Matt Hughes"There are some stories and comments out there that are exaggerated," the statement continued. "Please don't believe everything you hear or read. This is going to be a long journey for his recovery. Please continue to keep Matt in your prayers."
Meanwhile, participants at a prayer service held in Hillsboro, Ill. shared news of Hughes' situation as he remains hospitalized in Springfield, the state capital.
Prayers for Matt Hughes and his family were offered by local ministers, as well as others in Hughes' hometown, as the service was live streamed to the former MMA champ's hospital room.
Brian Patton provided an update on Hughes' condition for the 200 individuals at the Sunday service. The News-Journal of Hillsboro reported that Patton said "Matt's eyes were fully open and he was able to make a sweeping motion with his hand. He could push his foot in response to questions, and was able to acknowledge others present in the room by moving his eyes. He is off the ventilator."
Patton added, "Matt still has a long road to go."
Nearly three weeks ago, Hughes, 43, drove a pickup truck across a railroad grade crossing near Raymond, Illinois, 12 miles north of his hometown Hillsboro, "directly in front of a train and the train struck the passenger side of the truck" mid-morning on June 16, according to Illinois State Police. The crossing was marked by a crossbuck railroad crossing sign, without lights or gates.Hughes was airlifted to a trauma center hospital in Springfield where he remains.
Hughes held the UFC's welterweight championship at various points between 2001 and 2006. He is recognized as one of the greatest 170-pound fighters of all time, according to ESPN. Hughes launched his pro mixed martial arts career in 1998, and had not fought since 2011. He compiled a 45-9 record in MMA, and was welcomed into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2010.
Prior to entering MMA competition, Matt Hughes was an accomplished wrestler. He was a two-time Illinois Class A state champion at 145 pounds for Hillsboro High School in 1991 and 1992. He continued his wrestling career in college, first at Southwestern Illinois College, then at Lincoln College (Illinois), where he placed third at the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) National Wrestlling Championships. After graduating from Lincoln, Hughes continued wrestling at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, where he was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American, placing eighth in 1996 and fifth in 1997 at 158 pounds.
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