WATCH: UFC Honors Matt Hughes During Emotional Return Following Car Accident

Matt Hughes is living proof that a country boy can survive.

The former two-time welterweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer was honored on Sunday night in St. Louis as he walked out to the cheers from a raucous crowd just seven months after a horrific car crash that nearly cost him his life.

Hughes walked out to the Octagon to the sound of his signature song from Hank Williams Jr. where he was embraced by UFC president Dana White.

Hughes was involved in the single car accident back in June 2017 after his truck was hit by an oncoming train and the 44-year old retired fighter was air lifted for treatment for possible brain trauma.

Hughes survived the harrowing encounter and has been making steady improvements ever since, capped off by his walk to the Octagon on Sunday night in this touching tribute.