts, training under the guidance of Miletech Fighting Systems. His breakthrough came in 2001 when he clinched his first UFC Welterweight championship at UFC 34, marking the beginning of his reign.

Hughes proved to be a dominant force in the division, successfully defending his title until UFC 46. Despite a temporary setback, he reclaimed the Welterweight Champion title at UFC 50 and retained it until UFC 65, where he faced a defeat against Georges St. Pierre.

Throughout his career, Hughes experienced a mix of victories and losses, showcasing his tenacity and resilience as a fighter. In addition to his in-ring achievements, he ventured into coaching, adding another dimension to his career. Hughes’ contributions to the sport have earned him recognition, and he holds the distinction of having the most UFC wins of any fighter to date, with an impressive tally of 18 victories.

Beyond his accomplishments in the octagon, Hughes published his autobiography in 2008, providing fans with a deeper understanding of his life and journey in the world of mixed martial arts. With a net worth of $8 million, Matt Hughes has established himself as one of the prominent figures in the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the MMA community.