Jake Matthews prepares for UFC 291 as he enters his prime and embraces Islam

In a remarkable journey that spans almost a decade in the UFC, Australian fighter Jake Matthews finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. Despite being just 28 years old, he considers himself an “old man in MMA years” due to his extensive experience in the promotion. As he gears up for his 18th fight against Darrius Flowers at UFC 291: Poirier vs Gaethje 2, Matthews reflects on his growth as a fighter and his desire to reach the welterweight rankings.

Matthews has been a prominent figure in Australian MMA, having participated in 16 of his 24 professional fights on home turf. However, he has grown beyond relying solely on Australian cards and now enjoys fighting overseas. After a disappointing loss to Matthew Semelsberger in his last bout, Matthews took stock with his team to reevaluate his training approach. They emphasized fitness, especially crucial for his upcoming fight in Utah at high elevation.

Originally set to face Miguel Baeza, Matthews had to adapt when Baeza withdrew due to injury. Now facing Darrius Flowers, a Contender Series alumnus making his UFC debut, Matthews acknowledges his opponent’s power and versatility but remains confident in his preparation and experience advantage.

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Looking ahead, Matthews aims to overcome mental obstacles that have prevented him from breaking into the division’s top 10. Despite putting together impressive win streaks, he has stumbled in fights that could have propelled him higher in the rankings. Now, he plans to partner with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s renowned team in Dagestan after his current fight, seeking to tap into their expertise and strong mindset to propel his career further.

Beyond his fighting ambitions, Matthews made headlines when he publicly revealed his conversion to Islam earlier this year. The decision came after years of living a Muslim lifestyle, influenced by his many Muslim friends. Matthews finds that embracing Islam has added depth to his family life and provided him with a renewed determination in his fighting career.

As he steps into the Octagon for UFC 291, Matthews feels the maturity and strength of his late 20s, seeing this phase as a new beginning in his career. He plans to showcase the lessons learned from previous fights and prove that he belongs among the top fighters in the division. Matthews’ journey as a fighter and his spiritual growth have garnered overwhelming support from the Muslim community, connecting him with notable figures like Sonny Bill Williams and potentially opening doors to train with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s crew.

With his sights set on victory in Utah, Jake Matthews is eager to demonstrate his evolution as a fighter, both in skill and character, and make a strong statement at UFC 291. Jake Matthews is currently paying $1.38 in his matchup with Darrius Flowers with the top UFC betting sites.

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