UFC on ESPN 72: Dolidze vs. Hernandez, scheduled for August 9, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features a bantamweight clash between disciplined striker Miles “Chapo” Johns and submission specialist Jean Matsumoto. Both fighters are looking to bounce back from recent setbacks in a matchup that pits defensive wrestling against high-paced grappling offense.
Miles Johns
Miles Johns (15–3, 1 NC) is a compact, technically sound striker fighting out of Marathon MMA. Known for his measured pace, tight boxing guard, and counter-punching ability, Johns excels at controlling range and dictating the tempo. His defensive wrestling has been one of his biggest strengths, often forcing opponents to engage in striking battles where he thrives.
Johns is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Felipe Lima earlier this year, where his patient approach was outworked by volume and movement. However, prior wins over Douglas Silva de Andrade and Cody Gibson showcased his ability to neutralize aggressive opponents and land sharp, clean counters. While Johns rarely overextends himself, his low-output style can allow opponents to steal rounds if he doesn’t stay active.
Miles Johns – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Felipe Lima – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN 64, February 15, 2025
2. Win vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, August 12, 2024
3. Win vs. Cody Gibson – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN 53, March 23, 2024
4. Win vs. Vince Morales – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, November 19, 2022
5. NC vs. John Castaneda – NC (Overturned) – UFC FN, February 5, 2022
For Johns, the key to victory will be maintaining distance, keeping the fight standing, and using his jab and counter right hand to disrupt Matsumoto’s forward pressure.
Jean Matsumoto
Jean Matsumoto (16–1) is a 25-year-old Brazilian prospect out of Inside MMA with a dangerous and dynamic grappling arsenal. He thrives in high-paced scrambles, frequently chaining takedown attempts into submission setups, particularly guillotines and anaconda chokes. While striking is not his primary weapon, Matsumoto is willing to throw volume-heavy combinations to force opponents backward and open up grappling entries.
His lone professional loss came by split decision to Rob Font, where he showcased grit and offensive output but struggled to consistently control the action. Matsumoto’s UFC wins over Brad Katona and Dan Argueta highlight his ability to break opponents down with pressure, transitions, and opportunistic submissions.
Jean Matsumoto – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Brad Katona – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, March 29, 2025
2. Win vs. Dan Argueta – Submission (Guillotine Choke) – UFC 297, January 20, 2024
3. Loss vs. Rob Font – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN 50, August 5, 2023
4. Win vs. Kasey Tanner – Decision (Unanimous) – LFA 146, November 18, 2022
5. Win vs. Paulo Roberto – Submission (RNC) – LFA 140, August 26, 2022
Matsumoto’s best chance to win is to push a relentless pace, mix strikes with takedown attempts, and create scrambling sequences where he can hunt for chokes.
This is a classic striker vs. grappler battle. Johns has the cleaner boxing, sharper timing, and proven ability to stuff takedowns, while Matsumoto offers the higher work rate, better submission game, and more chaotic offense. If Johns can keep the fight in open space and avoid prolonged clinches or mat exchanges, he should be able to outpoint Matsumoto over three rounds. If Matsumoto forces scrambles and keeps Johns defending, his submission threats could be the difference.
Prediction
Expect Johns to start cautiously, using his jab to measure distance while defending early takedown attempts. Matsumoto will likely have moments in scrambles, but Johns’ takedown defense and counter striking should allow him to edge the majority of exchanges.
Prediction:
Miles Johns def. Jean Matsumoto via Decision (Unanimous)
A win here would keep Johns in the conversation for ranked bantamweight matchups, while Matsumoto would need to regroup and refine his striking approach if he falls short.