‘I will finish the fight’: Jake Matthews’ promise ahead of UFC return

In a card that has two title fights and is stacked with Aussie talent from head to toe, diehard UFC fans will find it hard for anything to overshadow the homecoming of Jake Matthews.

In a card that has two title fights and is stacked with Aussie talent from head to toe, diehard UFC fans will find it hard for anything to overshadow the homecoming of Jake Matthews.

In what will be his first fight on home soil since 2019, Matthews will return to Sydney, with hopes of starting his 2025 right.

“I was always told if you want the big fights you need to go overseas so I have spent a lot of the last seven years away from Australia,” Matthews said.

“I always have said I wanted to fight in Australia again, and it’s going to be a long time till I retire, but the goal was to always make it back here before then.”

Matthews, who has wins over the likes of UFC veterans Diego Sanchez and Li Jingliang, while also fighting top Welterweight contenders Sean Brady and Michael Morales in recent times, believes at 30 he’s finally hitting his peak.

Jake Matthews believes he’s hitting his peak. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

His next fight against Francisco Prado at UFC 312 in Sydney on February 9, in his mind is the start of a busy year where his long time fans will see the return of “the old Jake”.

“I want to be that young aggressive Jake that I was when I was 19,” Matthews said.

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Matthews has been on the comeback trail. Picture: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images

“He’s been slowly coming back since 2021, but it’s time to go to another level for this one.”

Sitting as the second longest serving Aussie in the UFC, behind Robert Whittaker, the pioneer for Australian MMA is hoping a win on home soil is enough to elevate him to a fight with veteran welterweight Neil Magny.

Seen as somewhat of a gatekeeper in the sport, Magny has been the ultimate test for those trying to crack the top 10 of the division for some time.

“I know I can bash Neil Magny,” Matthews said.

Matthews vs. Phil Rowe during UFC 302 last year. Picture: Luke Hales/Getty Images via AFP

“After a win next month, I think he’s next.”

While Matthews has sights set on a rapid climb up the UFC ranks, he refuses to look past his 12-2 Argentinian opponent in Prado.

Almost two years to the day of making his UFC debut, Prado will be looking to make a name off the local.

But Matthews is enjoying the idea of taking on a “smaller” less experienced contender.

“He is a short guy who pretty much just swings for the fences when he has the energy,” Matthews said.

“Whatever presents itself whether it’s a knockout or submission, I will finish the fight.”