Matthews competed for the first time in Cambodia, the bout part of a partnership forged by Melbourne-based promotion Rebellion, where Matthews has made the majority of his professional appearances.
Rebellion sent four fighters to Cambodia for the Ganzberg Kun Khmer Tour Concert event, with Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre fighter Matthews matched up with Chan Rothana at super lightweight (63.5kg).
The 38-year-old Rothana has crafted a successful mixed martial arts career, including over 90 Kun Khmer bouts and 11 appearances for televised MMA promotion ONE Championship.
Kun Khmer is a martial art similar to Muay Thai, Matthews’ trained discipline, originating in Cambodia.
Matthews, trainer Kiw Eikkasit, and brother and fellow fighter Daniel, made the international trip for the fight on June 8.
It was a unique environment for Matthews, a festival atmosphere created by the more than 1000 spectators taking advantage of free entry to the event.
Rothana didn’t make weight for the fight, coming in at over 64kg, while Matthews cruised through the weigh-in, entering at around 62.5kg.
Matthews elected to continue with the fight despite his opponent missing weight, and he was on top throughout much of the three three-minute rounds.
Matthews was aggressive moving forward and in the clinch, and fended off many of Rothana’s advances with his thrust kick.
Rothana dug into his MMA background for more unorthodox strikes, as he sought to turn the momentum, but Matthews responded well, scoring several knockdowns.
After the fight went the distance, Matthews was awarded the win by judges’ decision, the only one of the four Australian fighters to taste success on the show.
“I (felt on top), but because it was in Cambodia, I didn’t know if there was going to be a home crowd advantage, so I wasn’t 100 per cent certain until they announced my name,” he said.
Matthews credited his attacking pressure for earning him the advantage, something he identified as a focus upon his return to competition following a hiatus at the start of the year.
The big crowd and unique atmosphere made the trip a highlight of his career.
“It’s one I’ll remember for ever,” Matthews said.
“Being able to hear the crowd, and you could actually hear the commentators as well, whereas in Australia, the commentators are just for the TV viewing.”
The international win will be a notch in the belt for the Kyabram fighter, as he looks to secure further bouts back home.
A standing plan to drop down to lightweight (61kg) has been put on hold for at least another fight camp, as Matthews is slated for another contest at super lightweight.
“I made weight this time around super easy,” he said.
“The plan is to go down, but next I think I’ll be fighting on Muay Thai League in August.
“That's still going to be at 63.5 (kilos) just because there aren’t many nominations for 61 kilos yet.”
Muay Thai League’s August event, MTL 15, is set for August 9 at South Bank Piazza in Brisbane.
Matthews has not yet been officially announced for the card, with only one match, the main event, locked in at this stage.
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