Jake Matthews hates decision wins like UFC 302, but wants a test vs. Neil Magny

Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Phil Rowe (red gloves) fights Jake Matthews (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

“Obviously, I needed to adapt a little bit from the first round, which we did. We adapted and came away with a win. I think the main thing I showed is that no matter if it’s the tallest guy in the division, like Phil, or the shortest guy, like Darrius Flowers, after the first round, I’ll adapt and I’ll win.

“I hate winning by decision. It’s good. At the day, you’ve got a family – you’ve got to put food on the table, and it’s still a win on the board. But to me, this is war. I’ve completely changed my mindset to this being a sport. We’re martial artists. Martial arts is a religion. What we do is war. It’s battle. You’re winning by points, it means nothing to me. Realistically, if we’re out in the real world, if I put a choke on, I’m not letting go until there’s no life left in you. If I knock you out, same deal. So winning by decision, it’s not the best. But again, we adapted, we pushed through, we came out with a win.”