Victoria’s Jake Matthews has this week taken to social media to pursue a potential matchup with high-profile names Sage Northcutt and Mickey Gall.
‘The Celtic Kid’ wasted no time searching for an opponent to meet on the UFC’s November card in Sydney – baiting Northcutt with a proposition at 170lbs the day after the event’s announcement.
C'mon @sagenorthcutt I chased you to welter weight for this, give the fans what they want, don't be scared, @ufc Sydney Nov 19th.
— Jake Matthews (@JakeMatthewsUFC) July 10, 2017
However, with the Texan booked to fight Canada’s John Makdessi at UFC 214 on July 29, Matthews quickly shifted attention to another popular up-and-comer in talented submission artist Mickey Gall.
@sagenorthcutt is obviously busy, i wish him luck for @ufc 214.
How about you @mickeygall or are you scared, Fight me!— Jake Matthews (@JakeMatthewsUFC) July 11, 2017
A matchup between Matthews and Gall would see the Australian attempt to snap a two-fight losing streak, which includes a first-round stoppage to rising prospect Kevin Lee in July of 2016.
At age 25, Gall’s professional MMA record stands at 4-0-0, with his three UFC victories coming via submission. The New Jersey-based fighter also boasts a five-inch height and two-inch reach advantage over Matthews, as well as 100% takedown defence during his eighteen months with the promotion.
Despite being almost three years younger, however, Matthews holds a significant experience buffer over Gall, with a professional record reading 11-3-0 and a UFC record of 4-3-0. The Melbourne-based 22-year-old also flaunts grappling credentials to match that of Gall – recently receiving his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Português Vieira.
Regardless of opponent, Matthews looks likely to feature when the UFC returns to Australia for an eleventh time on November 19, with previous events including the famed Holly Holm knockout of Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, Mark Hunt’s one-punch demolition of Frank Mir in Brisbane, and Robert Whittaker’s knockout of Derek Brunson last November.
