UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes was involved in a horrific accident on June 16 when his pickup truck was struck by an oncoming train in Raymond, Illinois.
Hughes was airlifted to a nearby hospital immediately following the accident and it was later revealed that the former UFC welterweight champion of the world was in a coma.
Last month, the UFC’s first ever welterweight champion, Pat Miletich, shared a positive update on his long time friend and training partner with Ariel Helwani.
“He is surprising the doctors,” Miletich said (as transcribed by MMAFighting). “He’s making great leaps and he’s no longer in a coma, and he’s improving. It’s going to be a long road. Any type of head trauma at that level, there’s going to be some rehab.”
Today, a close friend of Matt’s shared the following positive update on social media.
Facebook post from one of Matt Hughes' closest friends. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/VgusQwahiG
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) August 14, 2017
“I can’t even describe the emotions I am feeling as I write this post. Less than two months ago I didn’t know if my best friend was going to make it, and tonight we made a jail break for sushi (in disguise. Ha). Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions! His progress is nothing short of a miracle. He is working so hard and fights through the frustration. He is, as he’s always been, an inspiration. I can’t wait to hit the mats with him again…and he told me today that he has “one more round” left in him! Ha. (He laughed…but definitely wasn’t joking!). Thank you for all of your prayers! Please keep them up as he still has a long road ahead of him. I am witnessing the power of them firsthand! So thankful!”