As UFC Fight Night approaches on Saturday, July 12, 2025, all eyes turn to Nashville for what promises to be a striking-heavy affair between Australia’s Jake Matthews and the United States’ Chidi Njokuani. Will Matthews try to stand and bang with a pure striker in Njokuani, or will he try to take the fight to the mat to get his opponent out of rhythm? We attempt to answer that question and make our Jake Matthews vs Chidi Njokuani prediction.
Our Jake Matthews vs Chidi Njokuani Pick
- Pick: Jake Matthews to win by decision
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
- Get Bonus Bets For This Fight: Use BetMGM bonus code ATSBONUS and get up to $1,500 in bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win
Tale of the Tape
| Jake Matthews | Chidi Njokuani | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 | 36 |
| Height | 5’11” | 6’3″ |
| Reach | 73″ | 80″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Record | 21–7–0 | 25–10–0 (1 NC) |
Jake Matthews vs Chidi Njokuani Preview
Matthews brings a well-rounded skill set with crisp boxing, solid wrestling defense, and submission capabilities. He has won two straight fights via decision, winning on the scorecards against Francisco Prado and Phil Rowe in 2024. My question for Matthews in this fight is what his strategy will be in this fight. He is capable of winning striking exchanges against Njokuani, but could put himself at risk against Njokuani’s striking. If he chooses to try to take Njokuani down, he could have more success.
Njokuani, at 36, brings power and unpredictability to the octagon. He’s 3–3 in his last six fights, winning three straight fights after a three-fight losing streak. He got a knockout win in his last fight over Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Of his 25 career wins, 15 have come by knockout, but Njokuani’s volatile fighting style leaves him vulnerable to eating big shots as well.
Betting Insights
- Moneyline odds are close. Njokuani is a -138 favorite and Matthews is +110 to win the fight.
- Matthews has seen three straight fights go to decision.
- Njokuani has just one knockout win from 2023 to 2025.
Jake Matthews vs Chidi Njokuani Prediction
Expect Matthews to use his grappling and cardio to try and neutralize the striking of Njokuani. He’ll likely stick to his strengths by pressuring Njokuani, getting in close, and mixing in takedowns to accumulate points instead of trying to hit a knockout blow. Njokuani will try to land a knockout with his reach and knockout power, but I expect Matthews to shoot during Njokuani’s big swings.
Given Matthews’ discipline and tactical consistency, I think he appears stronger in a three-round fight. Look for Matthews to get the job done as a slight underdog here, winning this fight via decision by keeping Njokuani off his feet.
Prediction: Jake Matthews wins via unanimous decision.
