MMA Match Preview: Jake Matthews (23-7) vs. Chidi Njokuani (26-10)

A stylistic chess match unfolds at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Teixeira as Australia’s well-rounded tactician Jake “The Celtic Kid” Matthews (23–7) faces off against explosive striker Chidi “Bang Bang” Njokuani (26–10, 1 NC) in a pivotal welterweight bout at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Fight Details

Event	Info
Date	Saturday, July 12, 2025
Location	Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
Time	Prelims ~7:00 PM ET
Broadcast	ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass
Weight Class	Welterweight (170 lbs)
Rounds	3

Fighter Breakdown

🇦🇺 Jake Matthews

Age: 30

Height/Reach: 5’11” / 73″

Stance: Orthodox

Team: Absolute MMA

Record: 23–7 (5 KO, 8 SUB)

Recent Form: UD wins over Francisco Prado and Phil Rowe

Strengths: Tactical striking, wrestling, cardio, fight IQ

UFC Stats: 3.45 significant strikes/min, 1.46 takedowns/15 min, 67% takedown defense

🇺🇸 Chidi Njokuani

Age: 36

Height/Reach: 6’3″ / 80″

Stance: Orthodox

Team: One Kick’s Gym

Record: 26–10 (15 KO, 1 SUB)

Recent Form: KO win over Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos; UD win vs Jared Gooden

Strengths: Muay Thai, knees and elbows, reach, finishing instincts

UFC Stats: 4.72 significant strikes/min, 62% striking accuracy, 75% takedown defense

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Matthews	Njokuani
Height	5’11”	6’3″
Reach	73″	80″
Striking Accuracy	43%	62%
Takedown Accuracy	41%	10%
Sub Attempts/3 Rds	0.6	0.2
UFC Finish Rate	57%	62%

Key Storylines

Range vs Pressure: Njokuani’s reach and Muay Thai arsenal vs Matthews’ clinch work and wrestling transitions

Momentum Battle: Both fighters enter on win streaks and seek a top-15 breakthrough

Durability Test: Matthews has never been knocked out in the UFC; Njokuani has 15 career KO wins

Fight IQ vs Flash: Matthews thrives on tactical discipline; Njokuani on explosive moments