Thiago
June 9th, 2008
|
Well, I didn’t think I’d come back writing something up after a loss. I fully expected to win, things didn’t go my way. Thiago came in big, some people told me that he looked bigger than me in the octagon. I didn’t expect that but I also think that had nothing to do with the outcome of the fight. I think Thiago came up with a good game plan. He didn’t throw too many punches or any kicks to where I could take him down. He was stronger than I thought and he was quite defensive on the ground. So, where does that leave me? I’ve got one more fight on my UFC contract. I’m wanting to fight Matt Serra (but that’s for the UFC to decide). We’ll see what happens and decide after that fight what I’m going to do. My nose has about 4 or 5 stitches, I couldn’t count when he put them in. My left knee is pretty messed up, I’m going to have to get it looked at. Thiago was very nice after the fight, he seems to be a very good guy. I like that, we’ve always got along good. My flight home was long, due to the loss. We flew into Chicago at 5 PM and boarded our plane, finally, at 10 and they told us to get off at 10:30 due to storms, so Robbie and I had to spend the night in Chicago. Woke up early, flew to Springfield, IL and rented a car. Finally got home to see my family around 11 AM today. I want to thank everybody for their positive emails that they have written to the website. I also want to thank my sponsors for this fight: Nutritox I think I need to work on my wrestling, especially my shot. I need to be able to take people down. When people are close enough to punch me, I need to be able to shoot effectively and take them down. One thing I don’t like about this loss is that I’ve got to go back to my gym and try and teach after I didn’t do a very good job myself. At least, I can lead by example, break down my fight and really work on the things I need to work on and they can see that. It’s been 8 years since I’ve lost two fights in a row. So, the way I look at it, I’ve got one more fight to prove myself. After that I don’t know, I’ll talk to the UFC and we’ll come up with what we think is the best for both of us. When I find out more about my knee, I’ll fill you in. Here’s a short email I received, I kind of think it’s funny. I think my wife liked it more than me, so I’ll go ahead and share it with you (unedited):
-matt |
June 9th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
matt
June 9th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
My kids and I have faith in you. Whatever you do. I think you have plenty of fight…and killer fight at that… in you, but obviously, I’m no expert.
You are always the champ of our hearts…win, lose or draw.
Rock on Matt.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Matt, once again you are truly one of the classiest guys in the octogan - your candor and honesty are as refreshing today as they were when I first started watching you. You are actually the only reason I even started watching the UFC. I completely agree with the “balls in the door” comment (me too brother, me too). I also agree that you could walk away today and have nothing left to prove - you seem to know that in your heart, from what you write, I hope you really do. Although I will most likely never set foot in the octogan you truly are the guy who inspired me to wake up and realize (at 40 years old) that good people can do what they want to honestly without apologizing for it. I won’t bore anyone with the details but my life is 180 degrees different from what it was before I started watching you and following your example for living. Whatever you decide - please shut Matt Serra the hell up first…well honest I don’t think anyone will ever shut him up but please just knock the snot out of him for the rest of us.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I don’t know if you read mmajunkie or not, but it has a lot of the current events covering mma. They recently merged with yahoo sports and Kevin Iole wrote a story on how its time for you to hang it up. The story is complete garbage. I usually don’t read through the comments section but this time I did as I felt compelled to leave a comment myself. I have never seen so many negative remarks about a writer on this website. (And Frank Trigg has even wrote on mmajunkie so you know its bad) It’s not just your fans that have come out to defend you on this topic either, it is everybody. With all the negative comments on this article I don’t think that there will be another article by Mr. Iole on mmajunkie anytime soon. (An extra note on the topic; one of the columnist commented saying that the story was not from mmajunkie and that he disagreed with the article) Yes you are at a hard point in your career but everyone and there mother has been gunning for you because you were so dominate. All these fighters were watching your tapes and analyzing on how they would fight you for years and you didn’t even know there name’s then. That’s why it’s so amazing that you stayed on the top for so long. You are still young and I know you have more to show us. The only reason retirement has even brought up is because you were such a dominate champion. If you were never the champion this would not even be discussed. Last thing, I wish I had kids to watch your last fight. You are so humble and classy in defeat its something we all can learn from. There were so many excuses available but you praised you opponent in defeat. You’ve won the hearts of millions even in defeat. I understand how hard it can be when you are the competitor you are. May God bless you and your family, I’ll be praying for your knee. - Keith (Joliet, IL)
June 9th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
First off, don’t hang your head about the fight. Thiago is good, but you will and always will be the BEST.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Win or lose, fight or not to fight, whatever you choose will not necessarily be right or wrong but I appreciate you keeping it real in your latest blog. Hey Man! you’re a Farmer and that is and always will be the Heart of America! was before MMA and will be after MMA.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
I wasnt finished…haha…anyhow…I started watching the UFC reality show last year. I absolutely love your attitude and personality, and that is what kept me watching the UFC. You are an inspiration to a little peon such as myself. I hate not having seen so many of your past fights, and hate that I may not see that many more in the future. As understandable as it is for you to consider retiring…the selfish part of me screams: “No!!!!” Like the others above me said–whatever you do…you will always be the best and you don’t have anything left unproven. Since I’m a girl, I obviously don’t have balls to slam in a door…but if I did, it would be a consideration of mine rather than even looking at Sera. He is the most unclassy, obnoxious screwball dumba** I’ve ever had to listen to. Please….for the love of your fans and the sake of sanity…octagon or not, knock the living shit out of him!!!
We love you man….no matter what your decision, you will always have this fans admiration. Thanks for being a light.
~Missy.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Dear Matt,
I hear your heart on the subject of having to go back to the gym after your loss. It is hard to teach on a subject when if appears as if you have fallen short in living out the lessons. I feel like this a lot as a father. I have been married for 18 years and have four children. I often find myself in the position of having to teach my children to do things that I myself am not good at. Thankfully, whether I am good at a certain thing or not, my children still love me just the same. I bet you return to the gym in a room full of people that have a great respect and admiration for you, if not outright love as well. I have enjoyed watching you win over the years. I am most proud, though, of the humility you have shown in defeat. I believe that speaks to the depth that your walk with Christ has molded and shaped you into His image. I am proud to call you my brother, even if we will likely only get to meet walking the streets of gold. Micah 6:8 is my favorite verse and it speaks to the character you have shown in your last two fights: “Do justly, love mercy, AND WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD.” Well done Matt, well done indeed.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Don’t sound so defeated. What you have done over your career is incredible. Pick yourself up and get back in there. EVERYBODY loses, including you. You have nothing but support from us, and I don’t think you need to retire/getting to old whatever. Look at wandy/chuck/Tim etc. All those guys have lost a bunch of fights. It’s just part of the game. Also, Alves may be a nice guy, but there are weight classes for a reason. Keep your chin up, and don’t worry about your students thinking less of you. Even when you really DO get old you will still know your stuff and be able to teach the game. Goodluck!
Joe
June 10th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Matt, I thank God so much that there are guys like you in the UFC. Even in your losses you reveal yourself as such a respectable and studly warrior that deserves so much honor. I thank you so much for being one of my biggest heroes in life and leading a holy life of praise to God our Father. It makes me so happy when you thank Jesus Christ after every fight and honestly really pumps me up and when I get home and see the picture of you on my wall that you signed and wrote “Chris, keep fighting for Christ” it makes me more sure of the person I want to be and have that warrior spirit. You really are an amazing leader in so many ways! I just watched your Gracie fight at UFC 60 the other day and no one can ever take away sweet victories such as those away from you. Just letting you know that even if you lose every fight from now on you’ve still those of us who see you as a hero and we’re behind you every step of the way! Thiago worked really hard and it definitely was not an easy win for him, and its cool to congradulate him for a well-earned victory. Keep fighting and thanks always, Matt! Hope to meet you someday!- Chris Presnell, Wichita, KS.
June 10th, 2008 at 12:29 am
matt if the ufc doesn’t give you serra for the last last fight on your cantract, walk away man, all you have done for this sport, if thet think that little of you, let them have it and do what ken, randy, tito and tim and aa have done, take your ball and go home. i’ll be with you no matter what you decide.
george
June 10th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Hey Matt MMAJunkie just wrote a counter article on their site in praise of you. Most people thought the Iole article was rubbish and I’d say half the people who thought that don’t like you but they cant help but respect you as a fighter. Matt
I became a big fan of you and MMA in general when you slammed Trigg after getting kicked in the nuts. You showed me that it takes a warrior to be in this sport. What do we do with warriors when they lose a step? They become Generals (coaches) but you my friend are still a little bit away from that. You may not get back to the top but I know you have a few fights left. One with Serra and maybe a few more to separate the men from the boys in the Ultimate Fighting Championship that you helped built.
Sincerely your brother in Christ
Michael Harmon
Davis CA
PS If you do hang it up Thanks for all the inspiration and the example you have been to us all.
June 10th, 2008 at 1:19 am
Matt,
I don’t think you should retire. I do think you should take some time, get your head on straight, spend some time with your family and with the Lord. Then I think you should train with someone like Cro-Cop so that you can work on kicks. I say this because like someone above me mentioned, everyone and their dog has studied your tapes. But if you were to add Cro-Cop type kicks to your arsenal, you could avoid most punchers, keep them at a distance until you are ready to close with them. I know you’ve got some great guys around you, and possibly you already have someone who can help you incorporate these kicks into your arsenal.
I’m not trying to be presumptious or anything… I just can’t stand the thought of you retireing yet, when I know that you’ve still got a lot to offer MMA, and that you can still compete with the best in MMA.
I want to post something here that I hope will inspire you.
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Matt,
We (My friends and I) are dtill great friends of your fight Game and You as a person. I hope you heal up in quick time. WE also hope to see that Serra fight as soon as you are ready. God’s speed, Rick
June 10th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Matt, You are always going to be the champ in my book, win or lose from here on out. I honestly believe you are thinking to much, you are the best that has ever walked and you just need to go out and fight. If they are a good striker, get them down and punish them. I couldn’t believe how big he looked either but I felt you didn’t look confident and you have got to believe you have nothing else to prove. You can fight for a couple of more years if you want and still be one of the best now and the all time greatest champion. You are a winner in and out of the octagon. As far as going back to training, everyone would love to have the chance to train with you(the best). Don’t hang your head in shame anymore or defeat. Watch the old Frank Trigg fight, or BJ, or Carlos Newton. Stay strong and confindent. The only thing I don’t agree with you is you said the sport is 50% mental and 50% physical. I think it’s more like 80 % mental and 20 % physical. The mind is a powerful thing in everything. Start believing in yourself again and mean it when you say it. I’m proud of you. Thanks for everything you do, don’t retire yet. God Bless. John
June 10th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Hoping that your physical injuries heal quickly. I sure hope your nose wasn’t broken. Reading that you might be done soon in the UFC makes me sick to my stomach. My kids think you’re just the greatest athlete on earth, and your graciousness in defeat ranks you high in my book. Don’t be ashamed of the loss; Thiago is a tough guy and it just happened to go his way this time. I watched the post-fight interview and thought I heard something about a rematch between you two if the UFC will put it together. But I know you want Serra and I want you to just knock that dork into oblivion. Whether you decide to retire or not, you will always be our #1 UFC fighter of all time.
June 10th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Hi Matt, I was there on Saturday night and I thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to see such a true legend, my spine was tingling when you entered the arena and I was so so gutted that you didn’t win. It makes me very sad to think that you might consider calling it a day, after being the most dominant fighter in history. There is no shame in losing to GSP or Thiago for that matter and I agree with an earlier opinion above, although you still give out the positive vibes before a fight, you seem to have lost a small bit of conviction/belief, maybe you should look back at some of your earlier wins and remind yourself just what you can do. As for that Long Island loser, please please kick the living **** out of him, the muppet. You are such a class act and my favourite always…
Mark, Irish fan
June 10th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Matt, We still admire you as a fighter. You have done what no one else has been able to and done it with class and a warriors spirit. I can’t wait to see you teach Matt Serra a lesson and then be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I look forward to seeing the fighters that will come out of your camp becoming the next champions. I also loved that email you posted, I do not have b*lls, but I agree, if I had some I would’ve slammed in the door every episode of the ultimate fighter. I can’t stand that guy. Enjoy life, God has given you an abundance of all the important things in life.
Erin
June 10th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
First Matt you are the reason I am a UFC fan. When my boy “play UFC” they always have a pre fight over who gets to be Matt Hughes (the loser has to be Serra hahaha). You rock…period. And the email, i actually fell out of the chair laughing.
June 10th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Matt
Bushmaster was extremely proud to be your sponsor. As I mentioned in my email, you are always pure class, whether in victory or defeat. I really hope you get to enjoy some of the toys I sent to you while you were in London. And a special thanks to Audra for being so helpful as well. Hope to hear from you soon.
Paul Meyers
Bushmaster Firearms
June 10th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Yeah, that email was gold. HAHAHA Matt, nobody wants to see you leave BECAUSE you are still young and with the right game plan you can beat anyone. Its up to you, but you arent some old guy that needs to step down. You are still in your prime, period. Defeat is only defeat when you surrender to weakness & you my friend, are not weak. WE NEED YOU IN THE OCTOGON. Cheers!
June 10th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Ok - It is not normal procedure for me to make excuses, but the size of Thiago was a joke and before the match took place, i questioned why someone who’s A game of winning was the ground game, would go in against a man much bigger than him.
Obviously UFC were in alot of trouble with Chuck pulling out at late notice, and Matt been the warrior he is stepped in and was in a situation where he had no choice. I could not believe the size of Thiago at the start of this match and someone needs to be looking at his future at welterweight.
Anyways, for me Matt you have got to get back that killer instinkt that has eluded you, you still have all your facilties about you but that instinkt has gone. Wipe the floor with Serra and i hope you regain it.
You will always be the greatest welterweight of all-time.
Tez
June 10th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Matt .you have notting to prove no more you are the reason the ufc started and why people starded to watch it ..and i really thing that if people see you as hulk hogan thats a greate thing because the hulk mania its preaty wild but you know what ..under all that matt hughes come and he does something no ufc figther has ever done and thats care for your fans post things about your life in the website be strong about your two loses bringing people to wach the ufc and more those are the things inspier about you and what you have brought to the mma like thats big and if you dont whant to retier work out be more stronger be that old matt hughes ..but mosly belive inyour self like we all belive in you ..and dreame because dreaming is beliving and wene you belive in your self you are going to find what you mead in your self and you know what you need to work on you wrote it down on your blog you know what you have that other figther dont ..and what ever you decide to do retire or dont its matt hughes to the end but to tell you the true i dont what you to retire i think you still old win the tittle but its up to you your the one figthing in the octogon not us i belive in you andi respect your decition and to the ufc its wor hughes to the end ..and hope fully you will figth serra and you will prove everyone wrong …
Cindy
June 10th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Hey Matt,
You do not have any reason to hang your head.I am 46 years old and watched boxing(which i still do) and the ufc from day one.
Fighters like yourself are the reason people watch mma and appreciate the sport.Class acts in sports are hard to find these days.
You have been very polite about thiago and that is to be commended,I think if his ankle was hurt then he could have hit the sauna and sweated it off or not fought,that makes me upset with the ufc for allowing this.
Dont make any quick decisions yet as to your future,when the time comes you will know what to do.
So far as your knee,go to a good orthopedic doctor and not a chiropractor,and if you dont like his prognosis,get a second opinion.
I have had three knee surgeries (email me if i can be of any guidance on this as i am experienced Lol)
Your fans in Va.are still in your corner.
Mike
June 11th, 2008 at 9:28 am
You pick tough fights, you don’t duck anyone, thats way we all sit here saying your the greatest of all time. losing doesn’t make or break a career
June 11th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Tough loss……but…..Thiago should not have been fighting as a welterweight class. It’s not natural for him to be in that weight class and the night of the fight I read he was up to 190-195 lbs……That is at least 20 lbs heavier than you. I understand that you could have said no to the fight due to Thiago not making weight. I’m sure you felt pressured being the “main event” to just go ahead with it, otherwise UFC may lose out on a lot of money due to less pay per view sales, but it just was not fair and not right on Thiago’s part. He is a professional fighter for the UFC and he should have made weight no matter what, no excuses. I think his weight was a huge part of you losing this fight and I’m sure deep down, he does not feel he won this fight fair and square either.
I also think your whole life isn’t fighting anymore. You have a family, a new gym, the farm. You have a lot going for you. You’re a good man and people like you. You should be very proud of how far you have come. What a great feeling to be known as a great guy and a respectful fighter.
I sure hope you fight Serra. I think your hunger to fight him will help you to win it. GO back and watch the shows where Serra is bad mouthing you. Its time to shut him up once and for all. As far as him agreeing to fight you……I’ve heard he may not…..but he needs to wrap the show up……it’s still unresolved. He needs to step up to the plate.
I hope you heal soon.
June 11th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Matt,
I think that your last couple of fights were fought by you for other people. As a loyal guy you stepped up and saved two PPV’s that were in danger of being complete flops. In the process, you put yourself in tough situations. I think you are way better than what you showed against GSP. And you are definitely better than Alves, after all, you did take him down and pound on him for a while even though he was way more massive than you. You are the best welter weight of all time. You are a legend. You don’t owe anyone anything else. They owe you. Whatever you do, do it for you and your family. Be a good steward with what God has given you. If you take another fight, I pray it’s on your terms. And if we’re lucky enough to see the Serra fight happen, then, make sure you are prepared to pound the ever living **** out of him.
Take care, dude. I’m praying for you.
June 11th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Your still the Man
June 12th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Bah, nonsense… you’re still a great fighter! Look at all the other champs (Chuck, Randy, Franklin, Wanderlei Silva, etc.) Everyone loses at some point. On the other hand, the game has changed and the UFC is being inundated with better and stronger fighters. On yet another hand, you’ve already faced and beat some of the best fighters the UFC will ever see. Maybe you have nothing left to prove? Maybe it’s time to move on. The choice will always be yours (and shouldn’t be the fans or the UFC or whatever). You can always come back in a few years and kick some butt, just like Randy did!
It would also be exciting to see you face off against Matt Sera, but not in a bad blood sort of way that everyone here is pining for. Just settle it in the octagon, in a professional and virtuous way. Keep it clean and respectful and let the better man show off his skills. I just can’t stand when everyone hypes up the bad blood in these contests and makes it seems like each contender wants to make the other’s loved one a widower. Whatever happened to friendly competition. I guess that’s what I used to like about wrestling. It didn’t have the brutality of punching and slugging a guy until he bled profusely. You just got out on the mat, and tried to outskill and outmuscle the other guy. At the end you shook hands and gave each other a pat on the back. But I digress… If only “professional wrestling” was actually “real” wrestling… 
“What we think, we become.”
– Buddha
June 12th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
[...] Matt Hughes blogged about his loss to Thiago Alves in UFC 85 on Saturday. I didn’t see the fight, but Matt comes across pretty humble in defeat [...]
June 12th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
matt please dont retire anytime soon. the first fight that I watched in the ufc was you vs frank trigg 1. since then you have been my favourite fighter in the ufc. Last time you had two losses in a row one was submission then the other was a knee to your shot. same scenerio this time. you are still capable of tearing apart competition. good luck matt.
June 13th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Matt,
As long as you have the will to fight I am sure you will remain to be a popular fighter no matter the outcome. I’m not big on reading but I enjoyed your book.
Everyone would love to see a Hughes Serra fight. Definatley would sell some tickets. I don’t think theres much interest in watching Serra otherwise. All your fans believe in you. Im curious at somepoint do you go back and think about changing camps or bringing in some new trainers?
June 24th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Matt,
No regrets big man! Just like you wrote in your book, people will always come up and express their 2 cents but the only person you have to answer to is yourself. Win or lose you are a great champion and no one can deny that fact!
I am a 30 year martial artist and if I didn’t live so far away I would be the first one in to the hit squad to learn your technique on takedowns. In fact, if your still planning on presenting in Orlando at the Supershow, I will be there also. If you have any time to teach a private I would be honored! I know you are busy and everyone wants something from you, because everyone likes to be seen with the champ! Fame is fleeting but you have done your part in a big way. I almost met you in Miami when you beat Sherk but people rushed you for autographs and I backed off, fan fair I just can’t do. I have a genuine love for the martial arts and meeting key people who have made such an impact has been an honor for me. Thank you for representing so well.
June 25th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Matt, I’m brazilian and I’m a fan of yours!! Ok ok..it was kinda of nice to know that Thiago was born in the same country as me, so we know that brazilians are strong….But I appreciate so much the way you are and your career that it really didn’t matter to me. You are a champion…. and that’s all that matters. It’s all about making yourself proud and the ones that loves you! No matter the results but the things you put yourself through…
Chris
September 24th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I know this post was from a long time ago, but what the hay, this is my first time here. Matt, you’re the man who beat Royce Gracie. You’re a legend, whatever you decide to do; You’re a legend to a whole bunch of people and we all love you no matter what. I think you have quite a few years left in you but who am I to say. All I know is that you are one of the great ones! So take care of yourself my friend.
John