For Jake Matthews, fighting at home in Perth this Saturday isn’t just another booking. The Australian veteran spoke with a mix of excitement and determination about testing himself against one of the division’s most durable names in Neil Magny at UFC Perth on Saturday.
“We got this, I wouldn’t say last minute, but it was a bit later notice than usual,” Matthews told reporters on Wednesday.
“We kept training through as if we’re going to fight because we’re pretty certain we’d get a fight. For it to be Neil it’s great. I’ve called Neil out for a long time.”
Matthews (22-7) recognizes that Neil Magny presents the kind of challenge he has long been chasing. The Australian welterweight has been eager to test himself against a veteran with Magny’s experience and resume, and finally securing the matchup has him energized for Saturday’s showdown in Perth.
“He’s just so experienced and a lot of guys get into that rank 15 to 10 range. A lot of guys go in and out and they’re in there for a few fights and out,” he said.
“He was one of the few guys that was consistently there for a lot of years. It’s a challenge, and if it’s not on the line and there’s not risk involved I don’t really want to do it.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Jake Matthews above. He faces Neil Magny at UFC Perth on Saturday.
