- George Chung
- Mar 30, 2024
- 2 min read
As he gears up for his UFC debut at Fight Night: Blanchfield vs Fiorot, Connor Matthews of the New England Cartel is taking a straightforward five-hour journey from New England to Atlantic City, marking a pivotal moment in his fighting career.
Contrary to the ease of his physical journey, Matthews’ path to the UFC has been anything but direct. Enduring a defeat on Dana White’s Contender Series, securing a victory on Dana White’s Looking For A Fight, and clinching another win on the Contender Series were necessary steps to finally earn his place in the UFC.
Now stepping into the octagon as a 31-year-old featherweight, Matthews is determined to leave a lasting impact. “I’m aiming for a dominant performance that will solidify my place in the UFC,” Matthews shared with UFC.com. His record stands at 7-1, reflecting his relative newness to professional fighting, yet his time at the New England Cartel, training alongside Rob Font and Calvin Kattar under Tyson Chartier, has prepared him well beyond his official record.
Matthews’ first UFC challenge is Dennis Buzukja, a fellow Contender Series graduate with a 0-2 UFC record, yet a formidable opponent. Matthews views this matchup as an opportunity to showcase his versatility and affirm his capabilities in the featherweight division.
Priding himself on being a versatile fighter, Matthews has honed his skills across wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, boxing, and kickboxing. “I’ve dedicated different periods of my life to mastering all aspects of fighting,” he explains, promising unpredictability and excitement in his fighting style.
Matthews credits his growth and resilience to the mentorship and training environment at the New England Cartel. Reflecting on his evolution since his first appearance on the Contender Series, he acknowledges the significant impact his team has had on his development. “I owe my UFC readiness to the Cartel,” he asserts, highlighting his transformation into a significantly more skilled fighter.
Excited to make his debut in front of a live audience in Atlantic City, Matthews is eager to fulfill a lifelong dream and demonstrate his engaging fighting style on a large stage. With ambitions of remaining undefeated in the UFC, Matthews is focused on delivering an impressive performance to kickstart his journey in the promotion.
