UFC Hall of Famer has officially called it a career and will accept an executive position with the company he has called home for years. The news of Hughes’s retirement confirms what many had already assumed about the former welterweight champion. UFC president Dana White announced the news at today’s UFC on Fox 6 pre-fight press conference.

The Illinois native will stay with the UFC as the VP of Athlete Development and Government Relations, where he will serve as an official mentor to the fighters on the UFC roster and as an ambassador for the sport. The deal is similar to the role that former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell received when he retired, where Hughes will remain with the company he served well over the years.

Hughes retires with an 18-6 mark in the UFC and is currently tied with UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre for most successful UFC title defenses at welterweight. Hughes also holds the UFC record for most title fights by a welterweight fighter. Hughes last fought for the promotion at UFC 135, where he lost to Josh Koschek via knockout.