Jake Matthews (fighter)

Jake Matthews (born 19 August 1994) is an Australian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship's Welterweight division.

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Matthews played Australian football for nine years in his youth, representing the Northern Knights for a season. To keep fit in the offseason, he 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.

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 7–0 prior to joining the UFC.

In December 2013, it was announced that Matthews would be a cast member on The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia, representing Australia at welterweight. Matthews went on to lose his opening fight in the tournament, dropping a unanimous decision to eventual finalist Olivier Aubin-Mercier and was subsequently eliminated from the show.

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.

For his second fight with the promotion, Matthews faced Vagner Rocha on 8 November 2014 at UFC Fight Night 55. Matthews won the fight via second round submission.

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.