UFC 312’s Francisco Prado: I’ll show Jake Matthews’ ‘best days are behind him’

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 15: (L-R) Francisco Prado of Argentina punches Ottman Azaitar of Morocco in their lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night at UFC APEX on July 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Ten years ago, Jake Matthews was in his early 20s and considered one of the best prospects in the UFC. Well, Francisco Prado believes that label belongs to him now, and wants to show that he’s the future and Matthews a thing of the past.

The 22-year-old welterweight Argentine brawler takes on Matthews (20-7 MMA, 13-7 UFC) in the opening bout of the pay-per-view main card of UFC 312 (pay-per-view, ESPN2/Disney+, ESPN+), which takes place Saturday at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. Prado (12-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) is eager for this opportunity and plans to make the most of it.

“He’s a fighter that’s been in the UFC for a long time, and maintaining yourself at that level is not easy, so you have to respect,” Prado told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. “I respect him a ton. I think he’s a very complete fighter with a good base in striking. I think this fight is going to be enjoyed by a lot of fans. I like moving forward.

“And like I’m telling you, I don’t think he’s in his prime and his best days are behind him. I’m going to show that. You guys will see on Saturday.”

Prado is three fights into his UFC career, and he’s already won two $50,000 Fight Night bonuses. His first was a Performance of the Night bonus for his KO of Ottman Azaitar and his second was a Fight of the Night award in his losing effort against Daniel Zellhuber.

The American Top Team product is aiming for the finish, but if the fight ends up in Fight of the Night, he welcomes that, too.

“The bonuses have come due to my style and for wanting to get into fights,” Prado said. “I didn’t come here to be all studios and thoughtful when it comes to competing. I like going forward, and finishing my fights. All my victories have come by finish. On this case, I’m here to get a Performance of the Night bonus, but if Jake is up to the level, then maybe we’ll take Fight of the Night.”