Jake Matthews

Background

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Matthews began training in mixed martial arts out of a shed in the backyard of his parents house, sparring with his younger brother and being coached by his father.

Career

Early career

Matthews made his professional mixed martial arts debut at the age of 18 in September 2012 competing for regional promotions in the Greater Melbourne area where he compiled a record of 5 - 0. The Ultimate Fighter: Nations

In December 2013, it was announced that Matthews would be a cast member on The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada versus Australia, representing Australia at welterweight.

Matthews went on to lose his opening fight in the tournament, dropping a unanimous decision to eventual finialist Olivier Aubin-Mercier and was subsequently eliminated from the show.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

After winning a fight after his stint on TUF, Matthews made his official UFC debut on 28 June 2014 at UFC Fight Night 43, where he faced promotional newcomer Dashon Johnson in a lightweight bout. Matthews defeated Johnson via submission in the third round.

Foreign his second fight with the promotion, Matthews faced Vagner Rocha on 8 November 2014 at UFC Fight Night 55. Matthews faced James Vick on 10 May 2015 at UFC Fight Night 65.

He lost the fight via submission in the first round.

Matthews was expected to face Mickael Lebout on 18 July 2015 at UFC Fight Night 72. However, Matthews pulled out of the fight on 9 July citing injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Teemu Packalen. Matthews faced Akbarh Arreola on 15 November 2015 at UFC 193.

Matthews faced Johnny Case on 20 March 2016 at UFC Fight Night 85.

Achievements

• Matthews won the fight via second round submission. Matthews won via doctor stoppage between rounds 2 and 3, after scoring a takedown early in the second round and inflicting severe damage to Arreola"s right eye with punches and elbows. He won the bout via submission in the third round. Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night.