This video biography of Matt Hughes was presented during his induction into the 2006 Black Belt Hall of Fame as NHB Fighter of the Year. Matt Hughes’ career is marked by his steadfastness and upward progress. In 1996, at the suggestion of a friend, Matt Hughes fought in and won his first no-holds-barred match at a Chicago-area show. Soon, he was fighting in England, Japan and Kuwait. With superior grappling skills, quiet confidence and guidance from Pat Miletich, Matt Hughes worked his way through smaller leagues, often fighting once a month, until he reached the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Chosen to coach opposite UFC middleweight champ Rich Franklin for the second season of the hit reality-TV show The Ultimate Fighter, Matt Hughes became a familiar face to millions of budding mixed-martial arts fans who’d never seen him on a pay-per-view event. For representing the sport of mixed martial arts with skill and humility, Black Belt is pleased to induct Matt Hughes into its Hall of Fame as 2006 NHB Fighter of the Year.