The gala of the night in Australia may be the biggest ever in the history of the UFC as the organization hopes that the audience figure exceeds the record of 56 214. Even that time - UFC 193 between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm - the gala was held at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Rostem Akman walked three rounds in welterweight (77 kilos) last night against home son Jake Matthews, who is from Melbourne.
The 25-year-old Matthews, who despite his small age made his twelfth UFC match, patiently controlled the match from start to finish. Akman made the most of boxing, but Matthews read his opponent well and moved well.
"The Step Before Akman"Although Akman pushed forward, the Australian was more efficient in the cage.
- Matthews doesn't seem very worried about what Akman has to come up with. He is one step ahead of all the time. Akman is trying, but has not figured out how to get his offensive going, said UFC expert commentator Daniel Cormier at the end of the third round.
- Akman must realize that he is lagging and turning up the pace. Things don't go his way here, Cormier continued.
The Swede shook his head even before the verdict was called out. The three judges agreed and gave all rounds to Matthews who won with 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.
For Akman, who twice won the European Championship as an amateur, it was his second loss in a total of eight professional matches. He entered the UFC last summer with a 6-0 matchup after going all his matches on minor crowds in Sweden.