Matt Hughes is the 9-time World Welterweight Champion of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). With a record of 43-5, Matt has become a household name amongst mixed martial arts fans around the world. He has proven time and time again that "a country boy can survive."

Matt was born and raised in Hillsboro, a small town with a population of 4,500 that is located in south central Illinois. It was on the wrestling mat where he found his home. During his junior and senior years in high school, Matt went undefeated in 88 matches and won back-to-back State championships in the 145-pound class. In each of the four years he wrestled in college, Matt earned All-American honors.

A few years later, Matt started wresting professionally. Matt's greatest opportunity to date in the octagon occurred during UFC 34 when he took the stage against the then-world-champion Carlos Newton. Hughes made the most of this opportunity, knocking out Newton in a come-from-behind victory; earning, for the first time, the belt and title as the UFC World Welterweight Champion. In 2004 Matt lost and regained his UFC title.

Matt created the PlyoMix Ultimate Fitness System by taking his workouts and stylizing them for the general public. The workouts are designed to get all fitness levels in shape and help maintain their physique and stamina.

Outside of maintaining his fighting career, Matt has volunteered his time to helping the young people of Hillsboro, traveling back to Rancho 3M for mission trips, and has become an active member of The First Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro. Matt currently lives in Hillsboro with his wife Audra, son Joey, and daughter Hanna Grace.