Matt Hughes’ career as an MMA fighter is over.

On Saturday night, Georges St-Pierre dominated Hughes the way Hughes once dominated the contenders for his welterweight title. He established almost no offense and was defending the aggressive St-Pierre the entire nine minutes and fifty-four seconds until he tapped to an armbar.

Prior to this fight, Hughes stated that he only wanted to fight two or three more times. In post-fight interviews, he talked about his book and his new gym more than he talked about the future of his fighting career. He has declared that in any competition, if he can’t win, he won’t play. It appears that, in his mind, Matt Hughes is done.

But the country boy can’t just walk off into the sunset just yet. His fans won’t allow it. The UFC won’t stand for it. And he won’t.

There is some unfinished business for Matt Hughes. There is a man out there who he considers to be a pretender to the thrown. A man that has personally insulted Hughes whenever a microphone is within arm’s reach. A man that Hughes does not respect. A man that has defeated the man (St-Pierre) that beat Hughes.

That man is Matt Serra.

The only thing left for Matt Hughes to prove is that he is a better fighter than Matt Serra. Unless lighting strikes twice, St-Pierre will regain his title from Serra in a few months. This will open the doors for the match that was supposed to occur December 29 - sans title shot.

This would be a grudge match rivaling Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock. Hughes thinks Serra is vulgar. Serra thinks Hughes is self-righteous. Hughes thinks Serra is an inferior fighter that got lucky. Serra thinks Hughes is “a dick.”

So, start preparing now. On or around UFC 90, Matt Hughes will finally fight Matt Serra in what will be Hughes’ retirement match. Will the country boy survive?