Guyana’s Carlston Harris is set to face Australia’s Jake Matthews in a Welterweight matchup at UFC Macau.
Matthews Aims to Rebound
Jake Matthews (22-8) enters this fight with a 15-8 UFC record since 2014. After an impressive three-fight winning streak, Matthews dropped his last bout to Neil Magny. He will be looking to get back on the winning track as the betting favourite.
Matthews’ trajectory was halted by Neil Magny after back-to-back unanimous decisions and submitting Chidi Njokuani. It became clear in the third round that Magny was shifting the momentum with his superior cardio and output. Matthews caught his neck in a bad spot and underestimated Magny’s length in sinking a choke.
Matthews should be the better striker and his wrestling is far more technical than Harris’. While Harris may be able to threaten submissions with his long limbs, Matthews does an even better job of staying heavy on top and controlling opponents from side and full mount. If he’s able to do so against Harris, he should have ample opportunity to finish this fight with a submission.
However, Matthews has been submitted four times in the past and isn’t impervious to a sneaky grappler like Harris. Matthews will have to remain fundamental with no wasted movements or allowing any openings for Harris to capitalize.
Harris Seeks to Upset the Odds
Carlston Harris (19-7) is 4-3 inside the UFC since 2021. He most recently fell to Santiago Ponzinibbio via TKO in January 2025. Visa issues forced him to withdraw from a bout against Michael Chiese, but he returns after significant rest hoping to get back a win as the underdog.
Carlston Harris recently saw back-to-back losses for the first time in his professional fighting career, both ending via knockout at the hands of the striking. Visa issues during his last bout forced him to pull out, but it could be a blessing in disguise giving him more time to train and recuperate from the previous knockouts. For a fighter like Harris, this will be about getting over the mental block of the last two losses and overcoming underdog odds.
Carlston Harris has a great frame for this division. He not only uses every bit of a 76-inch reach, but he also has incredibly long legs and is able to kick opponents while keeping them out of range. He should look to implement much more of that aspect as it’ll only help create space and deter Matthews.
Keys to Victory
- Matthews hopes to get back on the winning track after losing to Neil Magny.
- Harris is aiming to overcome underdog odds.
- Harris is returning after visa issues and a TKO loss.
The upcoming bout promises to be a can’t-miss matchup from Macau.