Matt Hughes releases statement regarding domestic abuse allegations and restraining orders
Former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes has responded to the allegations against him by his estranged wife and brother following a pair of restraining orders that were issued against him.
Earlier this week it was revealed that Audra Hughes and Matt’s twin brother Mark Hughe had both filed and been granted restraining orders against the UFC Hall of Famer.
Hughes’ wife also filed for divorce from him while claiming that he physically harmed her on several occasions including one instance where she alleged that he choked her and another altercation where she accused him of hitting her in front of their children.
Mark Hughes also filed a restraining order against his brother after he claims the two of them were in a heated argument over the ownership of a tractor and that Matt physically accosted his son for driving the piece of farm equipment.
Now Hughes has fired back with a statement regarding those allegations while vehemently denying that he ever physically harmed anyone close to him.
In Hughes’ statement, he references the injuries he suffered after his truck was struck by an oncoming train in June 2017 that left him severely injured and in a coma for several days.
“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,” Hughes wrote.
“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.”
No criminal charges have been filed against Hughes, although the restraining orders in both cases were approved and he’s been ordered to stay at least 500-feet away from his wife, brother and their families.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuZxasSBjQ8/
