Flashback to UFC 60, when two catchweight titans faced off at the Staples Center in Las Vegas. Yes, we’re talking about the headliner bout between Matt Hughes and Royce Gracie. A major upset awaited the MMA community at this PPV event, as Hughes, the ‘Gracie Killer’ went on to demolish Gracie – the first UFC champ.
Now, over 17 years after this shocking event, Boxing Hall-of-Famer Mike Tyson has given his two cents on what transpired at UFC 60. Moreover, he is joined by Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal, a former UFC star, as they discuss the horrific beatdown that Hughes poured onto his rival Gracie. So, what does ‘Kid Dynamite’ have to add to the mix?
Mike Tyson is still appalled by the unforgettable showdown: Hughes vs. Gracie
Mike Tyson recently hosted ‘Gamebred’ on the Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson YouTube podcast. During their discussion, the duo delved into Masvidal’s newest MMA promotional venture – Gamebred Fighting Championship. Just before the nine-minute mark, Tyson brought up Hughes’ stunning display of strength as he recounted the UFC 60 headliner fight.
The Boxing legend kicked off his remarks, adding, “Matt Hughes was great! He’s the white K – [he] was a great – remember him?”
As the conversation flowed, Tyson vividly recollected the pivotal moments of the Hughes vs. Gracie encounter. He described Hughes’s remarkable strength and determination, remarking, “When I saw him fight Gracie – listen, he had Gracie on the floor, face to face. He [Hughes] was bending his arm. He had his arm bent around his back. He [Gracie] wouldn’t tap out – so he had to beat him unconscious…”
Tyson’s recollection of the fight vividly illustrated the intensity of the moment. He further emphasized Gracie’s refusal to submit, stating, “He [Gracie] wouldn’t tap out… I thought it [Gracie’s arm] was coming off! [I] witnessed all that. He wasn’t giving [in]… He’s just a beast man!”
Jorge Masvidal and Mike Tyson shower Matt Hughes with praises
So, if Tyson was showering praises on the UFC catchweight fighter, how could ‘Gamebred’ miss out on sharing his take? Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal also chimed in, offering his admiration for Matt Hughes: “Yeah, like 50 or something pro fights… Matt Hughes – one of the greatest welterweights in the sport…”
Tyson wholeheartedly agreed with the sentiment, acknowledging Hughes’s incredible legacy in the welterweight division. He added, “Absolutely! You know – he unfortunately had a bad accident. [But] what a fighter!”
In retrospect, Mike Tyson’s vivid recounting of the Hughes vs. Gracie showdown serves as a testament to the enduring impact of that historic UFC event, where Hughes’s unyielding spirit and astonishing feats left an everlasting impression on the world of mixed martial arts.