Jean Matsumoto’s UFC Win Helps Reunite His Family
Jean Matsumoto’s October 19, 2024 win over Brad Katona moved his professional record to 16-0. After the fight, he said his father and coach had missed his fourth consecutive bout because a visa application was denied. That was the family story behind the celebration. [1] [2]
What Happened at the 2024 Fight
Matsumoto defeated the two-time Ultimate Fighter winner by unanimous decision in Las Vegas. His father, one of his coaches, was not in the corner. Matsumoto said his father had tried for a visa for the fourth time, even with a support letter from the promotion, but could not attend. [2]
A Family Reunion in 2026
The separation later changed. In June 2026, Matsumoto’s father attended his bout in Baku for the first time since Matsumoto joined the promotion. His father is also one of his coaches. Matsumoto marked the occasion by defeating Bekzat Almakhan by unanimous decision. [3] [4]
His Record Since the Unbeaten Start
The 16-0 figure describes Matsumoto in October 2024; it is no longer current. His official record lists a split-decision loss to Rob Font in February 2025, a split-decision win over Miles Johns that August, a split-decision loss to Farid Basharat in February 2026, and a unanimous-decision win over Almakhan in June 2026. [5]
Matsumoto’s story now has a clear he continued his career through wins and losses, and his father was finally able to corner him in person. The family account is one part of a broader MMA story about the support behind professional fighters.
Sources
- Official scorecards for the Katona fight
- ge: Matsumoto’s 2024 win and his father’s visa denial
- Ag Fight: his father’s first appearance in his corner
- Official results from the Baku event
- Official fighter record
