Jake Matthews has dethroned a UFC veteran at UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi.
The Celtic Kid was simply too classy for Diego Sanchez, who Matthews said he idolized growing up in the lead up to the fight.
Matthews played it smart throughout the fight and took a measured approach, allowing Sanchez to press forward as he landed counter shots.
Absolute domination from @JakeMatthewsUFC!
What a win from the Aussie! #UFC253 #UFC pic.twitter.com/UKvJtDSWqv
— Fight News Australia (@fightnewsaus) September 27, 2020
The third round saw Matthews land a flush right hand that sent Sanchez to the canvas. Matthews followed him to the ground and landed some big shots that left Sanchez in a pool of blood.
That was enough to score the win, earning scores of 30-26 on all three judges’ scorecards.
The win is Matthews’ third straight in a row and second this year after defeating Emil Meek at UFC Auckland this past February.
The win brings Matthews’ professional record to 17-4.
Jacob Malkoun set to fight Phil Hawes at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi
