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  <TITLE>Form S-8</TITLE>
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   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June&nbsp;11, 2015. </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></P>
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  <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
  <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>FORM <FONT
  STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>UNDER </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>THE
  SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 </I></B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:24pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Matador Resources Company </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
  <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Texas</B></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>27-4662601</B></TD></TR>
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  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(State or other jurisdiction of</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>incorporation or organization)</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(I.R.S. Employer</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Identification Number)</B></P></TD></TR>
  </TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500 </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Dallas, Texas 75240 </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) </B></P>
  <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Matador Resources Company Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Full title of the plan) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
  <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Joseph Wm.
  Foran </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Matador Resources Company </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500 </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Dallas, Texas 75240 </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Name
  and address of agent for service) </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(972) 371-5200 </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) </B></P>
  <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>Copies to: </I></B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">
  
  
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  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Craig N. Adams</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Executive Vice President - Land &amp; Legal</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Matador Resources Company</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Dallas, Texas 75240</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(972)&nbsp;371-5200</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Douglass M. Rayburn</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Baker Botts L.L.P.</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>2001
  Ross Avenue</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Dallas, Texas 75201</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(214)&nbsp;953-6500</B></P></TD></TR>
  </TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;page-break-before:always"></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE </B></P>
  <P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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  <TD COLSPAN="9" VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Title of securities</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>to be registered</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Amount</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>to be</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>registered(1)</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Proposed</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>maximum</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>offering
  price</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>per share(3)</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Proposed</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>maximum</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>aggregate</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>offering price</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><B>Amount of<BR>registration fee</B></TD></TR>
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  <TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">4,700,000&nbsp;shares&nbsp;(2)</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">$28.04</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">$131,788,000</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000">$15,313.77</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
  <TD COLSPAN="9" VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1px; ">
  <TD COLSPAN="9" VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1.00px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
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  <TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;), additional shares of common stock that may be issuable upon any stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction with
  respect to these shares of common stock are also being registered hereunder. </TD></TR></TABLE>
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  <TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(2)</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Represents shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Matador Resources Company Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan. </TD></TR></TABLE>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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  <TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(3)</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) and (h)&nbsp;under the Securities Act based on the average of the high and low sale prices of the shares of common
  stock as reported on The New York Stock Exchange on June&nbsp;8, 2015. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
  
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   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>EXPLANATORY NOTE </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This Registration Statement is being filed in accordance with General Instruction E to Form S-8 solely to register the issuance of an
  aggregate of up to 4,700,000 additional shares of common stock (&#147;Common Stock&#148;) of Matador Resources Company (the &#147;Registrant&#148;), all of which were authorized pursuant to an amendment and restatement of the Matador Resources
  Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan approved by the Board of Directors of the Registrant on April&nbsp;23, 2015 and the Registrant&#146;s shareholders on June&nbsp;10, 2015 (as amended to date, the &#147;Plan&#148;). The Registrant previously
  filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;) on April&nbsp;10, 2012 (File No.&nbsp;333-180641) covering 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan
  (the &#147;Prior Registration Statement&#148;). Except as supplemented by the information set forth herein, the content of the Prior Registration Statement is incorporated herein by reference. </P>
  
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   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>PART II </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference. </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The following documents previously filed with the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
  &#147;Exchange Act&#148;) (excluding information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K) are incorporated herein by reference: </P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(1) the Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2014, filed on March&nbsp;2, 2015; </P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(2) the Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2015, filed on May&nbsp;11, 2015; </P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(3) the Registrant&#146;s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January&nbsp;20, 2015,&nbsp;March&nbsp;2, 2015,&nbsp;April&nbsp;2,
  2015,&nbsp;April&nbsp;14, 2015,&nbsp;April&nbsp;15, 2015,&nbsp;April&nbsp;20, 2015,&nbsp;April&nbsp;30, 2015,&nbsp;May&nbsp;22, 2015 and June&nbsp;11, 2015, respectively; and </P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(4) the description of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock contained in the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File
  No.&nbsp;001-35410) filed with the Commission on January&nbsp;27, 2012, pursuant to Section&nbsp;12(b) of the Exchange Act, including any subsequently filed amendments or reports updating such description. </P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act
  (excluding information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all
  securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and made a part hereof from their respective dates of filing (such documents, and the document enumerated above, being hereinafter
  referred to as &#147;Incorporated Documents&#148;). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any statement contained in this Registration Statement, in an amendment hereto or in
  an Incorporated Document shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed amendment to this Registration Statement or in any
  subsequently Incorporated Document modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. </P>
   <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">II-1 </P>
  
  
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   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Item 8. Exhibits. </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1*</TD>
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  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
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  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Matador Resources Company Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan.</TD></TR>
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  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1*</TD>
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  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P.</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Consent of KPMG LLP.</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.2*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.3*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Consent of Netherland, Sewell &amp; Associates, Inc.</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.4*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>24.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).</TD></TR>
  </TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR>
  <TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">*</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Filed herewith. </TD></TR></TABLE>
   <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">II-2 </P>
  
  
  <p Style='page-break-before:always'>
  <HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
  
   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SIGNATURES </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
  all of the requirements for filing this Registration Statement on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Dallas, State of Texas, on
  June&nbsp;11, 2015. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  
  
  <TR>
  <TD WIDTH="46%"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="4%"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="2%"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="45%"></TD></TR>
  
  
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"><B>MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY</B></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top">Date: June&nbsp;11, 2015</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">By:</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">/s/ Joseph Wm. Foran</P></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">Joseph Wm. Foran</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">Chairman and Chief Executive Officer</TD></TR>
  </TABLE>
   <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">II-3 </P>
  
  
  <p Style='page-break-before:always'>
  <HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
  
   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Joseph Wm. Foran and David E.
  Lancaster, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power or substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign and file any and all
  amendments to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, it being understood that said
  <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">attorneys-in-fact</FONT> and agents, and each of them, shall have full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
  intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, and that each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys-in-fact as agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done
  by virtue hereof. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the
  following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  
  
  <TR>
  <TD WIDTH="37%"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="44%"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="15%"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"><B>Signature</B></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"><B>Title</B></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"><B>Date</B></TD></TR>
  
  
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Joseph Wm.
  Foran&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Joseph Wm. Foran</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Chairman and Chief Executive Officer</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">(Principal Executive Officer)</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;David E.
  Lancaster&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">David E. Lancaster</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
  Officer</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">(Principal Financial Officer)</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kathryn L.
  Wayne&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Kathryn L. Wayne</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Controller and Treasurer</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reynald A.
  Baribault&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Reynald A. Baribault</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Director</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlos M. Sepulveda,
  Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Carlos M. Sepulveda, Jr.</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Director</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;David M. Laney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">David M. Laney</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Director</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gregory E.
  Mitchell&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Gregory E. Mitchell</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Director</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven W.
  Ohnimus&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Steven W. Ohnimus</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Director</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Margaret B.
  Shannon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Margaret B. Shannon</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Director</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;George M.
  Yates&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">George M. Yates</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Director</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">June 11, 2015</TD></TR>
  </TABLE>
  
  <p Style='page-break-before:always'>
  <HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
  
   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">
  
  
  <TR>
  <TD></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="94%"></TD></TR>
  
  
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Matador Resources Company Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan.</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P.</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Consent of KPMG LLP.</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.2*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.3*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Consent of Netherland, Sewell &amp; Associates, Inc.</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.4*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>24.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top">&#151;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP>Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).</TD></TR>
  </TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR>
  <TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">*</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Filed herewith. </TD></TR></TABLE>
  </BODY></HTML>
metadata_documents: [{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "d940904ds8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 40734}]
metadata_filer: {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "Matador Resources Co", "cik": "0001520006", "assigned-sic": "1311", "irs-number": "274662601", "state-of-incorporation": "TX", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-204868", "film-number": "15924888"}, "business-address": {"street1": "5400 LBJ FREEWAY", "street2": "STE. 1500", "city": "DALLAS", "state": "TX", "zip": "75240", "phone": "972-371-5200"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "5400 LBJ FREEWAY", "street2": "STE. 1500", "city": "DALLAS", "state": "TX", "zip": "75240"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "Matador Holdco, Inc.", "date-changed": "20110505"}}
text: Form S-8
  As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2015.
  Registration No. 333-
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  Washington, D.C. 20549
  FORM
  S-8
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT
  UNDER
  THE
  SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
  Matador Resources Company
  (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
  Texas
  27-4662601
  (State or other jurisdiction of
  incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
  Identification Number)
  5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500
  Dallas, Texas 75240
  (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
  Matador Resources Company Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan
  (Full title of the plan)
  Joseph Wm.
  Foran
  Matador Resources Company
  5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500
  Dallas, Texas 75240
  (Name
  and address of agent for service)
  (972) 371-5200
  (Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
  Copies to:
  Craig N. Adams
  Executive Vice President - Land & Legal
  Matador Resources Company
  5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500
  Dallas, Texas 75240
  (972) 371-5200
  Douglass M. Rayburn
  Baker Botts L.L.P.
  2001
  Ross Avenue
  Dallas, Texas 75201
  (214) 953-6500
  CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
  Title of securities
  to be registered
  Amount
  to be
  registered(1)
  Proposed
  maximum
  offering
  price
  per share(3)
  Proposed
  maximum
  aggregate
  offering price
  Amount of
  registration fee
  Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
  4,700,000 shares (2)
  $28.04
  $131,788,000
  $15,313.77
  (1)
  Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), additional shares of common stock that may be issuable upon any stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction with
  respect to these shares of common stock are also being registered hereunder.
  (2)
  Represents shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Matador Resources Company Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
  (3)
  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) and (h) under the Securities Act based on the average of the high and low sale prices of the shares of common
  stock as reported on The New York Stock Exchange on June 8, 2015.
  EXPLANATORY NOTE
  This Registration Statement is being filed in accordance with General Instruction E to Form S-8 solely to register the issuance of an
  aggregate of up to 4,700,000 additional shares of common stock ("Common Stock") of Matador Resources Company (the "Registrant"), all of which were authorized pursuant to an amendment and restatement of the Matador Resources
  Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan approved by the Board of Directors of the Registrant on April 23, 2015 and the Registrant's shareholders on June 10, 2015 (as amended to date, the "Plan"). The Registrant previously
  filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on April 10, 2012 (File No. 333-180641) covering 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan
  (the "Prior Registration Statement"). Except as supplemented by the information set forth herein, the content of the Prior Registration Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
  PART II
  Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
  The following documents previously filed with the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
  "Exchange Act") (excluding information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K) are incorporated herein by reference:
  (1) the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, filed on March 2, 2015;
  (2) the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, filed on May 11, 2015;
  (3) the Registrant's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2015, March 2, 2015, April 2,
  2015, April 14, 2015, April 15, 2015, April 20, 2015, April 30, 2015, May 22, 2015 and June 11, 2015, respectively; and
  (4) the description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File
  No. 001-35410) filed with the Commission on January 27, 2012, pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, including any subsequently filed amendments or reports updating such description.
  All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act
  (excluding information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all
  securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and made a part hereof from their respective dates of filing (such documents, and the document enumerated above, being hereinafter
  referred to as "Incorporated Documents").
  Any statement contained in this Registration Statement, in an amendment hereto or in
  an Incorporated Document shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed amendment to this Registration Statement or in any
  subsequently Incorporated Document modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
  II-1
  Item 8. Exhibits.
  4.1*
  —
  Matador Resources Company Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
  5.1*
  —
  Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P.
  23.1*
  —
  Consent of KPMG LLP.
  23.2*
  —
  Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.
  23.3*
  —
  Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.
  23.4*
  —
  Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1*
  —
  Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).
  *
  Filed herewith.
  II-2
  SIGNATURES
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
  all of the requirements for filing this Registration Statement on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Dallas, State of Texas, on
  June 11, 2015.
  MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY
  Date: June 11, 2015
  By:
  /s/ Joseph Wm. Foran
  Joseph Wm. Foran
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
  II-3
  POWER OF ATTORNEY
  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Joseph Wm. Foran and David E.
  Lancaster, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power or substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign and file any and all
  amendments to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, it being understood that said
  attorneys-in-fact
  and agents, and each of them, shall have full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
  intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, and that each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys-in-fact as agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done
  by virtue hereof.
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the
  following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
  Signature
  Title
  Date
  /s/    Joseph Wm.
  Foran
  Joseph Wm. Foran
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
  June 11, 2015
  /s/    David E.
  Lancaster
  David E. Lancaster
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
  Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)
  June 11, 2015
  /s/    Kathryn L.
  Wayne
  Kathryn L. Wayne
  Controller and Treasurer
  June 11, 2015
  /s/    Reynald A.
  Baribault
  Reynald A. Baribault
  Director
  June 11, 2015
  /s/    Carlos M. Sepulveda,
  Jr.
  Carlos M. Sepulveda, Jr.
  Director
  June 11, 2015
  /s/    David M. Laney
  David M. Laney
  Director
  June 11, 2015
  /s/    Gregory E.
  Mitchell
  Gregory E. Mitchell
  Director
  June 11, 2015
  /s/    Steven W.
  Ohnimus
  Steven W. Ohnimus
  Director
  June 11, 2015
  /s/    Margaret B.
  Shannon
  Margaret B. Shannon
  Director
  June 11, 2015
  /s/    George M.
  Yates
  George M. Yates
  Director
  June 11, 2015
  EXHIBIT INDEX
  4.1*
  —
  Matador Resources Company Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
  5.1*
  —
  Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P.
  23.1*
  —
  Consent of KPMG LLP.
  23.2*
  —
  Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.
  23.3*
  —
  Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.
  23.4*
  —
  Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1*
  —
  Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).
  *
  Filed herewith.