Matt Hughes' future: Father first, fighter second

*Please visit FiveKnuckles.com for more mixed martial arts media*

Matt Hughes picked up another win in his historic career, this time against Renzo Gracie. Even though Hughes had been out of the Octagon for 11 months, he defeated Gracie at today's UFC 112 via third-round TKO.

Ring rust was not a factor, but this was only Hughes' fifth fight since early 2007. Post-Gracie fight, Hughes spoke with MMAFighting about his future plans in the Octagon.

"You know what - I just had a kid, January 2, a little girl," Hughes said. "And I got a good family at home. So, no, [fighting] once, twice a year is fine with me. I want my kids to know who their dad is. I'm 36 years old and I've still got more fights left in me."

At 36, Hughes might be considered a bit of an elderly statesman in the sport, especially since he began his fighting career over 12 years ago, in 1998. However long he stays (including finishing out his contract), UFC President Dana White said the Hughes will always be welcome in the organization. Randy Couture is another older fighter, currently 44, who started fighting in 1997. White said that he still considers Couture to be a top five light-heavyweight. Chuck Liddell, who turned 40 last year, also started fighting in 1998. After his loss early last year, White and Liddell's trainer John Hackleman fought over Liddell's "retirement."

No word on a future opponent for Hughes, although there has been some talk of a Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra rematch before Hughes' contract is up.