‘A Pleasant Surprise’ for Matheus Mattos

Stars have begun to align for Matheus Mattos in the Professional Fighters League.

The 32-year-old Brazilian square off with Jake Hadley when they meet in a bantamweight quarterfinal as part of the PFL 2025 World Tournament First Round 2 undercard on Friday at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Mattos spent the last four years on the Bellator MMA roster and compiled a 2-2 record with the organization. He has not seen action since he dropped a unanimous decision to Kasum Kasumov at Bellator Champions Series 3 on June 22.

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, April 11 at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2..

“Kasum was better than me on that day,” Mattos told Sherdog.com. “About three months before that fight, I came down with a serious viral infection. I was medicated but didn’t fully recover. I had been coughing for months. A month before the fight, I got back on medication. The medication sapped my stamina and strength. I was more tired than usual during training, and the weight cut made it worse. I didn’t have a healthy training camp like I’d wanted to. I feel it negatively affected my performance.

“In the end, I take no credit away from Kasumov,” he added. “He followed his strategy well and was able to take me down and control me. He deserved his win.”

Mattos was not originally scheduled to be in the eight-man field at 135 pounds, but a series of fortunate events—mostly visa issues with other competitors—forced the PFL’s hand. Though it complicated matters in terms of preparation, he stayed true to his approach in training.

“My opponent changed several times,” Mattos said. “We were going to be the backup for the tournament. Then that got switched. Then it changed again. Now, I’m in the tournament. It was a crazy back and forth. We didn’t completely change my strategy with each opponent change. We simply fine-tuned things with their strengths in mind.

“We worked on techniques early on,” he added. “Towards the end of camp, we concentrated on combat—timing, attacks and counters. We had a complete training camp. The opponent changes actually helped me train in every area. I’m very happy that after so much shuffling, I find myself in the tournament as I had hoped. I’m ready and confident.”

Hadley figures to test Mattos right out of the gate. The former Cage Warriors Fighting Championship titleholder and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran has secured eight of his 11 career victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission. A 61-second stoppage of Malcolm Gordon at UFC 286 highlights Hadley’s resume.

“He’s a complete fighter,” Mattos said. “He strikes, he has good submissions and he has a good guard.”

Mattos plans to capitalize on the opportunity that has been placed in front of him.

“I’m happy and ready to put on a show,” he said. “I’m always looking for a knockout. My hope is to be champion and earn the $500,000 prize. I gave up a lot in my life to get this far, but I’m also someone who enjoys surprises; and being on this tournament was indeed a pleasant surprise.”