• UFC 123

Suspended Hughes won't train again this year

ESPN staff
November 23, 2010
Matt Hughes could not remember his knockout at UFC 123 © Getty Images
Enlarge

Matt Hughes will not return to serious training this year following his devastating loss to BJ Penn at UFC 123.

Hughes suffered a flash knockout after just 21 seconds of Saturday's co-main event, and he took several follow-up shots on the deck as Penn finished the fight off. Defeat was Hughes' first in four fights.

The former UFC welterweight champion's future is unclear after his latest setback, but his immediate plans are to undergo a 60-day enforced lay-off from all contact. Hughes could clearly be seen asking "what happened" as he got checked over by the doctors in the aftermath of his loss, and he is the only fighter on the UFC 123 card to be handed a two-month suspension.

The victorious Penn was able to race out of the Octagon after his 21-second explosion, and he is now on course for a clash with Jon Fitch at UFC 127.

Elsewhere, George Sotiropoulos has been suspended indefinitely until a doctor checks the effects of an eye poke received in his fight with Joe Lauzon. And TJ O'Brien, beaten by England's Paul Kelly, has received a 30-day suspension.

For the chance to win a trip to watch a UFC event in the US, click here for details on how to enter the Ultimate UFC competition, brought to you by ESPN and the UFC.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices