- George Chung
- Oct 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Brad Katona is set to step back into the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira, facing off against undefeated bantamweight prospect Jean Matsumoto. The event, taking place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on October 19, 2024, will mark Katona’s third appearance in the UFC this year, and fans are eager to see if the seasoned fighter can halt Matsumoto’s unstoppable rise.
Katona, a two-time winner of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality series, has had a storied journey in the UFC. After capturing his second TUF title in August 2023 by defeating Cody Gibson at UFC 292, Katona became the first fighter in UFC history to claim the TUF crown twice. The Canadian bantamweight’s reputation as a gritty competitor with a high fight IQ has made him a fan favorite, but 2024 has been a year of challenges and redemption for the 32-year-old.
In January, Katona suffered his first loss in three years, falling to Garrett Armfield via decision. Despite this setback, he bounced back in June with a dominant performance against Jesse Butler, where he showcased his grappling superiority and striking precision, earning a much-needed win. While satisfied with the victory, Katona admits there were moments in the fight where he could have performed better. Reflecting on the bout, he stated, "I was happy I got the win, but I know I’m capable of more, and that’s on me."
In preparation for his upcoming fight, Katona has spent significant time recovering at the UFC Performance Institute, focusing on strength and conditioning to prevent recurring injuries. His renewed sense of health and determination has fueled his desire to stay active, as he takes on his third fight in just nine months.
The Challenge Ahead: Jean Matsumoto
Standing in Katona’s way is Jean Matsumoto, a rising star in the bantamweight division. The 15-0 Brazilian prospect earned his UFC contract in 2023 through Dana White’s Contender Series and made a statement in his UFC debut, submitting Dan Argueta in April. Matsumoto’s undefeated record presents a daunting challenge, but Katona is no stranger to facing unbeaten fighters. During his first stint on TUF, Katona competed against a lineup of undefeated athletes and emerged victorious, which gives him confidence heading into Saturday’s clash.
“He’s a good fighter, but name me a UFC bantamweight that’s not a good fighter,” Katona remarked. “It’s a stacked division. He’s 15-0, but I’ve beaten better fighters. He’s an up-and-coming prospect, and we don’t really know how good he is yet.”
Katona acknowledges Matsumoto’s talent but believes his own experience and well-rounded skill set will be the key to victory. The Canadian’s ability to mix striking with grappling, along with his veteran presence inside the Octagon, makes him a tough matchup for any fighter, especially one as untested as Matsumoto.
Where Katona Stands in the UFC Bantamweight Division
The UFC’s bantamweight division is one of the most competitive and talent-rich weight classes in the promotion. With elite fighters like Sean O’Malley, Aljamain Sterling, and Petr Yan occupying the top ranks, it’s a division where every fight is crucial for moving up the ladder. Katona currently sits just outside the top 15, but a win against a highly-touted prospect like Matsumoto could propel him back into the conversation for bigger fights in 2025.
Despite the ups and downs in his UFC career, Katona’s dedication to improvement and willingness to take on all challengers has kept him relevant in this brutal division. His goal for Saturday is simple: perform at his best and secure a victory that will reestablish him as a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division.
What to Expect in the Fight
Katona plans to rely on the skills and strategies he’s honed throughout his career while embracing a more liberated mindset inside the Octagon. "I just want to be free out there," he explained, reflecting on his recent training camp. "A big motto has been ‘eff it.’ I’ve realized fighting’s not a big deal. It’s just pain. Just go out there, be free, and let it fly."
Fans can expect a thrilling contest between the experienced Katona and the rising star Matsumoto. Katona’s ability to control the pace of the fight, utilize his grappling, and mix in sharp striking will be key to nullifying Matsumoto’s aggression and submission threats. On the other hand, Matsumoto will be looking to maintain his perfect record by keeping the fight standing and capitalizing on any mistakes Katona makes.
As always, the UFC Apex provides the perfect stage for these two warriors to settle the score, with the prelims starting at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN+.
