Update: New details emerge regarding Matt Hughes’ condition

Early Friday morning news broke that former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes had been involved in a terrible accident which saw the passenger side of his truck get struck by an oncoming train.

Soon after the collision, the UFC Hall of Famer was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he was treated by doctors for possible head trauma.

Illinois State Police reported that the multiple-time UFC welterweight champion had crossed the railroad tracks directly in front of a moving train which struck the Hillsboro native on the passenger side of his vehicle.

The HSHS St. John’s Hospital released the following statement regarding Matt Hughes’ condition on Friday evening:

“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.”

Late last night, Loretta Hunt reported that she was told Matt Hughes was currently in a coma and encouraged fans to “keep those prayers coming”.

Hearing Matt Hughes is in a coma. Keep those prayers coming.

— Loretta Hunt (@byLorettaHunt) June 17, 2017

This morning, BJPENN.com’s Chris Taylor regrettably cited Hunt’s tweet as being accurate information.

https://twitter.com/CTaylor_96/status/876065394255069184

Matt Hughes is one of the greatest champions in UFC history as well as an amazing ambassador for the sport of mixed martial arts.

The multiple-time UFC welterweight champion scored wins over Georges St-Pierre, BJ Penn, Frank Trigg, Matt Serra and many other notables during his illustrious fighting career.

Please keep Matt and family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

BJPENN.com will post further updates on Hughes’ condition as they are made available.