The bantamweight division is where scrappy veterans clash with rising stars. This weekend at UFC Vegas 109, fans get exactly that kind of matchup when Miles Johns steps into the octagon against Jean Matsumoto. Both fighters are coming off losses, which makes this bout even more interesting.
Johns represents the old-school grind of American MMA. The 31 year-old from Kansas has been around the block and knows what it takes to survive in the UFC’s shark tank. Meanwhile, Matsumoto brings that Brazilian flair and technical excellence that has made his country a breeding ground for elite fighters. At just 25, the Sao Paulo native has most of his career ahead of him. This fight could define the next chapter for both men.
Miles Johns walks into this fight standing 5’7″ with a 68 inch reach. His stats tell the story of a measured striker who picks his shots. Johns lands 3.16 significant strikes per minute with 44% accuracy, while absorbing 2.65 strikes per minute. His takedown defense sits at a respectable 81%, though his own wrestling offense has been limited at just 0.92 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Jean Matsumoto matches Johns in height and reach but brings a more aggressive striking approach. He throws volume with 5.18 strikes per minute, though his accuracy drops to 41%. He also absorbs 5.40 strikes per minute. Matsumoto’s wrestling game looks more dangerous with 2.73 takedown attempts per fight and a solid 47% success rate. However, his takedown defense at 57% could be problematic against a wrestler like Johns.
The oddsmakers have spoken on this contest. According to Fanduel, Jean Matsumoto enters as a favorite at -280. Meanwhile Miles Johns sits as the underdog at +230. These odds suggest the bookmakers see this as Matsumoto’s fight to lose. The Brazilian’s youth, recent activity, and skill set apparently outweigh Johns’ experience in the eyes of oddsmakers.
The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is lower and the odds (+194) reflect that. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at -260.
This matchup comes down to whether Johns can implement his game plan or if Matsumoto’s well rounded skills prove too much. Johns needs to keep this fight standing and turn it into a wrestling match when things get dicey. His best path to victory involves using his defensive wrestling to stuff takedowns, then landing those clubbing hooks in the pocket. If he can make Matsumoto carry his weight and grind out a decision, the veteran has a real shot.
Matsumoto’s advantages are more varied and that’s probably why he’s favored. His striking volume could overwhelm Johns if the American can’t find his timing. More importantly, his takedown threat gives him multiple ways to win. Even if Johns defends most takedowns, it only takes one successful trip to the mat for Matsumoto to show off his ground skills. The Brazilian’s youth and activity level also suggest he might have better conditioning for a three-round war.
If we bet on the fight, we are going with Jean Matsumoto to win via unanimous decision.
(Image Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck – Imagn Images)
mma I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!
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