Dashon Johnson vs. Jake Matthews added to UFC card in New Zealand

A pair of UFC newcomers will collide during the UFC’s first trip to New Zealand.

Undefeated lightweights Dashon Johnson and Jake Matthews have agreed to fight at UFC Fight Night 43 in Auckland, New Zealand, on June 28, sources close to the situation told MMAFighting.com on Tuesday.

Johnson (9-0) was scheduled to make his RFA debut against James Moontasri on June 6, but leaves the promotion to sign with the UFC. “Fly Boy” built his perfect MMA record under the Xplode Fight Series banner with eight finishes.

Matthews (4-0) makes his first appearance inside the Octagon after competing at The Ultimate Fighter: Nations, where he lost to Oliver Aubin-Mercier in the elimination round. Prior to his run at the reality show, Matthews scored three stoppage victories in four MMA bouts.

UFN 43, which takes place at the Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, will be headlined by a middleweight bout featuring Nate Marquardt and James Te Huna.

A pair of UFC newcomers will collide during the UFC’s first trip to New Zealand.

Undefeated lightweights Dashon Johnson and Jake Matthews have agreed to fight at UFC Fight Night 43 in Auckland, New Zealand, on June 28, sources close to the situation told MMAFighting.com on Tuesday.

Johnson (9-0) was scheduled to make his RFA debut against James Moontasri on June 6, but leaves the promotion to sign with the UFC. “Fly Boy” built his perfect MMA record under the Xplode Fight Series banner with eight finishes.

Matthews (4-0) makes his first appearance inside the Octagon after competing at The Ultimate Fighter: Nations, where he lost to Oliver Aubin-Mercier in the elimination round. Prior to his run at the reality show, Matthews scored three stoppage victories in four MMA bouts.

UFN 43, which takes place at the Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, will be headlined by a middleweight bout featuring Nate Marquardt and James Te Huna.