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
FIGHT ODDS
Jake Matthews + 135
Chidi Njokuani – 160
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 11, 2025
