Like it or not, (and just for the record I dont) Matt Hughes appears to be done. At the very least, his best days are certainly behind him. After being dominated by Thiago Alves this last weekend at UFC 85, there appears to be only one interesting matchup in his storied career.
To say Hughes was dominated is actually an understatement. Most glaring in this one was the fact that the skills that made Hughes so dominate, were rendered completely ineffective. Hughes made a career out of smashing his opponent to the canvas with a big slam, then pounding out a win. In his recent loses, and even in his one victory over Chris Lytle, he looked somewhat confused in the cage.
Despite these recent losses, I expect his matchup with Matt Serra will be one of the highest selling pay per views this year. Much bad blood was built up when the two were coaches on The Ultimate Fighter and their hatred for each other is no secret. I believe Matt Serra was a fluke champion who caught GSP with a lucky punch. GSP proved as much by destroying Serra in their rematch. Serra hasn't beaten anyone in his career yet he runs his mouth like he is the greatest fighter ever.
Regardless of the outcome, its time for Hughes to hang it up. Too often in professional sports we see atheletes hang on too long. Older fighters like Randy Couture are an exception to the rule. At 34 years old Hughes has had 49 professional fights. On the other hand at 45 years old, Couture only has 24 professional bouts. The punishment that a fighters body takes has much more to do with longevity than age does. It appears that the multitude of fights that Hughes has been in is taking its toll. After he destroys Serra, the best thing for Hughes to do would be to grab the mic from Joe Rogan and announce his retirement, cementing his legacy as the greatest welterweight in the histroy of the UFC.
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