Jeff Hughes (fighter)


Jeff Hughes is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2014, he has also fought in the Legacy Fighting Alliance, where is a former heavyweight champion.

Background

Hughes was born and raised in Canton South, Ohio. He played basketball and wrestled in high school. He then turned to MMA after he graduated from high school in his hometown Canton, Ohio.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

After compiling an amateur record of 11-3 from 2007 until 2013, Hughes started his professional MMA career in 2014 and fought under numerous organizations, notably Legacy Fighting Alliance where he was the Heavyweight Champion twice. He amassed a record of 9-1 before competing in Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series Season 2, Episode 6.

Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series

Hughes appeared in Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series Season 2, Episode 6 web-series program on July 24, 2018, facing Josh Appelt. He won the fight via unanimous decision. With this win, Hughes was awarded a contract with UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Hughes made his UFC debut on March 9, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 4 against Daniel Spitz. However, Spitz pulled out of the fight in February citing injury and he was replaced by Maurice Greene. He lost the fight via a split decision.
Hughes faced Todd Duffee on September 14, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 16. The bout ended in the first round as a no contest due to an accidental eye poke that rendered Duffee unable to continue.
Hughes faced |Raphael Pessoa on October 26, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 20. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Hughes was expected to face promotional newcomer Carlos Felipe on March 14, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 170. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed.

Championships and accomplishments