LAS VEGAS – On Tuesday night at the UFC Apex, Jean Matsumoto saw his childhood dream come to life.
Undefeated lightweight sensation Matsumoto (14-0) stepped inside the octagon for the opening bout of Dana White’s Contender Series 62, where he squared off against Kasey Tanner. After a thrilling 15-minute showdown, UFC CEO Dana White stepped into the cage to congratulate both fighters – a rare occurrence in the show’s history.
Matsumoto secured victory through a unanimous decision, and the ecstatic reaction from White left no doubt about his UFC future. Matsumoto’s dream, nurtured since his early years, officially came to fruition four fights later when he earned his spot as a UFC fighter.
“I started training at six years old, and I decided to move on to MMA at eight years old,” Matsumoto said at a post-fight news conference. “Ever since that happened, I set my goals and said that I was going to be in the UFC. Obviously, being so young and having all that experience is very important. I feel ready to be in the UFC.”
At the age of 24, the Brazilian fighter is primed for action and seems enthusiastic about impressing the UFC leadership. Should his next request be granted, he’s keen on having his third fight of the year scheduled for an upcoming event rumored to be happening in Florida.
“I came here to work. Whatever Dana says, I’m ready to go,” Matsumoto said. “I want to be the employee of the month, and whatever they say, I’ll be ready to fight. It’s what I love. I train all the time. If I could, I’d train 24 hours a day, I’d never stop. I heard there’s a card in Orlando at the end of the year, and I would love to see Disney.”
