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Despite a loss to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 79, the fans are still behind Matt 100%. Here is just a small sample of the outpouring of support that we have received since Saturday night. (Messages may be edited for spelling, grammar, or length.)
I just wanted to send you a word of encouragement. I thank the Lord for your presence in UFC. God has raised you up to excellence. I still believe in you. More importantly, I believe in what you will do through our GOD!
I leave you with a verse you know; it’s my life verse.
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” -1 Cor. 15.58
Wade
I still thought Matt fought well. I was pleased he fought using his game. I have been a fan of Matt’s since the first time I saw him fight. I still think he is great and he will always be a champion to me. Not many girls love wrestling and MMA like I do and Matt is one reason I love it so much. He is a great guy and I wanted to let him know his fans still support him. There ain’t nothin like a good ol’ country boy.
Jessica
I just wanted to let you know that I watched your fight tonight , and win or lose I am still a big fan because of the man you are and that has nothing to do with you and being in the UFC, but it has all to do with the fact you are a warrior and even if you werent in the UFC you are still a warrior. I am a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps and I use you as an example of what to be as a true blue WARRIOR. Thank You for all you have done and I hope you dont take this loss tonight as anything more than God’s way of telling you that there is more out there for you than throwing fists YOU ARE A WARRIOR. Thank You and Semper Fidelis.
Tommy
I think you are a great role model for kids and young adults. I watched tonight as you fought GSP for the interim belt, and even though you lost, you are still a great role model and were gracious in defeat. I thought it was great how you were trying to mentor to the guys on your team in the Ultimate Fighter, especially through your Christian beliefs. I thought it was horrible how Matt Serra was depicting you on the show but he will have to deal with that at a later date. I hope you do fight Serra as I know GSP will beat him but if you fought your last fight, I will always be a fan. I am 38 years old and would let my daughter watch you anytime and know that you will always be respectful and not curse. Continue to keep the Faith and never compromise your beliefs. Thank you for the awesome fights you have put on.
Derrick
I know that if Matt wants to he can comeback and take Pierre to school, but since he has a family and since he has already done everything and achieved everything you can expect from a true MMA fighter, he might have other interests.
Anyways, the best of luck from Iran!
Ali Reza
I still think you are the best. I’ll never forget what you did to Gracie, Penn, Trigg, etc.
Peter
Matt has been nothing but a class act, win, lose or draw. If tonight was his last fight, it will be the UFC’s loss. The way he has handled Matt Serra and his total unprofessional conduct for the last couple of months has been nothing but class. No matter what his future is, I want to just wish him the Good Luck and thanks for all the years of being a great champion for at least this fan and his children!
Donald
As a big MMA fan, and as a born again Christian, I just wanted to thank you for your testimony and the way you are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I saw the fight, and GSP is a great fighter, and a quality person. Nothing to be ashamed of, and whatever you decide to do now, you have been a great champion, and more importantly a great testimony of our Lord.
What you stand for is so much more important that wins and losses, and that is why I hold you in high regard. The world looks at the results of a fight, but God looks at the heart of a man, and that is where you are a winner, no
matter what.
Thanks for being a great role model and testimony.
God bless you in whatever you decide to do. My prayers are with you and
your family!!!
David
I want to thank you for all that you have done for the sport and it’s been an incredible experience for you I’m sure. Don’t hang up the shoes yet! Whether or not you choose to go for another title run, which you really have nothing left to prove, kick Matt Serra’s butt! This is one fight that I would like to see and I’m sure many other fans as well!
Have fun in your time off Matt and enjoy your family. Thanks again for all you have done and all you’ll continue to do for the sport. You’ve been a huge inspiration to me and I just wanted to say thanks!
Neal
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December 31st, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Hey Matt, I had been out of town for Christmas and didn’t have a chance to watch the fight until just a few minutes ago. Being such a big fan of yours, it was a difficult fight to watch and I’m sure nobody takes the loss harder than you do. However, the class that you showed after the fight, and have shown after all your fights, is what keeps your fans thinking of you as a winner and a true champ. I sure hope you’re not done with the fight game quite yet. I think you’ve still got plenty to contribute to the sport and the fans, but if nothing else, I know you’ve got plenty of punishment left for a certain Mr. Serra.
December 31st, 2007 at 4:15 pm
When the smoke clears folks Matt will know his true fans and friends. I spent hours with Matt after the fight and I can tell you this my feelings for him grew on Saturday. I have no reason to hang my head. Why? Because Matt is a friend a good friend. And secondly because he is my champ. People forget that Matt has done more in the sport of MMA than anyone ever has in the WW division. So while alot of you will jump ships. I will stick with this one. Matt I love ya buddy I support ya and I’m praying for you.. WAR MATT HUGHES
Your friend,
Ben Eldridge
December 31st, 2007 at 4:41 pm
matt, still a good fight,winning in the octagon doesn’t always make you a winner. you are a winner in life because of who you are and what you stand for, the octagon is just a bonus for us, your fans.
still a fan.
george fagan
December 31st, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Matt Hughes is a mega stud. No matter what GSP or anyone else can do, Hughes is still the greatest WW ever to live and an outstanding man and fighter. My best friend recently gave me a signed Matt Hughes portrait w/a personal message and Bible verse, which really meant a lot to me and motivates me a lot. You are a huge hero of mine Matt and nothing anyone can ever say or do can take that away. Sure, I was sad that you didn’t win the fight, aren’t we all, but if you’re going to lose to anybody, GSP is the one to lose to because he is a very respectable and good guy to lose to that doesn;t rub it in or be a jerk about it. Keep inspriing us all Matt and I still pray for you and see you as an amazing warrior for God and a great example in a sport full of a lot of darkness
-Chris P. from Wichita, Kansas.
December 31st, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Hi Matt,
First, I would like to say with others that you have shown a lot of class and excellence as a believer to God’s glory. You are definitely a great role model. I’m sure as you mature in Christ, you will continue to grow in humility and love. I believe God has been teaching you through these losses. It can be humbling, but God is building character in you (Rom. 5) and He will use this for His glory.
A few comments about the last fight with GSP along with some spiritual insight that I hope will be a blessing to you…
1. You definitely learned some lessons from your last fight with GSP. There were a few things that you did in this fight that were great and showed that you did some homework (e.g. you avoided his superman punch and countered well).
2. I don’t think that GSP is a better fighter than you. I think he is hungrier. You have defended your title many times. He’s hungry to get back the title and defend it more than once with the outcome of a loss. You have a wife and kids and God to focus on - he doesn’t. I believe you can beat him if you really want to.
3. GSP does more than train. He works a lot on strategy. While I think you had a game plan I’m not sure that you studied him as much as he studied you. Granted, for both of you it was short notice to fight, but I think you might have relied too much on your strength and cardio, and not enough on finding his weaknesses, and a clear strategy to beat him.
4. GSP has surrounded himself with many different coaches that are all experts in their field. It seems to me, where you live, you are the expert and you won’t rise to a new level if you don’t have many more “greats” around you. If you go to a training camp where you will be pushed in each discipline and will have world-class champs in boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, etc. you will grow. Look at Vanderlei Silva All Access. The training his underwent was amazing. Not just cardio (which a good coach will push you even more) but in the various disciplines. It doesn’t matter that he lost. His skills improved greatly. Granted, sometime the better fighter loses due to a “lucky” punch by the other fighter, but I believe you have tons of untapped skills that can be brought out with a great team (Prov. 20:5). If you isolate yourself and you become the sole expert, you won’t grow (Prov. 18:1).
How many hours of GSP fight footage did you watch? It’s foolish to think that you can just go in there and win without picking apart his weaknesses. He is a better fighter in the sense that he is more strategic. You are better in terms of talent and strength but you must do what GSP did and that is to capitalize on weaknesses or to be familiar with your style. GSP has a very unique style and it’s probably hard to train against it. But I believe you could’ve pushed him against the fence like Randy C. does, you could’ve utilized the clinch and went for more knees like A. Silva does, etc. GSP has not done too well in those situations. Look at how Serra won - he exposed GSP’s weak chin. You could’ve focused on clinch knees, punches, etc. I know you’re ultimate plan was the take down, ground and pound. But since he’s so hard to take down, there are other ways to wear him down using his weaknesses. Obviously when you’re in the ring things are tough and unpredictable. I know I’d lose in 3 seconds to either of you. But I do believe you could’ve prepared better for the fight. Not just better but smarter.
5. I think the question before you is not, “Can I be the best?” it’s “Do I want to be the best?” Again, if you look at how hungry GSP, V. Silva, and a bunch of other guys are, you have to take inventory and see if you really want to fight. If you want to be the best and are willing to train like it, you’ll beat GSP or anyone else. If fighting is #6 on your list of priorities (of course God, family is first) then you won’t have the drive to win. You are older than others in the UFC and you may want to retire. You may want to stop if you feel you are past your peak or prime. I’m sure you could beat many people since even as an older fighter you are one of the best. Randy showed us that age may not be the main factor. Only you know the answer to this. Did you feel like the 25 year old Matt Hughes against GSP or did you feel slower, more tired, less hungry for the win, etc.? Only you know.
6. There is a great preacher that I know you’ll enjoy listening to. His name is Tommy Nelson. You can find his sermons for free in iTunes. Just do a search for Tom Nelson or Denton Bible Church. You can download his messages for free each week. You can download his entire series going through Romans right now as well. I would also recommend his series on Ecclesiasties from dbcmedia.org. Listen to his messages. Dig into the Word. You will find direction from God through His Word and by His Spirit as you listen to His Word preached. Tommy is a great, strong athlete, and almost preaches in a coach-like manner. You’ll enjoy his rich messages.
7. Christians appreciate you and thank you for bringing a Christ-like presence to the sport. You’re not like Chuck who is tainted by the world, and focuses on partying in his after-fight speeches. You have been a light in UFC. Thank you!
8. You will always be a winner in our eyes. You don’t have to “redeem” yourself. Only God can redeem us through Christ. You and GSP are just in very different life-phases and that might be the differene. If you and he started at the same time and were the same age, things may be different. We pray for the best for you. You have nothing to prove. We just hope you will do God’s will. We wish you God’s grace and peace!
December 31st, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Class is the key word… .whether it be in the ring or out….. Matt Hughes has class. I’m a new fan to this sport as I keep quite occupied with NASCAR, but it is obvious to see that Matt Hughes is in a league of his own. What an incredible role model he is. THANK YOU and enjoy your time with your loving family.
Sincerely,
Audra Stevens
December 31st, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Matt,
When a person looks on their life it is not one moment that makes him who he is. It is the entire journey.
You conduct yourself as a role model and a leader win or loose. It is easy to be a good winner but alot harder to loose with dignity. I tell my karate kids that a win is just a moment in time and a loss is something to learn from.
I look forward to seeing your continued journey through life. You will always be a champion in my eyes.
Lee Anne
December 31st, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Matt:
You will ALWAYS be our champion! We will never forget what you have done for this sport and the impact you have had on so many lives both in and out of the octagon.
Before I start sounding like you’ve died, let me say that I truly hope you don’t retire, but support whatever you decide. You’re a wonderful role model, a stand-up guy with a lot of integrity and class and I hope you continue to fight the good fight!
Dawn
December 31st, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Rany Couture lost two fights to Chuck Liddell and everyone thought it was over for him.Rany Couture came back to regain the heavyweight title(we all know the story)
Matt you were the most dominating champion of all time…Please dont retire, I believe your career is far from over.
God will lead you in the right direction
your friend
Shawn “Pain” Peters
December 31st, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Keep you head held high Matt. We all know you are going to regain the title. We are very proud of you now lets get ready to fight somebody
December 31st, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Matt, you are still the champ in my eyes and a lot of others as well. I personally think you should continue fighting and training harder than ever for at least a few more fights until you get another shot. I don’t see that you have slowed down any. You can beat GSP and anyone else that is in front of you. Even though I think you are the best there are still some areas you may have to look at to improve for the newer fighters but you are the toughest guy in the ufc period!! I appreciate how you show class in all you do, thanks for everything you have taught me about never giving up and believing in yourself and God. God Bless you and your family and happy new year!
December 31st, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Matt, you fought with courage and you handled defeat with grace. The only thing left for you to do is to make Serra eat his words. You have nothing left to prove, and your legacy is secure. My respectful advice would be to use the time between now and when Serra loses to GSP to build up your gym. After Serra loses, you should call him out and make him back up what he said about you. After that, you can retire on a win and teach Serra some manners to boot.
December 31st, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Matt, I feel for you in your lost to GSP. Being an athlete myself there is no greater feeling of failure then through a loss. But through all that you are healthy with a beautiful family. I just finished reading your book and I loved it. I see a lot of parallels in our lives from growing up in the country and getting into everything imaginable growing up. From being successful at what you do, to having most importantly a great family who loves you deeply, and finding your life through Jesus. When my wife Jennifer and I went to UFC 77 we stayed at the Westin and were shocked to see that we were staying at the same place as all the fighters. As soon as I saw the fighters the only one that I wanted to meet was you. Well I never saw you and during the fights I saw you and your wife down at the cage and I figured that it was as close I would get to meeting you. But when we were leaving our room we got in the elevator and I thought “Wow there is my hero!!” But I seen that you were with you wife and Marc Fiore and I thought the best thing was to be respectful of you and your family so I just stared at the door until it opened and left while my wife was like “What do you mean he was in there, you should have told me!!” But anyway my enlongated point is the reason so many people like you is they see the values, christianity, and respect in you that we all try to keep in ourselves. May god bless you and your family in 2008 and in whatever you choose for yourself in your MMA future.
December 31st, 2007 at 8:34 pm
hey matt, I just wanted to say no matter what you will always be a great fighter and a great roll madel. You ar ethe first fighter I ever saw fight and your the reason why i even watch this sport. No matter what you do i will always be behind 100% and im sure all your other fans will behind you too. I hope one day I’ll be able to meet you. You complete UFC, adn it wont be the same whithout you. Good luck and have a great time off.
Moriah (matty)
December 31st, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Hey Matt,
I just wanted to let you know that you have support from all over!!! You are still #1 in all our our hearts and minds. Stay strong and don’t let anything get you down.
GOD BLESS,
Kelly
January 1st, 2008 at 2:59 am
Matt
You are the best fighter in UFC. You appear so level headed. It appears as though your focus has changed. Which by the way the way is nothing wrong with that. YOu have proven your domince in UFC, I mean how many fights have you actually won? Too many to count right? I would love to continue to see you fight but how much can you actually give the fans before you think of yourself and your wife and you children. YOU have Accomplished pretty much all you can in the UFC. 9 times belt holder. I would love for you to continue fighting, trust me, me and my husband have the best sex after you do, but do what you feel is right in your heart, remember God wants you to be happy and content. God bless you and your wife and you children.
ALWAYS AND FOREVER A FAN
January 1st, 2008 at 4:08 am
Matt,
you are a huge part of why the ufc is what it is today! thankyou for the great fights over the past years!
TK
January 1st, 2008 at 5:10 am
Matt,
I send this message from the Uk - im a huge fan of UFC, but first and foremost im a huge fan of you as a role-model and your fighting style. I speak for alot of people who i know are also into the UFC and all think the same.
My only wish is that you have one last fight against a jealous Matt Serra and teach a lesson in respect…..and go out on a high….
Either way…you are a LEGEND
Tez, Uk
January 1st, 2008 at 9:48 am
Matt,
Thank you so much for everything you have done in the UFC (coaching, fighting, beeing a rolemodel) More people should be like you!
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors(sp?)
Happy New Year wishes from Norway!
January 1st, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Matt, I’m still 100% behind you and a big fan. I respect any decision but I suggest you don’t retire so that we can see a couple more great fights from you. You are still number 1 and it would be great if you could win your title again ( from GSP or MS..)
Thanks and greetings from The Netherlands !
January 1st, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Matt,
Thank you so much for being an inspiration and role model in my life. I am a big fan of yours and am 100% behind you. Below are some inspirational quotes I wanted to share with you:
In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time. — Robert Collier
Tough times never last, but tough people do. — Robert H. Schuller
Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up.
Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. - Michael Jordan
You can do all things in Christ.
All my best,
Dave M.
January 1st, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Matt, you are the only reason why I watch the UFC. I can’t name any other athlete in this world that has won 9 titles in their sport. You have been, and continue to be an inspiration to many people. You are my hero because of the way you carry yourself. You are a first class athlete. You are a legend in the sport of MMA.
January 2nd, 2008 at 2:04 am
MATT , wow GSP was very impressive however you look at that fight,but he will never be a MATT HUGHES . I was completely heart broken after that match.You will always be a winner in my eyes,I love to watch you fight. It won’t be the same to me if you leave but it could be worse.I wish you the best in whatever you do.With a wife ,kids,$4.00 corn/$10.00 beans,and $3.00 fuel you have alot to think about and knowbody should expect an answer right away.JUST FOLLOW YOUR HEART, it’s the way to happiness!!
January 2nd, 2008 at 7:58 am
Hey Matt,
I think you’re the true champion and you’re still my number 1 in MMA! I feld sorry for your loss against GSP.
Please don’t retire!
Rob
January 2nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Matt,
Still the reason I watch the UFC, in loss or victory you are the champ! Wishing you & your family health and continued success in 2008!
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:30 am
I just wanted to say that I am a new Matt Hughes fan. Before the last St. Pierre fight I did not have much respect for Matt. The comments after the fight made me like Matt. I now have alot of respect for Matt not only for the fighter that he is but also for the man that he is.
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Matt,
I have been a long time fan. You have always been a class act. You have represented Christ well. While I was disappointed with the outcome of the match, I was once again impressed by your character and stand. I am hoping you will make an appearance in Florida near us. The adult SS class I teach has had great men’s outings to the UFC events. Are any of your training sessions open to the public? I’m hoping that you will visit N Fl and give me a chance to guide you fishing.
Rev Jim
January 4th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
matt,
as a massive fan of mma i feel that you have been nothing but an absolute legend in the sport. you have provided us with many memorable moments powerbomb on newton two chokes on trigg and so many more. you have always been humble and a true martial artist as you are respectful in defeat. i only hope you do not retire as i feel you have maybe one big bang before you go out. forever and always a Legend and a hero to myself, thank you.
your fan David Ritchie 15 (Northern Ireland
January 5th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Matt,
First off, I would just like to thank you for being such an impressive role model for so many people out there. Obviously, I was extemely dissapointed in the outcome of the fight, but I hope this is just a springboard for great things for you in the future. I’m confident that it will be. I also want to thank you for your support of the troops. Many of us were watching the fight and pulling for you. It feels great to have support from so many of you guys. Hope to see you back in the octagon soon. Happy New Year to you and your family. Take care and God bless.
January 7th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Matt,
Just wanted you to know that I am a big fan of yours. I was so sad for you on the loss to George St. Pierre. I have been watching UFC, for I believe the past four years with my husband, and have not missed a PPV fight yet. Let me just say, “I was not impressed with George St. Pierre’s performance” lol. Seriously now, I know you have a big decision in front of you and let me just tell you what I do when I have a big decision. I think of the chapter in the book of Proverbs (In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct your path). Hope that helps and God Bless you and your family.
January 17th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Matt,
I was really impressed with your character at UFC79. Even though you lost, you showed great sportsmanship in your post-fight comments. You behaved the way a champion should behave. I find that GSP and yourself bring the best out in each other as fighters and as representatives of the sport. I believe that GSP, like you, is a great role model and that his time has arrived. I think that you could beat anyone in the welterweight division except GSP (at least not consistently) but I hope you don’t bother to fight at lower rungs of the division (except perhaps the much anticipated match with Matt Serra). If you retire, you can do so knowing that you have created a lasting legacy and that you have advanced the image of the sport very positively. You also appear to have great coaching and training skills to bring to up-and-coming fighters. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do next.