UFC legend Matt Hughes loses finger in accident but jokes

It’s probably for the best that Matt Hughes, the former UFC welterweight champion, isn’t thinking about fighting again at 52.

Hughes is often mentioned among the best to ever step into the octagon. He held the welterweight title twice and is remembered as one of the sport’s most dominant champions.

He first won the belt in 2001 with a memorable slam knockout of Carlos Newton and went on to defend it seven times during his two stints as champion before eventually losing to BJ Penn and Georges St-Pierre.

Hughes retired from MMA in 2011 after 54 professional bouts. But years after leaving the sport, he suffered an injury outside of fighting that turned out to be far more serious than anything he experienced inside the cage.

Matt Hughes smiles in hospital after cutting off a finger

During his UFC tenure, Hughes faced off against Royce Gracie, Matt Serra, Frank Trigg, ‘GSP’, and a number of other well-known names.

All of those names brought their own kind of danger inside the cage. But since hanging up the gloves, the 52-year-old has had to deal with a different kind of risk – one that appears to have been sharp.

On Wednesday, Hughes posted a photo on Instagram from his hospital bed. The picture showed he is now missing the middle finger on his right hand.

“Luckily, God’s been real good to me… He left me nine more to work with,” Hughes wrote in the caption.

While he didn’t explain how it happened, fans were quick to notice and comment. One joked that he was “safer” inside the Octagon, while another added: “Another battle scar from your adventures.”

Matt Hughes’ hospital visit after finger accident brings out reactions from UFC community

Hughes’ post drew a wave of reactions from the MMA world, including a few familiar names.

Michael Bisping wrote: “Oh s—!!!”.

Alan Jouban commented: “My man. Hope all is well… as it can be right now.”

Urijah Faber added: “Oh snap!!!”

Josh Thomson wrote: “You had less injuries fighting.”

Bryce Mitchell said: “Hope you heal fast champ.” ‘Thug Nasty’ is no stranger to accidents away from the Octagon.