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Both fighters are orthodox fighters, and they start off trading straights and jabs while circling the ring, feeling each other out.

Tokov amps up the pressure, drives Matthews to the ropes with jabs and straights. Matthews manages to escape and back in the middle of the ring, throws a low right roundhouse that Tokov checks. They exchange jabs before Tokov moves right and catches Matthews with a right straight that knocks him down. Tokov quickly reacts, pounding his opponent until the referee stops the fight.

Tell us your thoughts on how the fight went.
I am so happy to have won the fight. This was my first fight abroad and it really means a lot to me.

Did you want the fight to last longer?
No, not at all. I want to finish my opponent off early. If I don’t, who knows what might happen.

What was it like training under Fedor?
When I went to training camp with him, I realized exactly how things should be done. He was a great example to all of us.

You had a burning desire to fight on this stage for Rizin, how did you feel when you got in the ring?
I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity. It’s a shame about the result, but it’s still a dream come true. I definitely want to come back and fight for Rizin again.

You knew coming into the fight that it would be a hard one, but why did you want to fight this fight so badly?
I knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I knew I could deliver an exciting fight. I am glad I was able to fight such a good fighter. I always want to fight the best guys around, so I am very happy I had this chance to do so.

You would like a rematch with Tokov?
I’m not the kind of guy who worries about rematches. I lost this match, and I will now move on and look to my next fight. If we happen to meet again in another tournament, there is a chance we may fight again.