MMA Preview – Philip Rowe vs Jake Matthews at UFC 302
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
PHILIP ROWE VS JAKE MATTHEWS FACTS
When is UFC 302? Sunday 1st June, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 302? Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 302? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 302
What channel is UFC 302 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 302? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
PHILIP ROWE VS JAKE MATTHEWS LOWDOWN
Philip Rowe (10-4) was eyeing up the welterweight rankings after knocking out Orion Cosce (2021), Jason Witt (2022) and then Niko Price (2022). He then met his dimensional match in Neil Magny (2023) who served up a valuable lesson and split decision win to drop his UFC record to 3-2.
Jake Matthews (19-7) is also coming off a loss in a tough match-up. He met the prospect Michael Morales (2023) at UFC Fight Night 232 and lost a unanimous decision. That came after a vintage submission over Darrius Flowers (2023) at UFC 292 and now sits on a (12-7) UFC record.
PHILIP ROWE VS JAKE MATTHEWS PREDICTION
Rowe will resume his usual reach advantage and will boast a significant seven and a half inches over Matthews. He has the skill and technique to win the exchanges and maintain the distance.
Matthews is the better wrestler and is brutishly strong. He can tie Rowe up and keep him pinned against the fence or on the canvas. However, he has fallen in love with his boxing and we expect him to have the ego and stand with Rowe.
For that reason, Rowe holds all of the value as the underdog. Matthews is a very underrated striker and if he can enforce his pressure and mix in his wrestling he can shut Rowe down like Magny did.
Matthews has the tools to win and the more he grapples, the easier it will look, but we would not be surprised if he decides to stand and gets outclassed.
Prediction: Matthews via Decision
Value Bet: Rowe to win
