Emil Meek came on strong in the third round, but Jake Matthews was able to hold him off to win a unanimous decision at UFC Auckland.
TUF Nations alum Jake Matthews was in action at UFC Auckland on Saturday, taking on the always game Emil Weber Meek. Matthews entered the affair with a solid octagon record of 4-1 across his last five bouts. Meek, meanwhile, had lost his last two bouts — and perhaps more crucially, had not competed inside the confines of the UFC cage since 2018.
A host of injuries had kept the Norwegian out since then, but that was set to change in Auckland.
Emil Weber Meek started the fight with a pair of leg kicks before getting driven to the ground by Jake Matthews. Matthews worked from full guard for a bit before Meek stood up against the talented wrestler. The fighters circled, then Matthews crushed Meek with an uppercut that lifted him off his feet. Matthews followed him to the canvas and went from half guard to full guard, riding out the round in top position while sprinkling in some ground and pound.
HE LIFTED HIM OFF HIS FEET! 😱 #UFCAuckland pic.twitter.com/SbBHXkPPQX
— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2020
Matthews started the second round with a right hand then a knee down the middle. He then drove Meek down had full guard. Meek tried to sweep, but ended up giving Matthews his back. Matthews established both hooks and wanted the choke. However, he didn’t have much room to work with as both fighters were against the fence. Meek spun out and landed two big knees on Matthews and all hell broke loose. A spinning elbow connected for Matthews and a wild exchange of hooks was ended by another Matthews takedown. Before the end of the round, Meek stood up and landed another big knee.
NON-STOP! 💪
These two are throwing EVERYTHING they have! #UFCAuckland pic.twitter.com/2MhCbMxOFC
— UFC (@ufc) February 22, 2020
Meek landed a leg kick to start the final round and Matthews checked the second. A left hook connected for Matthews, who had his back to the cage. After some strikes on both sides, Matthews drove in for a takedown, but Meek sprawled effectively. He then landed an uppercut on Matthews followed by a leg kick. Meek kept the pressure on and stuffed another takedown. Meek landed more strikes and Matthews tried a single leg takedown. Meek stuffed it again. Both men landed right hands but it was Meek who was dominating the final stanza of the fight. Meek tried a flying knee but Matthews caught it and brought Meek down right before the end of the round. Meek landed a few hammerfists as time expired.
Jake Matthews def. Emil Weber Meek by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
