Jean Matsumoto hoping for day his coach-dad can be back in his UFC corner
LAS VEGAS – Jean Matsumoto beat Brad Katona with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 245 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Matsumoto, who stayed unbeaten with a win over a two-time “Ultimate Fighter” winner.
Jean Matsumoto def. Brad Katona
Jean Matsumoto
Result: Jean Matsumoto def. Brad Katona via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Matsumoto (16-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Katona (16-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC)
Key stats: Katona landed more total strikes, landed at a higher percentage, had more total control time, had three takedowns – but lost on all three judges’ scorecards.
Matsumoto on the fight’s key moment
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Jean Matsumoto of Brazil kicks Brad Katona of Canada in a bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
“Regardless of the result, I’m going to go for it and I’m going to be always looking to finish. … That’s the style of fighting I give. I’m going to give my all. I’m going to leave everything out there. If my opponent is prepared, that’s the fight they’re going to get. If my opponent is not prepared, it’s going to end soon.”
Matsumoto on hopes to get his father to one of his U.S. fights
Jean Matsumoto def. Brad Katona, UFC Fight Night 245 (via UFC)
“My dad is actually one of my coaches. He tried to get his visa for the fourth time, even with the letter from the UFC, but unfortunately he wasn’t able to make it. For me to be in the UFC is already one of his dreams come true. But for him to be here would be another dream coming true. It would be great. The first thing I do is actually call my dad and my mom. They’re so happy to see me win. He hasn’t done any (post-fight) coaching yet. I haven’t heard any bad things that I did today. But I’m sure he’s going to say something.”
Matsumoto on what he wants next
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – JUNE 08: Raul Rosas Jr. reacts after his victory against Ricky Turcios in a bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at KFC YUM! Center on June 08, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“I don’t choose opponents. I prepare myself all the time to actually face whoever it is that they put in front of me. Listen, I’ve asked for Raul Rosas Jr. a couple of times. They didn’t give it to me. But whoever they give me, it doesn’t matter: I’ll be prepared to take on the world.”
To hear more from Matsumoto, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 245.