New Matt Hughes Gym Shaping Up

Matt Hughes has been the subject of plenty of criticism regarding his coaching style on The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Despite this, he is pressing ahead with plans for his own Mixed Martial Arts training facility.

Hughes Intensive Training will offer classes for the general public as well as a place for Hughes to whip a new generation of fighters into shape. Hughes told Bill Yarbrough Jr of the Edwardsville Intelligencer why he was setting up the gym in Granite City, Illinois:

"This is a great homecoming for me. I'm used to being gone for long periods of a time while training. I'm thrilled about the new facility and being close to my home and family. That's what it's all about.

The gym came together when Robbie Lawler, Matt Pena, Marc Fiore and I were out taping TUF6. We were coaching together and knew we could make it work. I would not start the gym without Marc, Robbie or Matt."

As a part-owner in the H.I.T. (Hughes Intensive Training) Squad, Hughes will be promoting the Granite City facility during his travels throughout the country and the world. Operated by the H.I.T. Squad, the training centre is designed to enhance the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of its members. The centre’s purpose is education, channelled through weight training, boxing and martial arts. It caters to a wide range of members, from the very young to the elderly, from the novice to the world class professional, from singles to large families and both men and women.

The site was selected both for its location on a former U.S. Army base and the ability to create a disciplined "militaristic" training atmosphere in the building by adding camouflage netting and other military trademarks. The company has upgraded the building to include new locker rooms, restrooms, boxing ring, 3,000 square feet of new Hammer Strength weight lifting and fitness equipment, 1,000 square feet of cardiovascular equipment, 5,000 square feet of matted wrestling/grappling area surrounded by octagon fencing and a member's lounge.

"We are very pleased to welcome Matt Hughes and his entire team to Granite City," said Dr. Charles King Jr., chairman of the Tri-City Regional Port District. "He is a true gentleman who takes a genuine interest in the community and in everything he does. He is a positive role model who demonstrates a high personal standard of achievement.”

Construction of the site is well under way with an anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony in January. It is not known if Matt Serra will receive an invitation.

Hughes was, of course, due to fight his arch rival Serra at UFC 79: Nemesis, but Serra was forced to withdraw through injury. The pair were rival coaches on the last season of The Ultimate Fighter and expressed their dislike for each other at every available opportunity. Although he will not get a shot at claiming the Welterweight championship belt, Matt Hughes will still be fighting at UFC 79: Nemesis. He will take on his old foe Georges St Pierre for the third time. Hughes lost his Welterweight title to Georges St Pierre at UFC 65: Bad Intentions in November 2006. In their first meeting, Hughes was the victor, submitting the Canadian in the first round at UFC 50: The War of '04. The winner of the rubber match will become the Number One Challenger in the Welterweight division.