About a year ago, I reanimated my sports card collecting hobby. Seeing as how my interest in the UFC had grown tremendously over the years, I went to my local card shop and purchased a 2022 Donruss Optic hobby box. My best pull? Matt Hughes Opti-graph #/5! I was very excited, knowing exactly who he is and what he'd accomplished in the UFC. The Hall of Famer and two-time Welterweight champion fought the best of the best during his career. Claiming victories over the likes of BJ Penn, Matt Serra, Royce Gracie, Georges St-Pierre and many more. Getting this card motivated me to research him further. What I found shocked me. I had no idea he was involved in a tragic train accident in 2017. The full story can be found here: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/05/ufc-news-matt-hughes-details-recovery-brain-injury-train-accident.
The short version is he suffered a horrible brain injury and spent 19 days in a medically induced coma. Thankfully he survived. However, he needed to re-learn how to walk, talk and function. All this after many years existing at the pinnacle of athletic ability. He continues to inspire in life beyond the octagon. His story changed my view and appreciation for life. I wouldn’t have looked into it had it not been for the card. I’m grateful for these moments in the hobby. It goes far beyond the cardstock it’s printed on.
