Former UFC champ Matt Hughes not retired; next fight TBD

While many have speculated that at 37-years-old, former titleholder Matt Hughes would look towards retirement after his last performance.

The “Farmboy” was last seen inside the octagon on the losing side of a savage knockout to rival BJ Penn at UFC 123 last November, where the two former champions settled a near seven-year rivalry with Penn going 2-1 in their three outings.

The loss snapped a three-fight win streak Hughes had accomplished inside the cage with a decision win over former champ Matt Serra and finishes of legend Renzo Gracie and then-budding contender Ricardo Almeida (respectively).

And although many believed that Hughes was poised to make another run at the title prior to the defeat against Penn, some have questioned how competitive he can be against some of the worlds best in the welterweight division, and Matt is ready to answer some of those questions.

Tony Medina of MMANews.com was able to catchup with Matt as he was in San Jose, California getting ready to corner friend and longtime training partner Robbie Lawler when he takes on Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza for the Strikeforce middleweight title coming up later tonight.

And as far as an immediate future in his upcoming mixed martial arts career?

“To be honest, I’ve got nothing coming up. No talks, no nothing. No ideas in my head. I fought three times last year which is a lot for me–and spend time with the family…I’ve got a hunting show so I’ve been doing a lot of hunting on the hunting show, and that’s it. No fight talk whatsoever.”

With that said, the former titleholder didn’t completely rule out a return to the cage in the immediate future. For now, Hughes is making up for loss time with the family, however hopes to make his way back inside the octagon when the time is right.

“I’m going to fight again, it’s just I don’t know when. I’ve just got other things going on with the hunting show and the family, so my top priority right now is not the UFC, it’s my family. I was away from them a lot last year. At times I would train away from home, and with three fights I was gone a lot, I’m just trying to get that time back.

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of Hughes’ comments? Do you think the welterweight standout should retire or does he have a few good fights left in him? Sound off in the comment section below.