UFC 135 Results: Is Matt Hughes the Greatest Welterweight Ever?

For a long time, there wasn't even a debate about which fighter was the best welterweight in the sport's history. For years, Matt Hughes reigned over the 170-pound division with his revolutionary ground game.

One of the first fighters to add serious jiu-jitsu skills to world-class wrestling ability, Hughes defended the UFC welterweight title a total of seven times throughout his legendary career.

Before his second run as champion, a Canadian named Georges St-Pierre came along and became a serious threat to prevent Hughes from regaining his title. When the two fighters met for the first time in a fight for the vacant 170-pound title, Hughes secured a submission in the closing seconds of the first round.

Although he lost the fight, the seed had been planted for St-Pierre to become the next great welterweight superstar. Seven years later, that seed has bloomed into a full-blown argument over which welterweight champion has accomplished more during their career.

Unfortunately for Hughes, the cards are stacked against him in this debate. Not only has Hughes now lost to St-Pierre in two of their three encounters, but the Canadian has defended the belt against more talented and well-rounded opponent than Hughes did.

St-Pierre is currently one win short of matching Hughes' seven career title defenses, but his streak of six consecutive defenses is already a step up from the five straight defenses Hughes put together in 2002 and 2003.

Hughes may have relinquished his spot as the best welterweight of all time. However, the Illinois native will forever be remembered as one of the best ever and a pioneer for the sport of MMA.

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Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. Sean has also had his work featured on UFC.com, LowKick.com and TheMMACorner.com. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter @SeanSmithMMA.