A rumored matchup between former welterweight champion Matt Hughes and Renzo Gracie will not be happening, at least for the time being.
BumpyKnuckle.com spoke with a source close to Gracie who confirmed that, though Gracie will indeed be fighting in the UFC, his first opponent will not be Matt Hughes. The matchup has not been ruled out completely, but won’t happen when Gracie makes his UFC debut.
Gracie (13-6-1) has never fought for the UFC organization, and hasn’t fought professionally since defeating Frank Shamrock by disqualification (knees to the head of a downed opponent) in February of 2007 at EliteXC “Destiny.” He runs the Renzo Gracie Academy in Midtown Manhattan and has trained notable fighters such as Matt Serra, Georges St. Pierre, and Ricardo Almeida.
Hughes has only fought once in 2009, defeating Matt Serra in May at UFC 98 by unanimous decision. He has been previously rumored to face Mike Swick or Josh Koscheck, but still remains without a clear opponent.
Well if Hughes isnt fighting Gracie….who would we like to see him fight?
Hmm, there are lots of talented welterweights out there in the UFC. Kos perhaps. Kos has shown intentions of fighting Hughes, though he’ll be facing Rumble next.