The countdown is on for UFC 312, marking the promotion’s seventh visit to Australia and its long-awaited return to Sydney since 2023. On February 8, the Qudos Bank Arena will set the stage for an explosive middleweight title clash as reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis defends his belt against former champion Sean Strickland, who is determined to reclaim his throne. Beyond the highly anticipated main event, the UFC 312 main card boasts four more thrilling matchups.

One fight drawing significant attention is the welterweight showdown between battle-tested veteran Jake Matthews and rising prospect Francisco Prado. This clash presents an exciting contrast—an experienced fighter with over a decade in the sport taking on a hungry newcomer eager to make his mark. As these two fighters prepare to lock horns, the question remains: Who will emerge victorious? We’ve broken down the matchup and analyzed what to expect in this intriguing welterweight battle. Let’s dive in!

Jake Matthews vs. Francisco Prado record & stats comparison

At 30 years old, Jake Matthews has officially completed a decade in the UFC, a journey that began back in 2014 when, at just 19, he made his debut with a victory. Despite facing ups and downs throughout his career, ‘The Celtic Kid’ has managed to sustain his momentum and remain a staple in the promotion. Reflecting on his decade-long journey, he shared, “But you have to understand, I came in here at 19. I had to learn on the job. So I actually think I’ve done pretty well to stay here for almost a decade.”

In 2023, the Aussie secured a crucial victory at UFC 302 against Phil Rowe, bringing his overall MMA record to 20-7, with 13 of those wins coming in his 20 UFC appearances. Now, as he prepares for his 21st outing inside the Octagon, he looks to extend his winning streak and, more importantly, break into the top 15 rankings—something that has eluded him despite his decade-long tenure in the promotion.

Last year, Matthews also revealed that he had been in discussions about training with MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, stating, “I chat with Sonny Bill Williams sometimes. We’re in talks with some of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s crew about potentially training with him.” However, whether that training partnership ever materialized remains unclear.

On the other side of the cage stands 22-year-old Argentine prospect Francisco Prado (12-2-0). After making waves on the regional circuit, Prado entered the UFC undefeated at 155lbs, making his debut at UFC 284 on the undercard of Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 1. However, he fell short in his debut but managed to bounce back in his second outing with a win over Ottman Azaitar. His momentum was short-lived, as he suffered another setback in his next fight against Daniel Zellhuber. Will his luck change in the 170lbs division?

Matthews vs. Prado UFC 312 prediction

Despite being just 30 years old, Jake Matthews finds himself dismissed by Argentine prospect Francisco Prado, who believes the veteran’s prime years are behind him. The 22-year-old welterweight didn’t hold back this week, claiming ‘The Celtic Kid’s’ “best days are over.” Yet, despite Prado’s bold assertion, Matthews remains the favorite heading into UFC 312.

His decade-long tenure in the UFC, filled with highs and lows, makes him one of the most experienced fighters in the promotion—something even Prado has acknowledged. Physically, the Aussie holds a slight advantage, standing an inch taller (5”11) and with a reach of 73 inches (an advantage of 3.7 inches) over his opponent.

Meanwhile, the Argentina native is making the jump to welterweight after competing in the lightweight division for his last three fights. This transition, paired with his recent loss and limited experience against a seasoned veteran like Matthews, makes his path to victory a steep one. With all these factors in play, UFC 312’s welterweight showdown between Jake Matthews and Prado is shaping up to be a major test for the young contender.

Can Prado rise to the occasion and shock the MMA world, or will ‘The Celtic Kid’s’ experience prove too much to handle? Share your predictions below!