Jake Matthews delivered a stunning performance at UFC Nashville, securing a swift submission victory over Chidi Njokuani in just 1 minute and 9 seconds during the welterweight preliminary bout at Bridgestone Arena. The Australian veteran, known as "The Celtic Kid," showcased his grappling prowess and composure under pressure, solidifying his place as a rising force in the UFC welterweight division.
The fight began with Njokuani, a Bellator and UFC veteran riding a three-fight winning streak since dropping to 170 pounds, aggressively launching his trademark powerful kicks. His leg strikes targeted Matthews early, attempting to establish dominance from range. Despite the initial onslaught, Matthews remained unfazed, maintaining a tight guard and pressing forward with determination.
As the action progressed, Matthews forced the clinch, demonstrating his tactical acumen. Employing a slick foot sweep, he off-balanced Njokuani and swiftly took the fight to the ground. Once on the mat, Matthews expertly secured Njokuani's back, a dominant position that set the stage for the fight-ending submission.
Njokuani managed to stand up, attempting to shake off Matthews' grip, but the Australian's rear-naked choke was locked in with precision and relentless pressure. Despite Njokuani's valiant efforts to resist, the choke was too tight, compelling him to tap out at 1:09 of the opening round.
This victory marks Matthews' third consecutive win, elevating his UFC record to 15-7 and his overall MMA record to 22-7. Prior to this fight, Matthews had secured back-to-back unanimous decision wins over Phil Rowe and Francisco Prado, demonstrating consistent improvement and resilience in the Octagon. His recent form is impressive, with four wins in his last five fights, the sole loss coming against now top-10 ranked Michael Morales.
In his post-fight interview, a confident Matthews called out former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns, signaling his ambition to break into the Top 15 rankings and challenge higher-tier opponents. "The Celtic Kid" is clearly setting his sights on bigger challenges as he gains momentum in the division.
Chidi Njokuani, who entered the bout with a 25-11 MMA record and a 5-4 UFC tally, had been on a promising upswing, including a notable TKO victory over Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in March 2025. However, his three-fight winning streak was snapped by Matthews' dominant performance. Njokuani's aggressive striking started strong but ultimately could not withstand Matthews' grappling expertise.
The fight was one of the most impressive displays of Matthews' career, combining patience, technical skill, and finishing instinct. His ability to transition from defending powerful strikes to executing a textbook submission in the opening round underscores his growth as a well-rounded fighter.
UFC Nashville prelims also featured other notable results, including Eduarda Moura's unanimous decision win over Lauren Murphy, Valter Walker's heel hook submission against Kennedy Nzechukwu, Mike Davis' TKO of Mitch Ramirez, and Fatima Kline's head kick TKO over Melissa Martinez. However, Matthews' rapid submission victory stood out as a highlight of the night.
Matthews' trajectory suggests he is poised to become a significant contender in the welterweight division. At 30 years old, he appears to have found a new gear, blending experience with technical refinement. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if his challenge to Gilbert Burns materializes, potentially setting up an electrifying clash with a top-ranked opponent.
With his third straight victory, Matthews is not only building momentum but also positioning himself for a breakthrough opportunity. The UFC welterweight division, known for its depth and talent, demands fighters to continuously evolve, and Matthews is demonstrating that evolution in real time.
As the UFC continues to stack its welterweight roster with exciting matchups, Matthews' recent performances inject fresh intrigue into the division. His mix of striking resilience and submission prowess makes him a versatile threat, capable of adapting to various fighting styles.
Looking ahead, the question remains who Matthews will face next. His call-out of Gilbert Burns is a direct challenge to a former title contender, indicating his desire to test himself against elite competition. Should the UFC matchmakers grant this request, fans can expect a high-stakes battle that could define Matthews' career trajectory.
For now, Matthews' quick submission over Njokuani at UFC Nashville is a clear statement: he's ready to climb the ranks and make noise among the welterweight elite. The Octagon witnessed a decisive and skillful performance that night in Tennessee, one that could be a turning point for "The Celtic Kid."
