 |
 |
Beyond Fighting: Matt Hughes
This UFC Champ is a Low-Key Family Man Who Reluctantly Accepts Fame |
|
|
Written by Doug Jeffrey
Photos by Jaimee Itagaki |
 In the Octagon, he's been described as the "most dominant welterweight of all time," "a machine" and an "absolute monster." He is Matt Hughes, the UFC welterweight champion. Here's the other side.
Tell us about college.
I attended Lincoln Junior College, and then majored in physical education and health at Eastern Illinois University. I was also the assistant wrestling coach at Eastern Illinois for three years.
What were your early goals in life?
I am not sure if I had a goal or ambition. l loved to work on a farm, so I thought I would do that, but I can't say that I had an ambition.
When did your interest in becoming a fighter develop?
I was coaching wrestling, watching these guys compete and decided I wanted to do it. [Initially], I took it up as hobby. It was a way to compete and one thing led to another. By no means did I intend to go on TV or become a world champion. I just wanted a hobby. When I won a world title, I decided to stay in the sport.
Do you enjoy being a professional fighter?
It's nice because it gives me free time with my family, and I can pick my schedule. I can do all that and provide for my family.
Speaking of family, tell us about your kids.
I have two boys and a girl. Their names are Brandon, Joey and Hanna Grace.
And your hometown, Hillsboro, Illinois.
There are 5,000 people and everyone knows each other. When you drive down the main street, everyone waves. It's nice. You do not have to wait in traffic jams. When you go into the bank to cash a check, you do not need any ID. People know you. It's a small-town atmosphere.
Describe Matt Hughes to people who don't know him.
I am not violent. I am a pretty gentle man, and I like to serve people. My wife is getting over a pregnancy, so I played nurse for a week. I liked doing that. I brought her food and helped her on and off the bed because she had a C-section.
When I'm in a guy's corner, I will carry the bucket with ice and the towel. When the water spills, I am the guy who uses the towel to clean up the canvas. That is the type of guy I am.
How has your life changed since you became a pro athlete?
It did not change a lot when I turned pro, but it changed a lot after I won the world title and definitely after I was on the reality show ["The Ultimate Fighter"]. After that, I just got stopped a lot more because people knew who I am. They wanted to shake my hand and meet me. That is not something I need at all, but it is something I put up with and take it as it comes. [After all], those people are paying money to see us compete.
So the recognition is not that important to you?
I can't say that I enjoy it, but it is interesting to see who comes up to us. It might be a 60-year-old lady, an 80-year-old male or a 12-year-old. It's funny to see who the fans are.
When you are not fighting, what do you do for fun?
I love guns, so I shoot a lot. Upon my return after I have been gone for a while, I have a "honey-do" list that never ends. I do not rest a whole bunch when I come home. I do things for my wife. But I love working and enjoy a busy life. I do not like to sit around. I probably watch two hours of TV, if that. I am up working when the sun comes up, and I go to bed when the sun goes down. I can go four or five days without any TV at all.
What, no [ESPN] Sports Center?
I am not a big sports fan. I will go to a baseball game and eat some good calories, but I've never been a huge sports fan. I watch the Discovery Channel, TLC or the History Channel.
What is the best thing about being a pro athlete?
For me, it is the competition. I am a competitive person. I also get to provide for my family.
Has anyone ever challenged you to a fight on the street?
No one. Ever. I am an easygoing guy, and I do put in myself in a location where that may occur-a place such as a bar late at night or a dance club. I just do not do that stuff, nor would I antagonize anyone. [If it did happen], I'd just laugh and diffuse the situation.
If you were not fighting, what would you do?
I would be working with my hands somehow. Maybe construction or the electrical field or on a farm.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
We [really] like Florida, and we vacation down there a lot. We can drive there in half a day. My wife likes the area. The beach is a lot different than life in the Midwest.
What is your favorite music?
Country music-guys like Tim McGraw, George Strait and Johnny Cash.
Who is the most important person in your life and why?
That would have to be my wife. She's a supportive person. When I walk in the door after a trip, I hug her first. Then I give my affection to the kids.
Can anyone beat you?
A lot of people can beat me on any given day. I could have a bad fight and the other guy could have a good fight. By no means do I think I am the best out there and that no one can beat me. [However], when I am mentally prepared and on top of my game physically, no one can touch me. I am not saying that I am conceited. Everyone who fights should say that. If you're in this sport, you have to think positive, you have to think you are one of the best and you have to think that the other guy cannot beat you. If you don't think you can beat your opponent, you should not be fighting.Show comments (0) - Add comments to this article: |
|
| There are no comments yet - feel free to add one using the form below... |
Page 1 of 0 ( 0 comments )
|
|
|
|
