Matt Hughes 2010 Return

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[IMG][/IMG]Former UFC champ Matt Hughes targeted for early 2010 return

Four months have passed since Matt Hughes most recently entered the octagon, and it'll be at least another four before he makes his return.

On Thursday UFC president Dana White said he expects Hughes (43-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) to fight again in early 2010, possibly around the time of the organization's annual SuperBowl weekend card.

Hughes, who had two memorable title runs at welterweight, recently rebounded from back-to-back losses to Georges St-Pierre and Thiago Alves with a fairly close unanimous-decision win over Matt Serra at UFC 98.

Although he's openly contemplated retirement in recent years, the 35-year-old has backed off the talk in 2009. However, Hughes is just 2-3 over the past three years, and the victories came over non-contenders Serra and Chris Lytle.

Additionally, the UFC inked former UFC fighter Dennis Hallman to a new contract earlier this month. Hallman is a veteran who's competed for many of the world's top promotions, but he's perhaps best known for two quick submission victories over Hughes. The two wins, one at Extreme Challenge 21 in 1998 and the other at UFC 29 in 2000, came in a total time of 38 seconds.

Perhaps the third time will be a charm for Hughes and a final bout will be scheduled between the two fighters.

Currently, the UFC has a host of events tentatively planned for early 2010, including UFC 108 (Jan. 2), UFC 109 (Jan. 30) and UFC 110 (Feb. 6). Super Bowl XLIV takes place Feb. 7 in Miami.