UFC on ESPN 70: Jake Matthews vs Chidi Njokuani

At UFC on ESPN 70 in Nashville on July 12, 2025, Jake “The Celtic Kid” Matthews faced Chidi “Chidi Bang Bang” Njokuani in a welterweight bout that showcased Matthews’ grappling prowess and Njokuani’s striking power. Matthews entered the fight with a 21–7 record, while Njokuani, known for his knockout ability, had a 25–10 record.

The fight commenced with Njokuani attempting to establish his striking range, utilizing his height and reach advantage. However, Matthews closed the distance and engaged in a clinch, bringing the fight to the ground. Demonstrating his grappling skills, Matthews transitioned to back control and secured a rear-naked choke submission. Njokuani, unable to escape, tapped out at 1:09 of the first round, marking a swift and decisive victory for Matthews.

This victory extended Matthews’ win streak to three, solidifying his position as a formidable contender in the welterweight division. His ability to neutralize Njokuani’s striking with effective grappling was a testament to his well-rounded skill set and fight IQ. On the other hand, Njokuani’s vulnerability to grappling exchanges was evident, highlighting an area for improvement in his game.

The bout was a classic example of a striker versus grappler matchup, with Matthews’ strategy of closing the distance and bringing the fight to the ground proving successful against Njokuani’s striking. This performance not only earned Matthews a submission victory but also demonstrated his adaptability and strategic approach to different fighting styles.