10 Things UFC Wants You To Forget About Matt Hughes
3. Hunting
Always a topic of controversy, the UFC would probably rather that Matt Hughes outspoken endorsement of hunting and the possession of firearms was known to as fewer fans as possible. You can see one of his proud Twitter photos above. The killing of sentient animals will always remain highly debated and in his position as the UFCs Vice President of Athlete Development and Government Relations it would be better if he avoided such controversy. This doesnt deter Hughes whatsoever. He hosted Trophy Hunters TV which airs three times a week on the Outdoor Channel. Moreover, on his website Matt-Hughes.com he features not only numerous articles pertaining to hunting technique and equipment selection but also pictures of himself standing over trophy kills. Of the hunting pictures showcased on his website, the ones to have caused the most controversy are those of Hughes hunting trip to Africa. The photographs pictured Hughes posing with all manner of big-game kills including wildebeest, bushbuck, eland and impala. Matt also took his then-13 year old son on the expedition to take part in the hunt; though totally legal, many believe that someone still comparatively young shouldn't have such an intense lifestyle choice thrust upon them. Hughes endorsement of hunting has generated a great deal of criticism from not only MMA fans but also from fellow fighters. Vegan Dan Hardy would use the former welterweight champions hobby as a means of attempting to arrange a fight while both men were still actively competing in the UFC.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
