Jake Matthews Outworks Eye-Gouging Li Jingliang

Jake Matthews was simply more consistent and aggressive than Li Jingliang.

Welterweights took the second main card spot at UFC 221. Jingliang and Matthews traded leather inside Perth Arena in Perth, Australia. Matthews had the hometown crowd on his side.

Matthews landed the first clean shot with a right hand. He dropped his opponent with a right hand over the top, but Jingliang recovered quickly. Once again, Jinliang was knocked down. This time, Matthews secured mount. He rained down some strikes and took the back. Jingliang survived the round.

Early in the second round, Matthews stunned his opponent. He locked in the guillotine. Jingliang got out and went for broke. A hard right hand landed for Matthews followed by a left. Matthews had blood on his face from the punches he took off his back. Jingliang fired off shots, showing he still had some life. They traded shots and Matthews dared his opponent to continue. The round ended and the crowd showed their appreciation.

Replays showed Jingliang gouging the eyes of Matthews in the second round to get out of the choke. The referee was completely oblivious to it despite staring at both men.

Jingliang tried pushing Matthews against the fence, but couldn’t get any control. Matthews swung away lefts and rights. A right hand crumbled Jingliang, who was able to recover and gain control. Matthews got up and went for a takedown. They separated and met at the center of the Octagon. Another clean shot found the mark for Matthews. He landed a flying knee. Matthews scored a takedown near the end of the fight.

Final Result: Jake Matthews def. Li Jingliang via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 30-26)