Matt Hughes is expected to make his return to the cage in early 2010, possibly on the traditional Super Bowl weekend show.
Hughes scored a close win over Matt Serra at UFC 98 in the final fight of his UFC contract and openly talked of retirement, but has since decided to stick around for a few more fights. Hughes, 35, is expected to sign a new contract with the company shortly.
Rumors circulated after UFC 98 that Hughes was considering a move to the middleweight division, but it appears the veteran is content with staying at welterweight. Dennis Hallman, who recently returned to the company, will almost certainly be his next opponent.
Hughes and Hallman have faced each other twice, with Hallman scoring quick submission victories in both fights. Sources have confirmed with Inside Fights that Hughes wanted the fight with Hallman after UFC 98, and that the request directly led to Hallman returning to the company.
