Former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes was added to the UFC Hall of Fame, the organization announced Saturday.
"When we look back at the history books, Matt Hughes will go down as one of the best 170-pounders of all time," UFC president Dana White said. "This is one of the guys who helped build this organization."
The official ceremony took place Friday at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center as part of the UFC Fan Expo. The Hillsboro, Ill., native joined Chuck Liddell, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, Randy Couture, Mark Coleman and the late Charles (Mask) Lewis as Hall of Fame members.
"I never thought about this, to be honest," said Hughes (45-7, 17-5 UFC). "I’m just a Midwest guy kinda living the dream. But I’m very privileged and I thank the UFC."
Hughes, 36, is a two-time title-holder and defended the belt a total of seven times, surrendering it only to B.J. Penn in 2004 and Georges St-Pierre in 2006. He continues to be a contender in the UFC; he is coming off a win last month by TKO over Renzo Gracie at UFC 112.
