Former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes officially announced his retirement today at the UFC on Fox 6 pre-fight press conference, and has taken a job in the front office with the UFC. Hughes' official title will be 'vice president of athlete development' and will be in charge of writing a code of conduct for UFC fighters. He'll also act as a mentor of sorts to the 400+ athlete roster.

He did a short speech after the announcement, saying that he loves the sport and this new position is the best way for him to stay in it.

The 39-year-old Hughes leaves behind a legacy as the first truly dominant welterweight in the sport of MMA. His 45-9 record included 35 finishes and two UFC welterweight title reigns. In total, Hughes defended the title seven times over the two reigns. He had fought sporadically since he was submitted by Georges St. Pierre in an interim title matchup at UFC 79, and finally stepped away after two straight knockout losses in 2010 and 2011.

Hughes was elected to the UFC Hall of Fame in 2010, and currently hold the record for most wins in the UFC with 18.