Jake Matthews is set to face off against Chidi Njokuani on July 13, 2025, as part of the Preliminary Card at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. This matchup in the welterweight division (170 lbs / 77.1 kg) features two fighters looking to stabilize their paths after mixed recent performances.
Jake Matthews, with a professional record of 21 wins and 7 losses, has established himself as a solid contender in the MMA landscape since beginning his career in 2012. He boasts an impressive track record with 5 knockouts, 6 submission victories, and 6 wins by decision. Matthews aims to bounce back after a tough run that saw him experience two consecutive losses in 2016 against notable fighters Kevin Lee and Andrew Holbrook. Recently, he recorded two submission wins against Andre Fialho and Darrius Flowers but faced three losses to Sean Brady, Matthew Semelsberger, and Michael Morales. A victory in this upcoming match would not only mark his 20th professional win but could also reinvigorate his standing in the competitive welterweight division.
Chidi Njokuani, currently ranked as the 75th best MMA welterweight fighter, comes into the fight with a professional record of 25 wins and 10 losses. Known for his knockout strength, he has secured 14 of his wins through this decisive method. Njokuani’s recent bouts have been a mixed bag; he earned a split decision victory against Rhys McKee on March 30, 2024, but prior to that faced a technical knockout loss against Michał Oleksiejczuk. After joining the UFC in 2022, he has fought six times, with three wins and three losses, highlighting the ups and downs of his journey. Notably, he achieved Performance of the Night honors twice for his knockout feats, demonstrating his striking prowess and ability to finish fights.
Both fighters possess strong right-hand punch power, which could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of their clash. As they prepare for this encounter, fans can expect an exciting matchup full of potential fireworks, as each fighter aims to prove themselves and pull ahead in their respective careers.
This bout not only offers an opportunity for Matthews to reclaim his momentum but also allows Njokuani to establish himself further in the UFC welterweight ranks. With both competitors seeking meaningful victories, fans will be watching closely to see who will emerge victorious on fight night.