UFC 200 Fight Week: Jake Matthews to fight Kevin Lee on July 9

RISING UFC star Jake Matthews has been forced to overhaul his Fight Week preparations following the overnight withdrawal of Scotsman Steven Ray.

Jake Matthews has a new opponent for his big bout as part of UFC Fight Week.

RISING UFC star Jake Matthews has been forced to overhaul his Fight Week preparations following the overnight withdrawal of Scotsman Steven Ray.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Matthews, from Melbourne, will now be fighting emerging US lightweight Kevin Lee at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 9.

Dubbed the ‘Motown Phenom’, 23-year-old Lee should be no stranger to Australian fight fans after scoring a win on the UFC 197 card featuring Sydney slugger Robert Whittaker.

All up, the rising Detroit star has won five of seven fights inside the Octagon, including his most recent unanimous decision victory over Efrain Escudaro

Australia’s youngest UFC fighter, Matthews was himself called onto the card as an injury replacement after Ray’s original rival Tae Hyun Bang withdrew back in April.

The TUF 23 Finale card forms part of a bumper UFC Fight Week promotion, which culminates with a blockbuster UFC 200 card headlined by Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier.

Only last week, Sydney heavyweight Mark Hunt also revealed he had been placed on ‘standby’ for UFC 200 — most likely in case of an injury in the bout between Cain Velasquez and Travis Browne.

Certainly the TUF Finale bout looms as the biggest test of Matthews’ fledgling career.

Only last year, UFC president Dana White told The Daily Telegraph Matthews was an “absolute stud” who would continue to receive strong fights if his early unbeaten run continued.

A loss soon after against American James Vick has tempered that rise slightly. However with strong wins against Akbarh Arreola and Johnny Case since, the young Aussie is once again looking to build another eye-catching win streak

Originally published as UFC 200 Fight Week: Jake Matthews to fight Kevin Lee on July 9