Jean Matsumoto downplays the impact of his first loss and promises violence at UFC Vegas 109

Jean Matsumoto in victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Considered one of the greatest Brazilian prospects in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg), Jean Matsumoto prepares to return to the octagon after losing his unbeaten record in his last appearance. Despite being controversially defeated by Rob font, in a fight that took place at the last minute, the fighter expresses confidence in turning things around in a duel against Miles Johns, which takes place this Saturday (09) at UFC Vegas 109.

At 25 years old, the fighter spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about his next steps and downplayed any problems with having suffered his first defeat in his career.

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"The 'defeat,' I believe I won that fight, came at the right time. I immediately returned to training, I saw what I could improve and I'm doing very well. I had a perfect camp, I also worked hard on my mental health, so I believe that what's past is past, what I can control is today and now, and I'm preparing myself in the best way possible to bring victory on the 9th."

"Ever since I left the fight, I wanted to get back as soon as possible, especially considering the results. So, I immediately returned to training as I said, and then it was a matter of waiting for the UFC to call us, and everything went well. A good opponent, good time to prepare—that's the most important thing. I'm very happy with everything that's happening, and we're going for it."

Rob font (dir) in victory over Jean Matsumoto (left) in UFC Seattle. Photo: Reproduction/UFC News

Fight Offer

When defeated by Rob font Controversially, Jean was told by UFC officials that he would be rewarded in his next fight, with the opportunity to face a ranked fighter again. Despite the promise, the Brazilian never received an offer, but he welcomes the opportunity to face a UFC veteran.

"After I left the fight, we wanted someone ranked, but after a while, I talked to my team and we realized it was better. We didn't ask the UFC for anything; they just sent us this name, and we accepted it right away. He's a guy who's doing very well in the 61kg division. He lost his last fight, but it was at 66kg, at the last minute. So I think he's a good name to get back on the winning track and start my path to the belt again."

Miles Johns is the next opponent of Jean Matsumoto. (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

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Game changes

When asked if he saw any mistakes or changes that needed to be made to his strategies after losing his unbeaten record, Jean didn't hesitate to say that the plan would remain the same, despite being willing to 'exchange blows' if something deviates from the norm.

"It was a fight I took seven days in advance, so I was training for a completely different strategy than that one, but fighting is very unpredictable, it's not like other sports where you know something is going to happen. Any second can change the fight. So I don't think I would change anything. I did what I know how to do, what I felt there, and in the moment, everything changes very quickly, so there's no point in saying, 'Oh, I could have done this and that.' But I did correct some things in my game, not just for this fight, but for my entire career. I'll try to put it into practice this Saturday, and if it doesn't work out, it's just a matter of throwing punches, right? That's what I've been doing since I was a kid."

UFC Rio

Like many Brazilians, Matsumoto is also eyeing a potential spot in the Marvelous City on October 11th. According to the fighter, two months is a great amount of time to prepare for a fight.

"Absolutely. Two months (of preparation) is a very good amount of time for me. I always keep training, so it's more of a final weight adjustment, but two months and I'll fight anyone."

Jean Matsumoto won Brad Katona No. ufc vegas 99 / UFC Reproduction

Optimal outcome

Finally, the Brazilian guaranteed that knockout is his main focus for the confrontation that takes place this Saturday (09) at UFC Vegas 109.

“It’s going to be a knockout in the second or third round, he’s a guy who starts to lose and exposes himself a lot and I’m going to be ready to find that opening and knock him out,” he concluded.