Matt Hughes releases statement in regards to recent allegations

Earlier this week, it was reported that UFC Hall of Famer and former two-time welterweight champion Matt Hughes’ wife Audra, and brother Mark had filed restraining orders against him citing several incidents for their reasoning.

The details of the incidents are grim as multiple incidents are claimed to have seen Hughes attacking Audra, who has also filed for divorce.

In 2017, Hughes was involved in a near-fatal train accident where he suffered severe brain trauma.

On Wednesday, Hughes released a statement in regards to the allegations.

“Since my train accident in June of 2017, my life has been changed forever. Some days have been absolute hell. The challenges and battles that I have faced have been far greater than anything I ever took on in a cage. I am not the same person since my accident, even though, everyday I continue to try to be as normal as someone with a brain injury can be.
I understand that it is not fun to teach a grown man to learn to do everything all over again. I understand that I am a burden to those around me. I understand that I am an inconvenience to my family.
Unfortunately, my marriage was not perfect long before the accident, but NEVER, NEVER, NEVER would I, or have I, physically hurt those who I care about most.
I do not resent those who are trying to hurt me and paint me out to be a monster through these false accusations. I understand now that they are just doing what they need to do in order to rid me of their lives forever so theirs can return to normalcy. I feel awful that my accident turned their world upside-down also.
To those of you who have helped me, supported me, cared for me, and prayed for me- I truly cannot thank you enough. To my supporters who defended me and never believed these untrue, disgraceful reports for a second- thank you.
If there is one silver lining that this accident has revealed, it is the ability to see who my true friends are. To know who are faithful and have never given up on me even when I am at my lowest. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I do not know where I would be without you. Please keep the prayers coming. God knows I need them.” Hughes posted on Instagram.

Hughes, now 45, announced his retirement from MMA in 2013. His last fight came in 2011 at UFC 135 when he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Josh Koscheck.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 2/27/2019