Matthews closed the distance effectively, landing clean shots while avoiding Harris’ counters. Harris began targeting the legs with kicks, but Matthews answered with a strong flurry of his own. Sensing Harris was leaving openings up top, Matthews started throwing with noticeably more power.
The two briefly clashed heads in the center of the cage before clinching along the fence and quickly returning to striking exchanges. Both fighters landed heavy shots, though Matthews appeared to be controlling the pace throughout the exchanges.
Harris attempted a takedown, but Matthews easily shut it down. Matthews’ striking remained sharp as he continued landing clean combinations near the fence, while Harris appeared to be searching for answers against the Australian’s relentless pressure.
Matthews consistently landed and exited range effectively, while Harris continued throwing but lacked the same speed and output. For nearly every shot Harris connected with, Matthews answered with multiple strikes of his own.
The round ended with Matthews pouring on another flurry of powerful shots.
Round 2 – Harris shot in for an immediate takedown, but Matthews easily stuffed the attempt and quickly took top position. Matthews advanced to full mount, briefly threatened with a mounted triangle, and then transitioned smoothly back to side control.
Matthews looked significantly faster throughout the grappling exchanges, taking advantage of Harris stepping into the fight on short notice.
Harris attempted to lock in a guillotine choke, but Matthews never appeared to be in serious danger. He calmly worked his head free and settled back into half guard before advancing to mount once again. Matthews then secured an arm triangle attempt, though Harris still had enough space to defend and continue breathing comfortably.
Later in the round, Matthews locked up a kimura and cranked hard on the submission. Harris managed to survive by scrambling into top position while trapped in the hold, allowing him to escape and make it to the end of the round.
Round 3 – Knowing he was likely down on the scorecards, Harris came out aggressively to start the round. Matthews answered with a massive shot that dropped Harris before immediately taking top position. Matthews advanced to mount, took the back, and began hunting for the choke.
The two engaged in a prolonged hand-fighting battle as Matthews searched for a rear-naked choke. Harris defended desperately, forcing Matthews to transition back into top position and settle into half guard.
Matthews continued pouring on damage with elbows and punches from the top. He later dropped back for an arm triangle attempt from mount, but Harris once again managed to defend the submission.
The round ended with Matthews landing heavy ground-and-pound from dominant position.
Official Result: Jake Matthews def. Carlston Harris via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-27, 30-27)