Jake Matthews

By FCF Staff

Jake Matthews had a ton of hype behind him before he fought James Vick this past May, and the lightweight admits focusing on the buzz, ultimately cost him.

Matthews is scheduled to fight Akbhar Arreola at UFC 193 this Saturday, in Melbourne, Australia. The bout will mark the first time the 21 year-old has competed, since Matthews was submitted by Vick in the opening round at UFC FN 65.

Recently the highly touted prospect spoke to UFC.com about the upcoming bout, and Matthews had this to say about his first pro loss.

“I’ve learned to not think about anything beyond the fight and what could happen,” Matthews said. “That was the case in my last fight because of all the things that could have come with a win and the extra spotlight that was on it since it was a main card bout. I was looking ahead too far and just got a big head. I’m not going to lie about it. I just got cocky in there and that cost me. For this fight I went back my old way and how I’ve always gone about looking at things. I’m not thinking about anything beyond my opponent and the job I have to do.

“I’m glad that happened where it did in my career rather than making that mistake when it really mattered and I’m in the top 10 or something like that. It’s a lesson learned and you take what you can from it. You take the positives, leave the negative behind and move on to the next one.”

Matthews (8-1) has gone 2-1 to date in the UFC, as before facing Vick, he defeated Dashon Johnson and Vagner Rocha.

Arreola (23-9-1), meanwhile, is coming off a decision loss to Francisco Trinaldo in March. The lightweight is also 2-1 in the Octagon.