UFC Fight Night 101’s co-main event saw lightweight prospects Andrew Holbrook (12-1) and Jake Matthews (10-3) meet in the center of the Octagon. Holbrook was looking to play spoiler in Melbourne as his opponent’s home is Australia.
Holbrook walked out of Melbourne with a razor-thin decision victory.
A body kick landed for Holbrook. An inside leg kick had Holbrook hobbling momentarily. Holbrook escaped a bad position and pushed his opponent against the fence. He targeted the body with knees. They separated and “The Celtic Kid” landed a left hook. Another leg kick for Matthews landed and Holbrook shot in. Matthews was taken to the ground. As he tried getting up, he ate some elbows. Holbrook got the back of Matthews and landed some punches to end the first round.
Commentator Dan Hardy noted that during the commercial break, Matthews told his father that he had some swelling on his foot. Holbrook was in control of “The Celtic Kid” against the fence. They broke apart and Matthews landed a straight right hand. He took down Holbrook, who went for a heel hook. Matthews avoided danger and took his opponent back down. Holbrook went for a kimura off his back. He ditched the arm and went for the foot again before the round ended.
Holbrook dared Matthews to fight with him toe-to-toe. Matthews later answered with a kick and a hard right hand. A cut appeared above the eye of Holbrook. A straight right connected for “The Celtic Kid.” Holbrook once again went for the foot of his opponent. Matthews avoided the attempt and got to full guard. He dropped a right hand and the round ended with Matthews in control.
Two of the three judges gave the fight to Holbrook and as a result, he was awarded the fight.
Final Result: Andrew Holbrook def. Jake Matthews via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
