Matt Hughes: One More Shot At Glory?

On the surface, GSP-Hughes 4 does sound a bit absurd, given how easily GSP destroyed Hughes the last 2 matchups.

But let’s also consider the hypothetical presented by Hughes in his statement.

Thiago Alves is the next “top contender”, but only if he beats Hughes. If Hughes beats him, Thiago is knocked off that list, taking away the only other contender that would make sense right now.

Hughes then states that after that he fights Serra at UFC 89 or UFC 90. Serra is another guy who could possibly make an interesting fight with GSP, only because of the rubber match factor, and not because he has a legit shot at beating GSP. If Hughes beats Serra as well, he’ll have eliminated another possible figther for GSP.

If both of those things occur, there’s a severe lack of contenders for GSP to fight. Koscheck or Diego would be there, but both of those guys would have to win their next fights (against Lytle and Fiorvanti, respectively) and then have their own rubber match to put either in position to contend with GSP.

Hughes-GSP 4 may not be ideal, but Hughes would’ve earned a shot in this scenario, and from the UFC’s perspective, this rivalry has been the best one in UFC history, and they could sell a PPV with GSP-Hughes as the names driving that card.

I think people would tune in to watch Hughes/GSP 4. I think what the UFC does not want is to see Serra get another title shot anytime soon. He was not a marketable champion and does not appear to be a fighter that the UFC wants holding a title. Hughes on the other hand is loved by the UFC and no matter who came out victorious is a potential fight with GSP would be good news for the UFC. I don’t like the idea that if Hughes wins his next two fights that he is granted a title shot, however. I think that, along with other factors, would need to occur for this fight to be the best choice. There are other contenders who I would have to put ahead of Matt Hughes right now. Should they fail to live up to expectations, then I think Hughes is as likely a candidate as anyone. GSP still needs to get past Jon Fitch and I’ve also heard that some guy named BJ Penn might want to try his luck a second time against the current UFC welterweight champ. Lots of pieces would have to fall into place for Hughes/GSP 4 to be the best matchup in this division.

Surely I cant be the only one who thinks Matt has only 2 fights left in him. Didnt he say on TUF he had 3 or so left, and I think a win over Serra (if he could do it) would be a fitting end. Much more suitable than facing GSP again.

Matt isnt another Ken Shamrock, in respect to knowing when to hang up his gloves. He has said he is a fierce competitor, and he knows when its time, so I would be surprised to see him in the Octogon more than twice. (not including his hall of fame induction of course)