Latest news with #JakeMatthews
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
After quick UFC Nashville submission win, Jake Matthews wants to hang out in top 15
Jake Matthews met the media Saturday after his first-round submission win over Chidi Njokuani at UFC on ESPN 70. Matthews (22-7 MMA, 15-7 UFC) made ultra-quick work of Njokuani (25-11 MMA, 5-4 UFC) and needed just 69 seconds to force his tap from a rear-naked choke on the prelims at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. After two decision wins in a row, Matthews said he was glad to get back to a finish. Advertisement And while his post-fight interview backstage with only mentioned a desire to get a matchup in the welterweight top 15, when pressed for a callout in the cage, he kind of, sort of brought of a former title challenger. "My coach would hate it if I didn't call out Gilbert Burns," Matthews told Daniel Cormier in the cage in his post-fight interview. "I took Michael Morales to a hard decision. None of these top 15 guys can stand with Michael Morales. I stood with him. I deserve to be in there with those boys, so if we can organize a top 15 (fight), I'll be there." Burns has lost four straight fights to former champion Belal Muhammad, current champ Jack Della Maddalena, Sean Brady and, just two months ago, Morales – who finished Burns in the first round. That goes to the root of Matthews' callout, since his loss to Morales was a decision. Check out Matthews' post-fight interview in the video below. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Nashville: Jake Matthews wants top-15 welterweights after big win
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC on ESPN 70 video: Jake Matthews taps Chidi Njokuani in 69 seconds
Jake Matthews wowed Nashville, Tenn., with a quick submission of Chidi Njokuani. The welterweight bout took place on the prelims of UFC on ESPN 70 at Bridgestone Arena, and was filled with action for as long as it lasted. Matthews (22-7 MMA, 15-7 UFC) found the neck of Njokuani (25-11 MMA, 5-4 UFC) and cranked until the tap came at 1:09 of Round 1. Advertisement Njokuani came out firing a series of hard kicks, but Matthews put a stop to it by getting the fight to the ground. He then quickly took the back and slapped on a rear-naked choke. Njokuani stood up, and nearly shook Matthews off, but the hold remained tight enough to force the tap. Check out video of the finish below (via X): Matthews, 30, called out Gilbert Burns during his post-fight interview. "The Celtic Kid" is now on a three-fight winning streak, coming into this fight with back-to-back unanimous decision wins over Phil Rowe and Francisco Prado. Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 70 results This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Nashville video: Jake Matthews taps Chidi Njokuani in 69 seconds
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani prediction, odds, pick for UFC Nashville
The post Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani prediction, odds, pick for UFC Nashville appeared first on ClutchPoints. UFC Nashville: Derrick Lewis versus Tallison Teixeira continues on the prelims with a fight between Jake Matthews and Chidi Njokuani in the welterweight division on Saturday. Check out our UFC odds series for our Matthews-Njokuani prediction and pick. Advertisement Jake Matthews (23-7) enters UFC Nashville riding a two-fight win streak, having outpointed Phil Rowe and Francisco Prado in back-to-back unanimous decisions. Now, 'The Celtic Kid' looks to extend his momentum and test his evolving skill set against the dangerous Chidi Njokuani this Saturday night in Nashville. Chidi Njokuani (26-10) enters UFC Nashville riding a wave of momentum after three-straight wins. He most recently stopped Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos with a vicious knee and ground-and-pound in round two, following a dominant unanimous decision over Jared Gooden. Now, 'Bang Bang' looks to keep rolling against Jake Matthews this Saturday night. Here are the UFC Nashville Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. UFC Nashville odds: Jake Matthews-Chidi Njokuani odds Jake Matthews: +130 Advertisement Chidi Njokuani: -155 Over 1.5 rounds: -315 Under 1.5 rounds: +230 *Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)* Why Jake Matthews will win Last Fight: (W) Francisco Prado – DEC Last 5: 3-2 Finishes: 13 (5 KO/TKO/8 SUB) Jake Matthews is well-positioned to defeat Chidi Njokuani at UFC Nashville due to his versatile skill set and tactical discipline. Matthews boasts crisp boxing, solid wrestling defense, and a proven ability to mix in takedowns and submissions, making him a tough matchup for a pure striker like Njokuani. Matthews' recent performances highlight his ability to control the pace and location of a fight. He has won his last two bouts by decision, showcasing his cardio and strategic approach against dangerous opponents. Against Njokuani, Matthews is likely to employ forward pressure, closing the distance to neutralize Njokuani's reach and knockout power. Advertisement Njokuani's primary threat is his striking, with 15 knockouts in his career, but his volatile style leaves openings for counters and takedowns. Matthews' best path to victory is to avoid prolonged exchanges at range, instead using clinch work and wrestling to disrupt Njokuani's rhythm and accumulate points on the scorecards. If Matthews can implement his game plan, mixing striking with level changes and controlling the action on the mat, he should be able to wear down Njokuani and limit his offensive output. Matthews' consistency, durability, and fight IQ give him a clear edge in a three-round contest, making him the favorite to win by decision this weekend. Why Chidi Njokuani will win Last Fight: (W) Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos – KO/TKO R2 Last 5: 3-2 Finishes: 16 (15 KO/TKO/1 SUB) Chidi Njokuani has the striking arsenal and finishing instincts to defeat Jake Matthews this weekend at UFC Nashville. Known for his devastating knockout power and dynamic Muay Thai, Njokuani has finished 15 of his 26 career wins by KO or TKO, including his most recent victory, a brutal knee and ground-and-pound stoppage of Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in March. His 6'3' frame and significant reach advantage allow him to dictate range, keeping opponents at bay while setting up his signature knees and elbows. Advertisement Njokuani's recent form is impressive, with back-to-back wins over Zaleski dos Santos and Jared Gooden, showcasing both his finishing ability and improved fight IQ. He thrives in high-paced stand-up battles and has the ability to end fights in an instant, making him a constant threat from the opening bell. Matthews, while well-rounded, has struggled against elite strikers and has been vulnerable to power shots in the past. If Matthews cannot consistently close the distance or secure takedowns, he risks being picked apart on the feet. Njokuani's takedown defense has improved, and his ability to punish opponents in transitions could make Matthews hesitant to shoot. Expect Njokuani to use his reach, timing, and striking diversity to keep Matthews on the outside, landing damaging blows and potentially securing another highlight-reel finish at UFC Nashville. Final Jake Matthews-Chidi Njokuani prediction & pick Jake Matthews enters UFC Nashville as a slight underdog against Chidi Njokuani, but his well-rounded game gives him a real chance to pull off the win. Matthews' ability to blend striking with effective wrestling and clinch control should allow him to dictate the pace and location of the fight. If he can close the distance and avoid Njokuani's dangerous knees and elbows, Matthews can grind out rounds and sap Njokuani's energy with relentless pressure. Advertisement Njokuani, though, is always a threat with his knockout power and striking diversity. He's coming off two impressive wins and will look to keep the fight at range, where his height and reach are most effective. If Matthews can't consistently get inside, he risks being picked apart and possibly finished. Ultimately, expect Matthews to use his fight IQ and durability to weather early storms and implement a grappling-heavy game plan. If successful, he should edge out a close decision victory in Nashville. Final Jake Matthews-Chidi Njokuani Prediction & Pick: Jake Matthews (+130), Over 1.5 Rounds (-315) Related: Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis prediction, odds, pick for UFC Nashville Advertisement Related: Lauren Murphy vs. Eduarda Moura prediction, odds, pick for UFC Nashville
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas A&M 2026 3-star commit recently worked out with two Aggie greats
Texas A&M's 2026 recruiting class is stacked with elite talent, as all 22 commits bring their own specific skill sets, including one of the lower-ranked prospects in the cycle, three-star athlete/quarterback Kaeden Johnson, who is slated to play tight end with the Aggies in the fall of 2026. Like many of the program's commits, Johnson shut down his recruitment and is all-in with Texas A&M ahead of his senior season with Fort Bend Marshall. This summer, knowing that his future is in College Station, Johnson has reportedly been working out with two Aggie legends to refine his skill set and prepare for his position change. Advertisement In a recent photo on X, Johnson, alongside former Texas A&M standout left tackle and current longtime Atlanta Falcons blindside blocker Jake Matthews, and former Texas A&M tackle Germain Ifedi, who last played for the Cleveland Browns during the 2024 season. Working out at the Apollo Performance & Sports Medicine center in Houston, Texas, the Aggie family is strong, and the connections are limitless, especially for the future players dedicated to sticking with the program and developing, which has become a rarity in the transfer portal age. During his 2024 junior season, Johnson passed for 2,109 yards and 25 touchdowns, completing 60% of his passes, while also rushing for 571 yards and six touchdowns. Johnson has proven that he can play QB at the next level, but Texas A&M tight end coach Christian Ellsworth deserves credit for striking while the iron is hot, knowing that Johnson has been sky rocking locally before his OV. According to Rivals, Johnson is currently ranked as the 34th-best athlete and the 109th-best prospect in Texas. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 2026 3-star ATH Kaeden Johnson worked out with two former Aggie stars
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC on ESPN 70 gets Chris Curtis, Jake Matthews among other Nashville fight card additions
UFC on ESPN 70 gets Chris Curtis, Jake Matthews among other Nashville fight card additions Several bouts have been added to July's UFC on ESPN 70 in Nashville. The UFC's seventh visit to Nashville, Tenn. is taking shape. Three new bouts have been added to UFC on ESPN 70 including Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani, Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis, and Junior Tafa vs. Ateba Gautier. The promotion announced the news Tuesday. UFC on ESPN 70 takes place July 12 at the Bridgestone Arena and is headlined by a heavyweight bout between former title challenger Derrick Lewis against undefeated prospect Tallison Teixeira. Njokuani (25-10 MMA, 5-3 UFC) looks to build on his 3-0 run since he dropped back down to welterweight. Meanwhile, Matthews (21-7 MMA, 14-7 UFC), a veteran of the weight class, looks to get his own 3-0 run, as he's coming off back-to-back decision wins over Phil Rowe and Francisco Prado. Additionally, Max Griffin welcomes Chris Curtis back to welterweight. Curtis (31-12 MMA, 5-4 UFC), who's competed all of his 10 UFC fights at 185 pounds, will be making his promotional welterweight debut. He looks to snap a two-fight losing skid now in a new division. "Pain" Griffin is 2-2 in his past four trips to the octagon, with his most recent one being a submission loss to Michael Chiesa in December at UFC 310. Lastly, Tafa (6-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC) will also be trying out a new weight class – light heavyweight. He takes on Gautier (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), who's coming off a devastating KO win in his debut fight against Jose Medina in Mexico City in March.
