On Friday, former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes was rushed to St. John’s Hospital in Illinois after his truck collided with a train. He was the only person injured when the truck was struck by the moving train at about 10:30 in the morning.
Dana White, UFC president, said that Hughes suffered head injuries from the collision, which was why emergency officials had him airlifted from the scene to be transferred to the nearest medical facility.
“Apparently he has head trauma,” White said. “His family is traveling to him now.”
Hughes truck was crossing the tracks as the train was approaching, before it struck the passenger side of his vehicle according to Illinois State Police. The cause of the accident is unknown, but the investigation is still ongoing.
HSHS St. John’s Hospital also released a statement on Hughes’ condition Friday, confirming that his condition has been stabilized since the accident.
“Former UFC fighter and Hillsboro native Matt Hughes was airlifted to HSHS St. John’s Hospital in the noon hour on Friday, June 16, 2017. The HSHS St. John’s Regional Trauma Team stabilized him and continues to help him in his recovery,” hospital officials said. “Hughes’ family asks that you respect their privacy during this difficult time. They ask that you keep Matt in your thoughts and prayers.”
The UFC Hall of Famer and defending welterweight champion for multiple years last fought in 2011 before retiring. He’d faced top fighters like Georges St-Pierre and B.J. Penn during his career, and though he’d never made an official statement, there were some hints over the last few months suggesting a comeback. Any possible comebacks are either completely out of the question or will be held off on for a while after Friday though, seeing that his condition and injuries were pretty serious, even if he is stable.
Featured Image via Camp Lejeune Photos
