UFC Fight Night: Jake Matthews to use Michael Moraes as step to major events

Australian Jake Matthews is a co-headliner for the UFC Fight Night, but at 29 he is ready for so much more, writes TYSON JACKSON.

Jake Matthews (L) expects a striking battle against Moraes. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Jake Matthews may be a 10 year veteran of the UFC, but at 29 is ready to bite down on the mouthpiece and push for a UFC title.

Sitting just outside the top 15, Australia’s own Matthews, has been put in a prime position to co-main event this weekend’s UFC fight night against dangerous 15-0 prospect Michael Moraes.

Although sitting on the end of an unfavourable matchup Matthews sees this as an opportunity to not only have a good placing on the card but climb into the best of the division.

“It’s not just a co-main event slot, it’s the opponent,” Matthews said.

“We are both teetering on the edge of getting a ranked opponent next, and that’s what this fight is, the winner of this will get a ranked opponent and we then have a chance to get into the top 15.”

Moraes has been on a rampage since joining the UFC in 2021 holding an impressive undefeated record, but Matthews feels this is a good matchup to elevate him.

You got to stay on high alert around this guy 🚨@JakeMatthewsUFC is back inside the Octagon this weekend at #UFCVegas82pic.twitter.com/XNVo9GMjl3

— UFC (@ufc) November 15, 2023

Matthews told this masthead this fight is more exciting than certain others which is bringing him more motivation to get the job done.

With all the hype and expectation being on the side of Moraes, Matthews is enjoying the idea of facing a tougher opponent and feels “no pressure” being placed on him pre fight.

“On paper he is the undefeated guy so for me there’s no pressure, I just go in there and try and switch it on at fight night and have fun.”

Entering his 18th UFC fight this weekend, Matthews is expecting a striking war to favour him and is hoping Moraes will match his energy in the octagon.

“Obviously it’s going to be a big striking bout. I have no intention of taking it to the ground unless I have too, and I think he’s in the same boat,” he said.

“He is very strong coming forward, but I’m usually the quicker guy when I fight at welterweight, so speed and pressure will be key for me.”

Fighting in his second co-main event spot of his 18 UFC bouts, Matthews has his sights set on climbing the rankings and pushing for a title shot in the second half of his career.

Jake Matthews (L) expects a striking battle against Moraes. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Admitting it has never been the main goal of his career, the 29-year-old believes UFC gold will come if he continues to do what he loves.

“My mindset has always been first and foremost to support the family and give them the best life possible, that should be everyone’s ultimate goal,” Matthews said.

“There’s bigger things in life than getting a title, but if I’m pushing to fight for my kids and their future, there’s no bigger reason than that.”

”If that’s not going to get you a UFC title nothing will.”

Matthews, a pioneer for Australian MMA has seen the sport grow leaps and bounds in the country since he started his UFC career in 2013, but admitted he had no real plans on taking part in a future Australian card.

Having last fought in the country back in 2019, Matthews was a favourite among Australian fans, but does not see much opportunity taking fights here.

“With or without me the Aussie cards will be filled. The UFC matchmakers always told me if you want bigger fights you need to go overseas,” he said.

“I kept fighting in Australia when I was younger, but now I don’t have any urge to fight there, maybe if it’s a big stadium event, but I like fighting overseas, getting out of my comfort zone and pushing myself.”

Originally published as UFC Fight Night: Jake Matthews to use Michael Moraes as step to major events