Earlier today (Weds., Feb. 27, 2019), reports surfaced that former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight champion Matt Hughes had been hit by a couple of restraining orders preventing him from getting near his wife, kids and his brother.
According to Matt’s wife, he was very physically violent with her, choking hear repeatedly and slamming her head against a wall. According to the reports, he even went as far to threaten to shoot her last summer. Furthermore, Matt allegedly physically assaulted his 15-year old nephew as a result of a beef with his brother Mark.
Now, the former longtime 170-pound champion has released an official statement addressing the incidents at hand, saying he has never become physically aggressive towards his family.
Since my train accident in June of 2017, my life has been changed forever. Some days have been absolute hell. The challenges and battles that I have faced have been far greater than anything I ever took on in a cage. I am not the same person since my accident, even though, everyday I continue to try to be as normal as someone with a brain injury can be.
I understand that it is not fun to teach a grown man to learn to do everything all over again. I understand that I am a burden to those around me. I understand that I am an inconvenience to my family.
Unfortunately, my marriage was not perfect long before the accident, but NEVER, NEVER, NEVER would I, or have I, physically hurt those who I care about most.
I do not resent those who are trying to hurt me and paint me out to be a monster through these false accusations. I understand now that they are just doing what they need to do in order to rid me of their lives forever so theirs can return to normalcy. I feel awful that my accident turned their world upside-down also.
To those of you who have helped me, supported me, cared for me, and prayed for me- I truly cannot thank you enough. To my supporters who defended me and never believed these untrue, disgraceful reports for a second- thank you.
If there is one silver lining that this accident has revealed, it is the ability to see who my true friends are. To know who are faithful and have never given up on me even when I am at my lowest. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I do not know where I would be without you. Please keep the prayers coming. God knows I need them.
As Matt mentioned, he was involved in a horrific accident last year when his truck was plowed by an incoming freight train that left him brain damaged (read all about it here).
After months of rehab, Hughes was able to start walking again and even attended a UFC event in 2018 in his first public appearance for the promotion since the accident (relive it here).
Nevertheless, the disturbing allegations paint an ugly side to one of the most decorated champions in UFC history, though he is adamant people are simply out to tarnish his image.
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