Matt Hughes showed fans a hospital-bed photo after losing part of the middle finger on his right hand, then kept his caption short.
Hughes posted the photo on May 5. The post had more than 34,000 likes and over 1,500 comments when checked. Hughes did not explain how the accident happened.
“Luckily, God’s been real good to me… He left me nine more to work with. 😆” Hughes wrote.
When one fan joked that Hughes may have been safer during his UFC days, Hughes replied, “Who says retirement is boring?”
The injury comes years after Hughes survived a 2017 train crash in Illinois. His recovery from that accident was previously covered in his long road back after the crash.
View Hughes’ post below:
UFC Veterans React To Matt Hughes’ Hospital Photo
The photo drew replies from fighters and MMA names who saw Hughes’ hand injury.
Michael Bisping wrote, “Oh s—!!!”
Alan Jouban added, “My man. Hope all is well… as it can be right now.”
Urijah Faber reacted with, “Oh snap!!!”
Josh Thomson joked, “You had less injuries fighting.”
Bryce Mitchell also sent support, writing, “Hope you heal fast champ.”
Hughes retired with a 45-9 professional record, became a two-time UFC welterweight champion, and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2010. Before MMA, he was also a decorated wrestler, including two NCAA Division I All-American seasons at Eastern Illinois University.
Inside the cage, Hughes beat major names across different eras, including Georges St-Pierre, Royce Gracie, BJ Penn, Frank Trigg, Renzo Gracie, Matt Serra, and Ricardo Almeida. His style was built on pressure, takedowns, top control, and ground-and-pound.
Hughes showed the damage, gave fans the “nine more” line, and did not add details about the accident. His son Brandon Mills has also started his own MMA path, including his pro debut under the Hughes name.
