Matt Hughes criticizes UFC, explains why promotion is “not as special” as it once was

Speaking on a recent edition of Undeniable with Joe Buck, former UFC welterweight champion and outright MMA legend Matt Hughes shared some criticisms of the modern  UFC. In his opinion, the promotion’s frequent shows – there will be a show every weekend from now until year’s end – are making its product less enjoyable.

“I think it’s too commercial,” Hughes said (h/t Tristen Critchfield of Sherdog.com). “They’ve got fights darn near every week (on) one of the three channels they’re on, and I think it’s too commercial. I am so happy that timing worked out for me where I fought when I did. I really think that I fought in the golden ages.

“I started at UFC 22, and I don’t even know what my last one was – around (UFC) 110 or 115 or something – but I think I was in the golden ages. It was when people got together to watch the UFC. It wasn’t – because they’re so often now.”

“They’re just not as special,” Hughes said.

While Hughes is hazy on the setting of his last fight, it occurred at UFC 135, when he was knocked out by Josh Koscheck in the first round. This loss was preceded by another first-round knockout loss, dealt by our own BJ Penn. Prior to these losses, Hughes won three-straight, defeating Matt Serra, Renzo Gracie and Ricardo Almeida.

More recently, Hughes was involved in a grisly accident, during which his truck collided with a train. Miraculously, Hughes has been making a truly incredible recovery. He was even spotted doing some light grappling in the weeks following this accident.

Hughes’ full interview with Joe Buck, which was filmed before this accident, will air on DirecTV and Audience Network on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Do you share Matt Hughes criticisms of the modern UFC? Do you think the promotion would be wise to promote fewer, but more stacked cards? Join the debate in the comments section!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 22/11/2017.