Jake Aaron 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 Northern Knights for a season.
To keep fit in the offseason, 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.
2012
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.
2013
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.
2014
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.
2015
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.
Matthews faced Akbarh Arreola on 15 November 2015 at UFC 193.
Matthews won via doctor stoppage between rounds 2 and 3, after scoring a takedown early in the second round and inflicting severe damage to Arreola's right eye with punches and elbows.
2016
Matthews faced Johnny Case on 20 March 2016 at UFC Fight Night 85.
He won the bout via submission in the third round.
Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night.
Matthews was expected to face Stevie Ray on 8 July 2016 at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale.
However, Ray pulled out of the fight on 2 June citing alleged visa issues and was replaced by Kevin Lee.
Lee won via TKO in the first round.
Matthews next faced Andrew Holbrook on 27 November 2016 at UFC Fight Night 101.
He lost the fight via split decision.
2017
Matthews faced Bojan Veličković in a welterweight bout on 19 November 2017 at UFC Fight Night 121.
He won the fight via split decision.
2018
Matthews faced Li Jingliang on 11 February 2018 at UFC 221.
where he won via unanimous decision.
This win earned him the Fight of the Night bonus.
Jingliang later faced criticism for eye gouging Matthews whilst trying to escape a submission attempt.
Matthews faced Shinsho Anzai on 23 June 2018 at UFC Fight Night 132.
He won the fight via rear-naked choke in the first round.
Matthews faced Anthony Rocco Martin on 2 December 2018 at UFC Fight Night 142.
He lost the fight via an anaconda choke in round three.
2019
Matthews faced Rostem Akman on 6 October 2019 at UFC 243.
He won the fight via unanimous decision.
2020
Matthews faced Emil Weber Meek on 23 February 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. Hooker.
He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Matthews faced Diego Sanchez on 27 September 2020 at UFC 253.
