Last night, between Darren Elkins’ epic comeback win over Michael Johnson, and Kamaru Usman’s domination of Emil Meek, MMA legend Matt Hughes returned to the limelight after his truck collided with a train in a near-fatal accident, and walked out to the Octagon once again. It was as emotional a moment as we get in the wild world of fighting.
Welcome home, Matt Hughes.#UFCSTL pic.twitter.com/2CH5mB3DGH
— UFC (@ufc) January 15, 2018
Here’s how the MMA community reacted to it:
Great to see #matthughes tonight and glad that his recovery is going well!! #godblesshim
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) January 15, 2018
@Ufc once again respect, class and appreciation for our greats. Seeing Matt walking to the octagon was amazing. Awesome job @danawhite and entire Ufc staff. Happy you’re doing well Matty!!!!!!
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) January 15, 2018
I’m in tears @ufc. What a true fighter…. wow
advertisement – continue reading below— Nina Ansaroff (@NinaAnsaroff) January 15, 2018
I’m not crying… You’re crying…
Wow. What an emotional moment 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #UFCSTL https://t.co/sWCwZfW0jC
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) January 15, 2018
what a beautiful moment Welcome back Matt @ufc 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) January 15, 2018
Incredible & inspiring. Great to see Matt Hughes back https://t.co/SkKCsWNFeL
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) January 15, 2018
Wow just watched Matt Hughes walkout. That was outstanding! Huge respect to one of the greats!
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) January 15, 2018
WOW!!!!!!! THIS IS AMAZING….. GOT ME TEARY EYED AND MY WIFE CRYING. BEAUTIFUL. GOD BLESS YOU MATT HUGHES. #Godisgood
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) January 15, 2018
Beautiful thing seeing Matt Hughes at the @ufc in St Louis. He has gone through so much and has stayed strong. Love ya brother
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) January 15, 2018
Thank you God for people like Matt Hughes🙏🏼 #inspiring #UFCSTL
— Andre Soukhamthath (@AndreSoukMMA) January 15, 2018
Country boy can survive!! MATT HUGHES!!
— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) January 15, 2018
What do you think of Matt Hughes’ emotional return to the cage?
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 1/15/2018.