Family: UFC legend Matt Hughes ‘improving’ more than week after crash

The family of Matt Hughes had good news to report Sunday night.

The UFC legend, in the hospital for more than a week after a truck-train crash, is showing improvement, the family said in a statement posted to Hughes’ sister Beth Hughes Ulrici’s Facebook page. No specifics were given.

“He is improving and continues to show us his heart and determination each day,” the statement read. “He has a long road ahead of him and your continued thoughts and prayers will help him with the journey.”

Hughes has been in stable condition at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Ill., for about a week. He has no broken bones or internal injuries, but has only been “minimally responsive” per previous family statements.

On June 16, Hughes was driving a pickup truck in Raymond, Ill., near his hometown of Hillsboro. The former UFC welterweight champion drove the truck over train tracks and the truck was hit on the passenger side by the train. Hughes was airlifted to the hospital in Springfield, where he has been since.

The Illinois State Police is still investigating the crash.

The Hughes family held a prayer vigil Sunday in Mt. Olive, Ill., and the statement said another one is being planned for Hillsboro.

“Matt has always been a fighter; but he is now in the biggest fight of his life,” the statement read. “We know he will continue to improve with God's Grace and Mercy.”

Hughes, 43, held the UFC welterweight title multiple times between 2001 and 2004. He owns career victories over the likes of Georges St-Pierre and B.J. Penn.