Former welterweight champion Matt Hughes was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

At yesterday's UFC Fan Expo, President Dana White presented the award to the longtime champion, who sat atop the 170-lbs. division for years.

"I would like to take this award and cut it in pieces and give it out," said Hughes. "I couldn't have won this award by myself. I definitely give God a big piece. I give my wrestling coaches from high school and college a piece of it. A big piece I would give to the UFC. You don't win an award like this and say you've done it all by yourself."

Hughes held an impressive 44-7 MMA record, going 17-5 in the Octagon. He made three appearances in the UFC - in 1999, 2000, 2001 - before joining the UFC full time at the end of 2001. The nine-time welterweight champion, who won the belt on two separate occasions, was most well known for his imposing and powerful wrestling pedigree.

He earned wins over the likes of Georges St.Pierre, Matt Serra, B.J. Penn, Royce Gracie, Chris Lytle, Carlos Newton, Frank Trigg and Sean Sherk.

Last year, Chuck Liddell and Charles "Mask" Lewis were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Hughes joins them and other UFC fighters, including Dan Severn, Randy Couture, Royce Gracie, Mark Coleman and Ken Shamrock.

Next up, Hughes will face jiu-jitsu ace Ricardo Almeida at August's UFC 117. This fight will continue the long-standing grudge between Hughes and the Gracie family. Throughout his career, Hughes has defeated Royce Gracie, Renzo Gracie and Gracie protege Matt Serra.

To follow Hughes' upcoming news and events, visit his website.