<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticalUnaudited" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticalUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersEquityUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersEquityUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#CoverPage" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DebtCreditAgreementDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#DebtCreditAgreementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DebtDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#DebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DebtSeniorUnsecuredNotesDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#DebtSeniorUnsecuredNotesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails2" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails3" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails3" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/Equity" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#Equity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/EquityDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#EquityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails1" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/Leases" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#Leases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesBalanceSheetInformationDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#LeasesBalanceSheetInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#LeasesCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesComponentsOfLeaseExpenseDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#LeasesComponentsOfLeaseExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesDisclosureUnderTopic840Details" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#LeasesDisclosureUnderTopic840Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesLeasePaymentMaturityScheduleDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#LeasesLeasePaymentMaturityScheduleDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesLeaseTermsDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#LeasesLeaseTermsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/NatureOfOperations" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#NatureOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SubsidiaryGuarantors" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SubsidiaryGuarantors" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SubsidiaryGuarantorsConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SubsidiaryGuarantorsConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SubsidiaryGuarantorsConsolidatedCashFlowDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SubsidiaryGuarantorsConsolidatedCashFlowDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SubsidiaryGuarantorsConsolidatedIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SubsidiaryGuarantorsConsolidatedIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetailsTextual" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetailsTextual" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDisaggregatedRevenueDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDisaggregatedRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosures" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SupplementalDisclosures" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SupplementalDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresDetails1" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SupplementalDisclosuresDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresSupplementalDisclosuresRestrictedCashReconciliationDetails" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SupplementalDisclosuresSupplementalDisclosuresRestrictedCashReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresTables" xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#SupplementalDisclosuresTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C0ACA6FDE420AD98823F234EB2211330" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_DFABFDC567A41200F5BB234EB218BC34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C0ACA6FDE420AD98823F234EB2211330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_DFABFDC567A41200F5BB234EB218BC34" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1A22028745CB976B673A234EB21ADC59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_DFABFDC567A41200F5BB234EB218BC34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1A22028745CB976B673A234EB21ADC59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A35E1859909D15D3433E234EB21A8BDA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1A22028745CB976B673A234EB21ADC59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A35E1859909D15D3433E234EB21A8BDA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A35E1859909D15D3433E234EB21A8BDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1A22028745CB976B673A234EB21ADC59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A35E1859909D15D3433E234EB21A8BDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_3C5A0A707147B8525A61234EB21AD935" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A35E1859909D15D3433E234EB21A8BDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_3C5A0A707147B8525A61234EB21AD935" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentAxis_FD7EE150CAA46F26ABD0234EB21B3A69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_DFABFDC567A41200F5BB234EB218BC34" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentAxis_FD7EE150CAA46F26ABD0234EB21B3A69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain_89164862B478D965E48E234EB21BD46E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentAxis_FD7EE150CAA46F26ABD0234EB21B3A69" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain_89164862B478D965E48E234EB21BD46E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain_89164862B478D965E48E234EB21BD46E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentAxis_FD7EE150CAA46F26ABD0234EB21B3A69" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain_89164862B478D965E48E234EB21BD46E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_NaturalGasTransportationandFractionationAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasTransportationandFractionationAgreementMember_58B33061DD30E85CC8F6234EB21BEB7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain_89164862B478D965E48E234EB21BD46E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasTransportationandFractionationAgreementMember_58B33061DD30E85CC8F6234EB21BEB7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_A201915YearFixedFeeNaturalGasTransportationAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_A201915YearFixedFeeNaturalGasTransportationAgreementMember_F3EFC010F5C8F0E2DE09234EB21C5B80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain_89164862B478D965E48E234EB21BD46E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_A201915YearFixedFeeNaturalGasTransportationAgreementMember_F3EFC010F5C8F0E2DE09234EB21C5B80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OperationalAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OperationalAgreementsMember_FF8CA229B34B91209AB3234EB21C7272" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain_89164862B478D965E48E234EB21BD46E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OperationalAgreementsMember_FF8CA229B34B91209AB3234EB21C7272" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_EngineeringProcurementConstructionAndInstallationOfProcessingPlantMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_EngineeringProcurementConstructionAndInstallationOfProcessingPlantMember_111900353317B3EBB6D1234EB21C63D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentDomain_89164862B478D965E48E234EB21BD46E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_EngineeringProcurementConstructionAndInstallationOfProcessingPlantMember_111900353317B3EBB6D1234EB21C63D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_416ADD2B38AB9ABE6CEB234EB21C18C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_DFABFDC567A41200F5BB234EB218BC34" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_416ADD2B38AB9ABE6CEB234EB21C18C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1A048873F252E10CFEC2234EB21D698D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_416ADD2B38AB9ABE6CEB234EB21C18C2" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1A048873F252E10CFEC2234EB21D698D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1A048873F252E10CFEC2234EB21D698D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_416ADD2B38AB9ABE6CEB234EB21C18C2" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1A048873F252E10CFEC2234EB21D698D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_RustlerBreaksandWolfAssetAreaMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_RustlerBreaksandWolfAssetAreaMember_13CE462A183EBBDD2EDB234EB21DFC56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1A048873F252E10CFEC2234EB21D698D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_RustlerBreaksandWolfAssetAreaMember_13CE462A183EBBDD2EDB234EB21DFC56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_RustlerBreaksAssetAreaMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_RustlerBreaksAssetAreaMember_C12AC9B024868F2A6DD6234EB21D8D2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1A048873F252E10CFEC2234EB21D698D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_RustlerBreaksAssetAreaMember_C12AC9B024868F2A6DD6234EB21D8D2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_363B10CD52E0867865AA234EB21D5952" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_DFABFDC567A41200F5BB234EB218BC34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_363B10CD52E0867865AA234EB21D5952" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_823E90A01C876280B112234EB21EB5E2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_363B10CD52E0867865AA234EB21D5952" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_823E90A01C876280B112234EB21EB5E2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_823E90A01C876280B112234EB21EB5E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_363B10CD52E0867865AA234EB21D5952" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_823E90A01C876280B112234EB21EB5E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_9196F5CF8A3D8FF2E82B234EB21E8D88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_823E90A01C876280B112234EB21EB5E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_9196F5CF8A3D8FF2E82B234EB21E8D88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DCF1BC7CDB86025ECC8B234EB21E6D6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_DFABFDC567A41200F5BB234EB218BC34" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DCF1BC7CDB86025ECC8B234EB21E6D6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AB7E9D86E94FA7B9031D234EB21F5C6E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DCF1BC7CDB86025ECC8B234EB21E6D6E" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AB7E9D86E94FA7B9031D234EB21F5C6E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AB7E9D86E94FA7B9031D234EB21F5C6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DCF1BC7CDB86025ECC8B234EB21E6D6E" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AB7E9D86E94FA7B9031D234EB21F5C6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_EddyCountyMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_EddyCountyMember_0EBB0C4C482CB64711D8234EB21F8C8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AB7E9D86E94FA7B9031D234EB21F5C6E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_EddyCountyMember_0EBB0C4C482CB64711D8234EB21F8C8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_13033B0467C7EE31AEAF234EB21F1322" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AB7E9D86E94FA7B9031D234EB21F5C6E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_13033B0467C7EE31AEAF234EB21F1322" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_61A4E94DEBC83C3EAB05234EB21F6B58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_DFABFDC567A41200F5BB234EB218BC34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_61A4E94DEBC83C3EAB05234EB21F6B58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_2A7D86174BFC829D734F234EB220DFBF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_61A4E94DEBC83C3EAB05234EB21F6B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_2A7D86174BFC829D734F234EB220DFBF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_2A7D86174BFC829D734F234EB220DFBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_61A4E94DEBC83C3EAB05234EB21F6B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_2A7D86174BFC829D734F234EB220DFBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_EddyCountyMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_EddyCountyMember_A2E7C3F7E14744014B8F234EB2202FD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_2A7D86174BFC829D734F234EB220DFBF" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_EddyCountyMember_A2E7C3F7E14744014B8F234EB2202FD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_E3309E79AD7E9ACDA03C234EB220DDA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_DFABFDC567A41200F5BB234EB218BC34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_E3309E79AD7E9ACDA03C234EB220DDA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_CE54C906077A4C10DF19234EB2213001_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_E3309E79AD7E9ACDA03C234EB220DDA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_CE54C906077A4C10DF19234EB2213001_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_CE54C906077A4C10DF19234EB2213001" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_E3309E79AD7E9ACDA03C234EB220DDA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_CE54C906077A4C10DF19234EB2213001" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DeliveryOfNaturalGasAndOilProductionToThirdPartiesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DeliveryOfNaturalGasAndOilProductionToThirdPartiesMember_D97C2DC23B1C9413DFF9234EB221DC13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_CE54C906077A4C10DF19234EB2213001" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DeliveryOfNaturalGasAndOilProductionToThirdPartiesMember_D97C2DC23B1C9413DFF9234EB221DC13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitment_58139AD70EBE2B1000CE234EB2211639" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C0ACA6FDE420AD98823F234EB2211330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitment_58139AD70EBE2B1000CE234EB2211639" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_PaymentForOtherCommitment" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_PaymentForOtherCommitment_A4EA6B0B9332F5383320234EB2227B96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C0ACA6FDE420AD98823F234EB2211330" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_PaymentForOtherCommitment_A4EA6B0B9332F5383320234EB2227B96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract_A03E0C616B1251BD91E4234EB222CA5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C0ACA6FDE420AD98823F234EB2211330" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract_A03E0C616B1251BD91E4234EB222CA5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SupplyAgreementTerm" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SupplyAgreementTerm_088A5F4CDFC31A27C24A234EB2225FB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract_A03E0C616B1251BD91E4234EB222CA5C" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SupplyAgreementTerm_088A5F4CDFC31A27C24A234EB2225FB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractualObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractualObligation_3F18236EFA08D6B302DB234EB2229B1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract_A03E0C616B1251BD91E4234EB222CA5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractualObligation_3F18236EFA08D6B302DB234EB2229B1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_RelatedPartyTransactionContractAgreementTerm" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_RelatedPartyTransactionContractAgreementTerm_044940419F999EC380A0234EB22393D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract_A03E0C616B1251BD91E4234EB222CA5C" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_RelatedPartyTransactionContractAgreementTerm_044940419F999EC380A0234EB22393D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_ContractualObligationTerm" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_ContractualObligationTerm_2B06746AFD5F1ADB9B04234EB223729C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract_A03E0C616B1251BD91E4234EB222CA5C" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_ContractualObligationTerm_2B06746AFD5F1ADB9B04234EB223729C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_PaymentForPurchaseAgreement" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_PaymentForPurchaseAgreement_766B402268E381A9251B234EB223D07C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract_A03E0C616B1251BD91E4234EB222CA5C" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_PaymentForPurchaseAgreement_766B402268E381A9251B234EB223D07C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractualObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractualObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths_25E4CAAC0CE69B6434AB234EB2230EA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextualAbstract_A03E0C616B1251BD91E4234EB222CA5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractualObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths_25E4CAAC0CE69B6434AB234EB2230EA2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticalUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0F126D869B5ECE38742F0DFF4283A02B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E84785069F308C42EC0DFF4283F358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0F126D869B5ECE38742F0DFF4283A02B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E84785069F308C42EC0DFF4283F358" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_06B328C36BBC5ED4695A0E0856D02B0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E84785069F308C42EC0DFF4283F358" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_06B328C36BBC5ED4695A0E0856D02B0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_3CE0116006F01D1FE5B30E096BAF2E96_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_06B328C36BBC5ED4695A0E0856D02B0D" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_3CE0116006F01D1FE5B30E096BAF2E96_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_3CE0116006F01D1FE5B30E096BAF2E96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_06B328C36BBC5ED4695A0E0856D02B0D" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_3CE0116006F01D1FE5B30E096BAF2E96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SanMateoMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMember_C1C982687EFCAF24A7BA0E096BB8A171" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_3CE0116006F01D1FE5B30E096BAF2E96" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMember_C1C982687EFCAF24A7BA0E096BB8A171" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_38AC4345A8A20C011BFF0E096BB8C53A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_3CE0116006F01D1FE5B30E096BAF2E96" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_38AC4345A8A20C011BFF0E096BB8C53A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9AF59A28156A5092ED4C0DFF42837C73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E84785069F308C42EC0DFF4283F358" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9AF59A28156A5092ED4C0DFF42837C73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9AF59A28156A5092ED4C0DFF42837C73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9AF59A28156A5092ED4C0DFF42837C73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_C4AE492DC3BE4C8B09FF0DFF42832E99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_C4AE492DC3BE4C8B09FF0DFF42832E99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_AF272471484DB0E30C590DFF4283006D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_AF272471484DB0E30C590DFF4283006D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_6FAC42A869368B201B010DFF428310C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_6FAC42A869368B201B010DFF428310C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_810D0407913AE24CD1550DFF4283C505" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_810D0407913AE24CD1550DFF4283C505" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentMember_647AA495E173451B105D0DFF4283192B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentMember_647AA495E173451B105D0DFF4283192B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_54A97663B93242A1DCE00DFF4283F1D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4BBF8F0A13EA504A51EB0DFF42830E3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_54A97663B93242A1DCE00DFF4283F1D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0F126D869B5ECE38742F0DFF4283A02B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_0FD0CD67A7170602BB840DFF4283F7C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_0FD0CD67A7170602BB840DFF4283F7C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_01A1A9BF0FBE97ED9C8D0DFF4283A735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_01A1A9BF0FBE97ED9C8D0DFF4283A735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_94AB60C434A1CED08B130DFF4283703A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_94AB60C434A1CED08B130DFF4283703A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross_02B4CE012A8EB075F14E0DFF4283DAAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross_02B4CE012A8EB075F14E0DFF4283DAAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_453BE85DBD6762187D350DFF4283CBBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_453BE85DBD6762187D350DFF4283CBBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_7803E634C7852B9766230DFF4283BF7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_7803E634C7852B9766230DFF4283BF7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_C0926736C662C6E525CE0DFF42834636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_C0926736C662C6E525CE0DFF42834636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices_5736583D9C0417E4F6C60DFF4283D537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesIssuedForServices_5736583D9C0417E4F6C60DFF4283D537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices_D66C4646A1D2DDFDC2520DFF42838F23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices_D66C4646A1D2DDFDC2520DFF42838F23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_C66224B60249F975C4CA0DFF428343F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_C66224B60249F975C4CA0DFF428343F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_312EB9BC580FE28A1B060DFF4283678D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_312EB9BC580FE28A1B060DFF4283678D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationAndExerciseOfStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationAndExerciseOfStockOptions_4A770D9BB5E2EACEB1A00DFF42832048" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationAndExerciseOfStockOptions_4A770D9BB5E2EACEB1A00DFF42832048" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited_B14C2A1A04AA3CEA5E0D0DFF4283F508" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited_B14C2A1A04AA3CEA5E0D0DFF4283F508" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures_AA716C600063C9D899280DFF42836CB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures_AA716C600063C9D899280DFF42836CB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalFormationofJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalFormationofJointVenture_8B5BAD35B658B867A2F20DFF4283A312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalFormationofJointVenture_8B5BAD35B658B867A2F20DFF4283A312" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance_B3ECDD354D371B3201150DFF42831427" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance_B3ECDD354D371B3201150DFF42831427" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_3722247332A9AAE49D9B0DFF4283ADD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_3722247332A9AAE49D9B0DFF4283ADD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_C1C36448E7A7D562C9AD0DFF4283C799" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_B8E1B427E561ED74547A0DFF4283E8FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_C1C36448E7A7D562C9AD0DFF4283C799" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersEquityUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_293A3A7B2CA1C74DC1A70DFF429582B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_293A3A7B2CA1C74DC1A70DFF429582B4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0C28797E4C2244B5F9AD0DFF4295DAC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_293A3A7B2CA1C74DC1A70DFF429582B4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0C28797E4C2244B5F9AD0DFF4295DAC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_436F57682FE89DEB8B0B0DFF429561D0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0C28797E4C2244B5F9AD0DFF4295DAC2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_436F57682FE89DEB8B0B0DFF429561D0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_436F57682FE89DEB8B0B0DFF429561D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0C28797E4C2244B5F9AD0DFF4295DAC2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_436F57682FE89DEB8B0B0DFF429561D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasMember_81FA566D40B261B5CC930DFF42957CD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_436F57682FE89DEB8B0B0DFF429561D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasMember_81FA566D40B261B5CC930DFF42957CD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamMember_ADC992F53844A85B60D80DFF42953B44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_436F57682FE89DEB8B0B0DFF429561D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamMember_ADC992F53844A85B60D80DFF42953B44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_NaturalGasSalesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasSalesMember_C8BF9A880DB39122D6040DFF4295C2F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_436F57682FE89DEB8B0B0DFF429561D0" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasSalesMember_C8BF9A880DB39122D6040DFF4295C2F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_4A7B11CF811ED8E6F0350DFF4295E5F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_4A7B11CF811ED8E6F0350DFF4295E5F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_9031417682F805587E960DFF4295F6E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_4A7B11CF811ED8E6F0350DFF4295E5F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_9031417682F805587E960DFF4295F6E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_LeaseBonusMineralAcreageIncome" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_LeaseBonusMineralAcreageIncome_DC4CFD15D3C6A65A8F7D0DFF4295877F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_4A7B11CF811ED8E6F0350DFF4295E5F5" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_LeaseBonusMineralAcreageIncome_DC4CFD15D3C6A65A8F7D0DFF4295877F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_F80CA16DC6F743FC249A0DFF4295070E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_4A7B11CF811ED8E6F0350DFF4295E5F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_F80CA16DC6F743FC249A0DFF4295070E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_E1699277477E10A8632C0DFF42958002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_4A7B11CF811ED8E6F0350DFF4295E5F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_E1699277477E10A8632C0DFF42958002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_767690768C1554213D850DFF42959FB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_4A7B11CF811ED8E6F0350DFF4295E5F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_767690768C1554213D850DFF42959FB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_ProductionTaxesAndMarketing" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_ProductionTaxesAndMarketing_F23BF05DEBF6E3B8B4B10DFF42954919" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_ProductionTaxesAndMarketing_F23BF05DEBF6E3B8B4B10DFF42954919" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_53F50FF18BF04042CCBC0DFF42954456" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_53F50FF18BF04042CCBC0DFF42954456" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_12A0DB73FC5939D17B7D0DFF42955C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_12A0DB73FC5939D17B7D0DFF42955C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OilAndGasPurchasesOfNaturalGas" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OilAndGasPurchasesOfNaturalGas_14DFAB942BBE7B7F3AA20DFF4295BF90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OilAndGasPurchasesOfNaturalGas_14DFAB942BBE7B7F3AA20DFF4295BF90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_E6EE26AFAD8E4350F0CF0DFF42952F22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_E6EE26AFAD8E4350F0CF0DFF42952F22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_9523FF36A808613AB4660DFF429529D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_9523FF36A808613AB4660DFF429529D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_1EB101F079F512B96BD60DFF42950FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_1EB101F079F512B96BD60DFF42950FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_F4F5DA5594BAF7A1167D0DFF4295DB41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_91B3A049CA00B29DA9080DFF42951CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_F4F5DA5594BAF7A1167D0DFF4295DB41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_7CFF3E8C9205991AEC7C0DFF4295858D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_7CFF3E8C9205991AEC7C0DFF4295858D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_3A3D6F8719431E3B63970DFF42959D2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_3A3D6F8719431E3B63970DFF42959D2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_2D6A564C8FD08CA7A9A80DFF429533F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_3A3D6F8719431E3B63970DFF42959D2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_2D6A564C8FD08CA7A9A80DFF429533F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_C976AF275AA9F4C949B20DFF4295D75D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_3A3D6F8719431E3B63970DFF42959D2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_C976AF275AA9F4C949B20DFF4295D75D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_GainLossOnExtinguishmentOfDebtPremiumOnDebtRedemption" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_GainLossOnExtinguishmentOfDebtPremiumOnDebtRedemption_177B9425A457BAA83E420E09FF4CDFD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_3A3D6F8719431E3B63970DFF42959D2B" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_GainLossOnExtinguishmentOfDebtPremiumOnDebtRedemption_177B9425A457BAA83E420E09FF4CDFD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_73DD4422293E6F02602D0DFF4295CCDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_3A3D6F8719431E3B63970DFF42959D2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_73DD4422293E6F02602D0DFF4295CCDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_2399A54A24055B2E155A0DFF42956E9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_3A3D6F8719431E3B63970DFF42959D2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_2399A54A24055B2E155A0DFF42956E9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_F568CFB392FDB721B8A10DFF4295E85A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_F568CFB392FDB721B8A10DFF4295E85A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_467FF2BD12E2F42A71020DFF42959735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_467FF2BD12E2F42A71020DFF42959735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4605427B65495CEBFD600DFF42954B4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_467FF2BD12E2F42A71020DFF42959735" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4605427B65495CEBFD600DFF42954B4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_015AA8CE9128026593EB0DFF4295FC34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_467FF2BD12E2F42A71020DFF42959735" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_015AA8CE9128026593EB0DFF4295FC34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_3AEC60747B2D47339CA70DFF42954AF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_3AEC60747B2D47339CA70DFF42954AF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_A089A7E0CB2CB03A48C10DFF429565CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_A089A7E0CB2CB03A48C10DFF429565CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_A692B4B39987179849230DFF4295259C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_A692B4B39987179849230DFF4295259C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_47B9DC1B469BF0482A7C0DFF42954CA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_47B9DC1B469BF0482A7C0DFF42954CA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_F87F6B6BD01300DD1D170DFF4295EB55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_47B9DC1B469BF0482A7C0DFF42954CA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_F87F6B6BD01300DD1D170DFF4295EB55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_034A4DA159A9BDBFCAC40DFF429522C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_47B9DC1B469BF0482A7C0DFF42954CA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_034A4DA159A9BDBFCAC40DFF429522C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_5D659D2603860018C13C0DFF4295A1F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D7EAFF29FB245CDD1D30DFF4295869D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_5D659D2603860018C13C0DFF4295A1F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_D1C3ACFC0AC207DB23570DFF42954838" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_5D659D2603860018C13C0DFF4295A1F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_D1C3ACFC0AC207DB23570DFF42954838" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_BD35A9A179EDBE30DDD90DFF42954D35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_5D659D2603860018C13C0DFF4295A1F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_BD35A9A179EDBE30DDD90DFF42954D35" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DebtCreditAgreementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F1591D6531C6D06C872D187BD6ACAA09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4657DA64B80B973E9FB8187BD6A933C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F1591D6531C6D06C872D187BD6ACAA09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4657DA64B80B973E9FB8187BD6A933C2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_2AD81B5BE8273A598454187BD6A95A7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4657DA64B80B973E9FB8187BD6A933C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_2AD81B5BE8273A598454187BD6A95A7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0EFEFEC6F9DAA708A537187BD6A9B1C3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_2AD81B5BE8273A598454187BD6A95A7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0EFEFEC6F9DAA708A537187BD6A9B1C3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0EFEFEC6F9DAA708A537187BD6A9B1C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_2AD81B5BE8273A598454187BD6A95A7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0EFEFEC6F9DAA708A537187BD6A9B1C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_F0227D8A52F922972A10187BD6AA5B64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0EFEFEC6F9DAA708A537187BD6A9B1C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_F0227D8A52F922972A10187BD6AA5B64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6900A422888DA7F7FC80187BD6AAC380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4657DA64B80B973E9FB8187BD6A933C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6900A422888DA7F7FC80187BD6AAC380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3356BA7BC3A97358DD3F187BD6AA6D20_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6900A422888DA7F7FC80187BD6AAC380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3356BA7BC3A97358DD3F187BD6AA6D20_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3356BA7BC3A97358DD3F187BD6AA6D20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6900A422888DA7F7FC80187BD6AAC380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3356BA7BC3A97358DD3F187BD6AA6D20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2777B6D112F3493B59BC187BD6AAF693" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3356BA7BC3A97358DD3F187BD6AA6D20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2777B6D112F3493B59BC187BD6AAF693" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_CABB9E74BF6B3F188C10187BD6ABAC8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3356BA7BC3A97358DD3F187BD6AA6D20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_CABB9E74BF6B3F188C10187BD6ABAC8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2D86E5CC0BF0998D7B22187BD6AB7DDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4657DA64B80B973E9FB8187BD6A933C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2D86E5CC0BF0998D7B22187BD6AB7DDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B33B5ACD78E9EFBA3888187BD6AB007D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2D86E5CC0BF0998D7B22187BD6AB7DDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B33B5ACD78E9EFBA3888187BD6AB007D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B33B5ACD78E9EFBA3888187BD6AB007D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2D86E5CC0BF0998D7B22187BD6AB7DDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B33B5ACD78E9EFBA3888187BD6AB007D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_ThirdAmendedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_ThirdAmendedCreditAgreementMember_D2B5CC47563E13979C80187BD6AB42FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B33B5ACD78E9EFBA3888187BD6AB007D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_ThirdAmendedCreditAgreementMember_D2B5CC47563E13979C80187BD6AB42FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SanMateoCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SanMateoCreditFacilityMember_CFF54AB2DF89D00D6B02187BD6AC9DF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B33B5ACD78E9EFBA3888187BD6AB007D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SanMateoCreditFacilityMember_CFF54AB2DF89D00D6B02187BD6AC9DF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_08F5582B577D521FE8D4187BD6AC7B57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F1591D6531C6D06C872D187BD6ACAA09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_08F5582B577D521FE8D4187BD6AC7B57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityIncreaseInBorrowingBase" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityIncreaseInBorrowingBase_E9E5C46DDDA9358DF8FB187BD6AC341F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F1591D6531C6D06C872D187BD6ACAA09" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityIncreaseInBorrowingBase_E9E5C46DDDA9358DF8FB187BD6AC341F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_EAD9C9A61B01EEDAD7D2187BD6AC85FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F1591D6531C6D06C872D187BD6ACAA09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_EAD9C9A61B01EEDAD7D2187BD6AC85FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumFacilityAmount" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumFacilityAmount_6E071EFC137011DF61CF187BD6AC15BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F1591D6531C6D06C872D187BD6ACAA09" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumFacilityAmount_6E071EFC137011DF61CF187BD6AC15BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordianFeatureIncreaseLimit" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordianFeatureIncreaseLimit_1C36335083884C2C1DBF187BD6ADCD96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F1591D6531C6D06C872D187BD6ACAA09" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordianFeatureIncreaseLimit_1C36335083884C2C1DBF187BD6ADCD96" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementLineItems_06BC4DBB237BDF798B86187BD8BBD93C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementTable" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementTable_7DB2ED6213B774A23091187BD8B75485" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementLineItems_06BC4DBB237BDF798B86187BD8BBD93C" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementTable_7DB2ED6213B774A23091187BD8B75485" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_DE20BCA5C4218A5A1C91187BD8B76423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementTable_7DB2ED6213B774A23091187BD8B75485" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_DE20BCA5C4218A5A1C91187BD8B76423" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_EB9FD50530ADC9D5ECCA187BD8B7AF61_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_DE20BCA5C4218A5A1C91187BD8B76423" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_EB9FD50530ADC9D5ECCA187BD8B7AF61_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_EB9FD50530ADC9D5ECCA187BD8B7AF61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_DE20BCA5C4218A5A1C91187BD8B76423" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_EB9FD50530ADC9D5ECCA187BD8B7AF61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_F42619E639322B46AEFA187BD8B8C7F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_EB9FD50530ADC9D5ECCA187BD8B7AF61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_F42619E639322B46AEFA187BD8B8C7F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F3BF3E54CBF97C4BB1E4187BD8B82BEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementTable_7DB2ED6213B774A23091187BD8B75485" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F3BF3E54CBF97C4BB1E4187BD8B82BEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C92A5AB91C475B5DC3AA187BD8B8B265_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F3BF3E54CBF97C4BB1E4187BD8B82BEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C92A5AB91C475B5DC3AA187BD8B8B265_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C92A5AB91C475B5DC3AA187BD8B8B265" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F3BF3E54CBF97C4BB1E4187BD8B82BEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C92A5AB91C475B5DC3AA187BD8B8B265" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_4CDCEFE482B2240B65D6187BD8B9483C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C92A5AB91C475B5DC3AA187BD8B8B265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_4CDCEFE482B2240B65D6187BD8B9483C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_A3DA11CEDF6D800CCA68187BD8B96B05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C92A5AB91C475B5DC3AA187BD8B8B265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_A3DA11CEDF6D800CCA68187BD8B96B05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_AA1B841CA6CFF43159BA187BD8B94B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C92A5AB91C475B5DC3AA187BD8B8B265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_AA1B841CA6CFF43159BA187BD8B94B20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4B51364DA6AAD9EB7F07187BD8B9EDB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementTable_7DB2ED6213B774A23091187BD8B75485" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4B51364DA6AAD9EB7F07187BD8B9EDB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_023831DF7D6C80308080187BD8B9264A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4B51364DA6AAD9EB7F07187BD8B9EDB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_023831DF7D6C80308080187BD8B9264A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_023831DF7D6C80308080187BD8B9264A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4B51364DA6AAD9EB7F07187BD8B9EDB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_023831DF7D6C80308080187BD8B9264A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_AD3A29B6EE9475F7B7A7187BD8BAF0A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_023831DF7D6C80308080187BD8B9264A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_AD3A29B6EE9475F7B7A7187BD8BAF0A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_897F8712E2374ACB21BC187BD8BA54DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementTable_7DB2ED6213B774A23091187BD8B75485" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_897F8712E2374ACB21BC187BD8BA54DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F0360BA2CB78ABCE6C40187BD8BA5B92_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_897F8712E2374ACB21BC187BD8BA54DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F0360BA2CB78ABCE6C40187BD8BA5B92_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F0360BA2CB78ABCE6C40187BD8BA5B92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_897F8712E2374ACB21BC187BD8BA54DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F0360BA2CB78ABCE6C40187BD8BA5B92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SeniorNotesDue2026Member" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SeniorNotesDue2026Member_07486A1F6750590F4445187BD8BAB4D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F0360BA2CB78ABCE6C40187BD8BA5B92" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SeniorNotesDue2026Member_07486A1F6750590F4445187BD8BAB4D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_ThirdAmendedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_ThirdAmendedCreditAgreementMember_0B84C5BBABC2BA24C0AA187BD8BB1107" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F0360BA2CB78ABCE6C40187BD8BA5B92" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_ThirdAmendedCreditAgreementMember_0B84C5BBABC2BA24C0AA187BD8BB1107" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SanMateoCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SanMateoCreditFacilityMember_55935ED40F5ADD224099187BD8BB6776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F0360BA2CB78ABCE6C40187BD8BA5B92" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SanMateoCreditFacilityMember_55935ED40F5ADD224099187BD8BB6776" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_7E6CE145ED2CB7CAD56E187BD8BB195D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementLineItems_06BC4DBB237BDF798B86187BD8BBD93C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_7E6CE145ED2CB7CAD56E187BD8BB195D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_8E24819DBD0297E47799187BD8BB8EF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementLineItems_06BC4DBB237BDF798B86187BD8BBD93C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_8E24819DBD0297E47799187BD8BB8EF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_FA550A3543D845C4B320187BD8BCE1DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementLineItems_06BC4DBB237BDF798B86187BD8BBD93C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_FA550A3543D845C4B320187BD8BCE1DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_A377E90D2F95C30AE633187BD8BCD1DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementLineItems_06BC4DBB237BDF798B86187BD8BBD93C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_A377E90D2F95C30AE633187BD8BCD1DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongTermDebt_7DAB0984796CE0B77A26187BD8BCDFC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_RevolvingCreditAgreementLineItems_06BC4DBB237BDF798B86187BD8BBD93C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongTermDebt_7DAB0984796CE0B77A26187BD8BCDFC8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DebtSeniorUnsecuredNotesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_10FAC460FBED53FFBFFE1FC260B4185F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_291A63E69A7C58A09761821B019C77EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_10FAC460FBED53FFBFFE1FC260B4185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_291A63E69A7C58A09761821B019C77EA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0B215B3AE58D54888E923DFFC324CBEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_291A63E69A7C58A09761821B019C77EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0B215B3AE58D54888E923DFFC324CBEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_0B6040F686CD19C8DF75FB8FD73AB805_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0B215B3AE58D54888E923DFFC324CBEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_0B6040F686CD19C8DF75FB8FD73AB805_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5043588FF9285194AE4C7739C4AFE86D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0B215B3AE58D54888E923DFFC324CBEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5043588FF9285194AE4C7739C4AFE86D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_6D14D01546D7555C9F06FE0599B5435D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5043588FF9285194AE4C7739C4AFE86D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_6D14D01546D7555C9F06FE0599B5435D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7711CB0BE1915AD4AAFCC82C6DCCB02B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_291A63E69A7C58A09761821B019C77EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7711CB0BE1915AD4AAFCC82C6DCCB02B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2FE63A0B1D841A240EDDFB8FD73ADEBA_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7711CB0BE1915AD4AAFCC82C6DCCB02B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2FE63A0B1D841A240EDDFB8FD73ADEBA_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9D63AB51BC34535FAC87DE282B32747E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7711CB0BE1915AD4AAFCC82C6DCCB02B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9D63AB51BC34535FAC87DE282B32747E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_A2026NotesOfferingMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_A2026NotesOfferingMember_06CDA80174525BBAB2EC529B4F795F8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9D63AB51BC34535FAC87DE282B32747E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_A2026NotesOfferingMember_06CDA80174525BBAB2EC529B4F795F8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_Additional2026NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_Additional2026NotesMember_431D8AF11566589B877A3640B3A5F021" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9D63AB51BC34535FAC87DE282B32747E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_Additional2026NotesMember_431D8AF11566589B877A3640B3A5F021" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_D956AACC77C755CF8DEA5B90566B9CBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_10FAC460FBED53FFBFFE1FC260B4185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_D956AACC77C755CF8DEA5B90566B9CBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_1A86487E14445EE3A7EF9464A848A67C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_10FAC460FBED53FFBFFE1FC260B4185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_1A86487E14445EE3A7EF9464A848A67C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_14F4A233329D97DFB65B187E7C4919F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2CB1FACD92FB52448EA1187E7C452475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_14F4A233329D97DFB65B187E7C4919F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2CB1FACD92FB52448EA1187E7C452475" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodAxis_89EAFC608F97D9A5CACF187E7C459AEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2CB1FACD92FB52448EA1187E7C452475" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodAxis_89EAFC608F97D9A5CACF187E7C459AEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodDomain_CDD5BFAD4EE8FBF2EF9C187E7C466140_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodAxis_89EAFC608F97D9A5CACF187E7C459AEB" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodDomain_CDD5BFAD4EE8FBF2EF9C187E7C466140_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodDomain_CDD5BFAD4EE8FBF2EF9C187E7C466140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodAxis_89EAFC608F97D9A5CACF187E7C459AEB" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodDomain_CDD5BFAD4EE8FBF2EF9C187E7C466140" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DerivativeContractCalculationPeriodOneMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractCalculationPeriodOneMember_90A70CAA180957893D3D187E7C464106" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodDomain_CDD5BFAD4EE8FBF2EF9C187E7C466140" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractCalculationPeriodOneMember_90A70CAA180957893D3D187E7C464106" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DerivativeContractCalculationPeriodTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractCalculationPeriodTwoMember_B97C2BD1B26CC9B26ABF187E7C469F5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodDomain_CDD5BFAD4EE8FBF2EF9C187E7C466140" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractCalculationPeriodTwoMember_B97C2BD1B26CC9B26ABF187E7C469F5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DerivativeContractCalculationPeriodThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractCalculationPeriodThreeMember_781FE2F568E2C4918AA8187E7FBDEF12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractPeriodDomain_CDD5BFAD4EE8FBF2EF9C187E7C466140" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DerivativeContractCalculationPeriodThreeMember_781FE2F568E2C4918AA8187E7FBDEF12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_D00BC5173CCE71320CA2187E7C462E90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2CB1FACD92FB52448EA1187E7C452475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_D00BC5173CCE71320CA2187E7C462E90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_540B4A4FB3687E4A7910187E7C479094_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_D00BC5173CCE71320CA2187E7C462E90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_540B4A4FB3687E4A7910187E7C479094_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_540B4A4FB3687E4A7910187E7C479094" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_D00BC5173CCE71320CA2187E7C462E90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_540B4A4FB3687E4A7910187E7C479094" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortMember_18CF3000ECF232A89956187E7C47A9FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_540B4A4FB3687E4A7910187E7C479094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortMember_18CF3000ECF232A89956187E7C47A9FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongMember_D5524866E81432014F8E187E7C475C13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_540B4A4FB3687E4A7910187E7C479094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongMember_D5524866E81432014F8E187E7C475C13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis_0789777A4DCCDCDB20C3187E7C47BC0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2CB1FACD92FB52448EA1187E7C452475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis_0789777A4DCCDCDB20C3187E7C47BC0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_05023BF338E2A846E56B187E7C474A14_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis_0789777A4DCCDCDB20C3187E7C47BC0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_05023BF338E2A846E56B187E7C474A14_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_05023BF338E2A846E56B187E7C474A14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis_0789777A4DCCDCDB20C3187E7C47BC0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_05023BF338E2A846E56B187E7C474A14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsMember_22983EFA652565639E44187E7C48ACBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_05023BF338E2A846E56B187E7C474A14" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsMember_22983EFA652565639E44187E7C48ACBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OpenThreewayCostlessCollarContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OpenThreewayCostlessCollarContractsMember_7EFCAB7B63FF57CD4342187E7C48805F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_05023BF338E2A846E56B187E7C474A14" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OpenThreewayCostlessCollarContractsMember_7EFCAB7B63FF57CD4342187E7C48805F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OpenSwapContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OpenSwapContractsMember_58B96F2C7CB32D1D52AD187E7C48FB76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_05023BF338E2A846E56B187E7C474A14" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OpenSwapContractsMember_58B96F2C7CB32D1D52AD187E7C48FB76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_9A246E87DCCECE383713187E7C4826FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2CB1FACD92FB52448EA1187E7C452475" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_9A246E87DCCECE383713187E7C4826FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_24CBE432DBB2913B4F2D187E7C484248_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_9A246E87DCCECE383713187E7C4826FC" xlink:to="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_24CBE432DBB2913B4F2D187E7C484248_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_24CBE432DBB2913B4F2D187E7C484248" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_9A246E87DCCECE383713187E7C4826FC" xlink:to="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_24CBE432DBB2913B4F2D187E7C484248" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OilWTIMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OilWTIMember_32E277707CF4F322B47F187E7C49A098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_24CBE432DBB2913B4F2D187E7C484248" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OilWTIMember_32E277707CF4F322B47F187E7C49A098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NaturalGasReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_50F4A150DA5A37C4C69F187E7C492DB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_24CBE432DBB2913B4F2D187E7C484248" xlink:to="loc_srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_50F4A150DA5A37C4C69F187E7C492DB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OilBasisSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OilBasisSwapMember_C0E44C092F1FCDD4FAE5187E7C494A52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_24CBE432DBB2913B4F2D187E7C484248" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OilBasisSwapMember_C0E44C092F1FCDD4FAE5187E7C494A52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DerivativeAssetLiabilityNet" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DerivativeAssetLiabilityNet_3E973E33090C254D6010187E7C4A8A4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_14F4A233329D97DFB65B187E7C4919F6" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DerivativeAssetLiabilityNet_3E973E33090C254D6010187E7C4A8A4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsForOilAndNaturalGasAbstract" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsForOilAndNaturalGasAbstract_1F2A147B26BDF1F7C208187E7C4AB5F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_14F4A233329D97DFB65B187E7C4919F6" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsForOilAndNaturalGasAbstract_1F2A147B26BDF1F7C208187E7C4AB5F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount_430A4AC271CBF0897652187E7C4A0BB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsForOilAndNaturalGasAbstract_1F2A147B26BDF1F7C208187E7C4AB5F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmount_430A4AC271CBF0897652187E7C4A0BB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice_0B50D47C7B2F9B5137E2187E7C4A67CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsForOilAndNaturalGasAbstract_1F2A147B26BDF1F7C208187E7C4AB5F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice_0B50D47C7B2F9B5137E2187E7C4A67CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFloorPrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFloorPrice_7CF804665713BA20A4F1187E7C4BBB7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsForOilAndNaturalGasAbstract_1F2A147B26BDF1F7C208187E7C4AB5F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFloorPrice_7CF804665713BA20A4F1187E7C4BBB7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCapPrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCapPrice_3766D477F307A99F0E73187E7C4B0EC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsForOilAndNaturalGasAbstract_1F2A147B26BDF1F7C208187E7C4AB5F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCapPrice_3766D477F307A99F0E73187E7C4B0EC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_C784B543E1AB9292737B187E7C4B186A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsForOilAndNaturalGasAbstract_1F2A147B26BDF1F7C208187E7C4AB5F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_C784B543E1AB9292737B187E7C4B186A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails2" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4D4003D1E4D956D2BF0A2F02F3E949E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8B800F80ADB952CC954C350CD5C99A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4D4003D1E4D956D2BF0A2F02F3E949E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8B800F80ADB952CC954C350CD5C99A7B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_57E80FDB5E6A53FA8723F4FF71C2E590" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8B800F80ADB952CC954C350CD5C99A7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_57E80FDB5E6A53FA8723F4FF71C2E590" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4605E13F0F6DAC6AB6E2452F342F0627_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_57E80FDB5E6A53FA8723F4FF71C2E590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4605E13F0F6DAC6AB6E2452F342F0627_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_13F60810720550CBB718F3767A163359" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_57E80FDB5E6A53FA8723F4FF71C2E590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_13F60810720550CBB718F3767A163359" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_BEDE4FFA95685B9DB51E1D5EC326DD5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_13F60810720550CBB718F3767A163359" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_BEDE4FFA95685B9DB51E1D5EC326DD5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_14BCD69A154C58BF83C29920C49677FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_13F60810720550CBB718F3767A163359" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_14BCD69A154C58BF83C29920C49677FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_77CA3837ABAB5F18A2DBDDA29442E6B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_13F60810720550CBB718F3767A163359" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_77CA3837ABAB5F18A2DBDDA29442E6B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_916DBF0248765D14AE380B92875A624F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_13F60810720550CBB718F3767A163359" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_916DBF0248765D14AE380B92875A624F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_6404A529D47F5E3C8FFB32B60536D384" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4D4003D1E4D956D2BF0A2F02F3E949E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_6404A529D47F5E3C8FFB32B60536D384" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_F12021278F4C55DE89AE79419A8AD9CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4D4003D1E4D956D2BF0A2F02F3E949E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_F12021278F4C55DE89AE79419A8AD9CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_37CF584EAC785C31B0C0E4B2792D490D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4D4003D1E4D956D2BF0A2F02F3E949E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_37CF584EAC785C31B0C0E4B2792D490D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract_E6509E9760C55F24B71FC67E0DA91D3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4D4003D1E4D956D2BF0A2F02F3E949E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract_E6509E9760C55F24B71FC67E0DA91D3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_DEA18F5988045B389A3FAA2E9B588A31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract_E6509E9760C55F24B71FC67E0DA91D3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_DEA18F5988045B389A3FAA2E9B588A31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_2C88C7C4974A58E3A391DBBCC1F8F2B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract_E6509E9760C55F24B71FC67E0DA91D3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_2C88C7C4974A58E3A391DBBCC1F8F2B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_E1AB65BFF43A54D99E231202F0DD9333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract_E6509E9760C55F24B71FC67E0DA91D3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_E1AB65BFF43A54D99E231202F0DD9333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_43574C6C90175CF49F19CBAA669ECCFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4D4003D1E4D956D2BF0A2F02F3E949E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_43574C6C90175CF49F19CBAA669ECCFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DerivativeAssetLiabilitySubjecttoMasterNettingArrangement" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DerivativeAssetLiabilitySubjecttoMasterNettingArrangement_13499D0FCA1C5AE1B7D84A56015B5968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4D4003D1E4D956D2BF0A2F02F3E949E0" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DerivativeAssetLiabilitySubjecttoMasterNettingArrangement_13499D0FCA1C5AE1B7D84A56015B5968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DerivativeAssetLiabilityNet" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DerivativeAssetLiabilityNet_B25E1109E5925027BAAC73BA853EFCB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4D4003D1E4D956D2BF0A2F02F3E949E0" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DerivativeAssetLiabilityNet_B25E1109E5925027BAAC73BA853EFCB6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails3" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_FE25D484238150A4A8DEE317F69B2531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_00B3C0F8DFFF5EE8BE5E75FC0CEFC892" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_FE25D484238150A4A8DEE317F69B2531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_00B3C0F8DFFF5EE8BE5E75FC0CEFC892" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_FBF05C32F55358F8B18139231BA0085D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_00B3C0F8DFFF5EE8BE5E75FC0CEFC892" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_FBF05C32F55358F8B18139231BA0085D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_53CC148D26C1CFA27D56452F343ABC14_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_FBF05C32F55358F8B18139231BA0085D" xlink:to="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_53CC148D26C1CFA27D56452F343ABC14_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_TypeOfReserveDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_D57765C71B8F5E169B2702F71175F1DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ReserveQuantitiesByTypeOfReserveAxis_FBF05C32F55358F8B18139231BA0085D" xlink:to="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_D57765C71B8F5E169B2702F71175F1DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OilReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_OilReservesMember_0BB0A47ABE595A11B80ED3F26F6C83BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_D57765C71B8F5E169B2702F71175F1DC" xlink:to="loc_srt_OilReservesMember_0BB0A47ABE595A11B80ED3F26F6C83BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NaturalGasReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_F1670699EFDC5F62AE41217B23BDE678" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TypeOfReserveDomain_D57765C71B8F5E169B2702F71175F1DC" xlink:to="loc_srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_F1670699EFDC5F62AE41217B23BDE678" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_7238C19B87E551D3803DA443D8A54125" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_00B3C0F8DFFF5EE8BE5E75FC0CEFC892" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_7238C19B87E551D3803DA443D8A54125" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D0891AEEC87984EC838C452F343B685A_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_7238C19B87E551D3803DA443D8A54125" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D0891AEEC87984EC838C452F343B685A_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3B6D098C3591522686C3D289AAFB602D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_7238C19B87E551D3803DA443D8A54125" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3B6D098C3591522686C3D289AAFB602D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_RevenuesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_RevenuesMember_B4543FB7CACD58C7986FD4D2E1C648AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3B6D098C3591522686C3D289AAFB602D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_RevenuesMember_B4543FB7CACD58C7986FD4D2E1C648AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNetAbstract_BCE506D7D7B15FC3B613CC883E51BE15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_FE25D484238150A4A8DEE317F69B2531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNetAbstract_BCE506D7D7B15FC3B613CC883E51BE15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_E4E78CE7A8925D35BB3E706C4F5804C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNetAbstract_BCE506D7D7B15FC3B613CC883E51BE15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_E4E78CE7A8925D35BB3E706C4F5804C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_B644109C147F57DAA403BA15347277E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNetAbstract_BCE506D7D7B15FC3B613CC883E51BE15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_B644109C147F57DAA403BA15347277E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_7055F13365095CA8BDCF75E622828B46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNetAbstract_BCE506D7D7B15FC3B613CC883E51BE15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_7055F13365095CA8BDCF75E622828B46" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenLineItems_734DB1E130AE5206A127F3EE64ABB740" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTable_924C118CAA6859338138210A4CD073F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenLineItems_734DB1E130AE5206A127F3EE64ABB740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTable_924C118CAA6859338138210A4CD073F4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis_47CA36B78A1C56A780CA2B2ADCBF7D4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTable_924C118CAA6859338138210A4CD073F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis_47CA36B78A1C56A780CA2B2ADCBF7D4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_F578E2213E64AD9BC844FB8FD6BD54A9_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis_47CA36B78A1C56A780CA2B2ADCBF7D4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_F578E2213E64AD9BC844FB8FD6BD54A9_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_59B54AEFD16052F5B1EBE6B006072AE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeAxis_47CA36B78A1C56A780CA2B2ADCBF7D4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_59B54AEFD16052F5B1EBE6B006072AE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsMember_EBFA2244A4765A1796890657012485C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenTypeDomain_59B54AEFD16052F5B1EBE6B006072AE7" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OpenCostlessCollarContractsMember_EBFA2244A4765A1796890657012485C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenScheduleOfInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenScheduleOfInvestmentsTextBlock_2FB4B5C04E8C5E019273D21462B4D9F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenLineItems_734DB1E130AE5206A127F3EE64ABB740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenScheduleOfInvestmentsTextBlock_2FB4B5C04E8C5E019273D21462B4D9F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeAssetsAtFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeAssetsAtFairValueTableTextBlock_8987F7351C5B585DB577748C4C91C30F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenLineItems_734DB1E130AE5206A127F3EE64ABB740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeAssetsAtFairValueTableTextBlock_8987F7351C5B585DB577748C4C91C30F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_D540C774EE50538C9CDD7BBB5BC8FE15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OpenOptionContractsWrittenLineItems_734DB1E130AE5206A127F3EE64ABB740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_D540C774EE50538C9CDD7BBB5BC8FE15" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/Equity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/EquityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_4CBE42E805E8BCDB98210DC844E8EEA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_4CBE42E805E8BCDB98210DC844E8EEA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_CB7A5594DF2E650595110DC844E80E3A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_4CBE42E805E8BCDB98210DC844E8EEA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_CB7A5594DF2E650595110DC844E80E3A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_CB7A5594DF2E650595110DC844E80E3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_4CBE42E805E8BCDB98210DC844E8EEA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_CB7A5594DF2E650595110DC844E80E3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_PropertyContributionMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_PropertyContributionMember_8D216FDA62D755C81BE50DC844E81225" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_CB7A5594DF2E650595110DC844E80E3A" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_PropertyContributionMember_8D216FDA62D755C81BE50DC844E81225" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_DF19CC7ADD2B97868CCF0DC844E98245" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_DF19CC7ADD2B97868CCF0DC844E98245" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_4494B3E2CDFB3769B39A0DC844EA48DA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_DF19CC7ADD2B97868CCF0DC844E98245" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_4494B3E2CDFB3769B39A0DC844EA48DA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_4494B3E2CDFB3769B39A0DC844EA48DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_DF19CC7ADD2B97868CCF0DC844E98245" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_4494B3E2CDFB3769B39A0DC844EA48DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_7FDE23A673AE315D00140DC844EA9495" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_4494B3E2CDFB3769B39A0DC844EA48DA" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_7FDE23A673AE315D00140DC844EA9495" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_418FD03ACE79093737250DC844EAD122" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_4494B3E2CDFB3769B39A0DC844EA48DA" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_418FD03ACE79093737250DC844EAD122" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_3A9F8650E64B91DA921C0DC844EA2787" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_3A9F8650E64B91DA921C0DC844EA2787" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_5469B6B2FB95DAEEC77E0DC844EA9CB6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_3A9F8650E64B91DA921C0DC844EA2787" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_5469B6B2FB95DAEEC77E0DC844EA9CB6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_5469B6B2FB95DAEEC77E0DC844EA9CB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_3A9F8650E64B91DA921C0DC844EA2787" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_5469B6B2FB95DAEEC77E0DC844EA9CB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_DD3CBC9FB107FBBB07CF0DC844EFABD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_5469B6B2FB95DAEEC77E0DC844EA9CB6" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_DD3CBC9FB107FBBB07CF0DC844EFABD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D0271753E173848C32CE0DC844EF52ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D0271753E173848C32CE0DC844EF52ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_81BAD09EA30BC42E20260DC844EF0A6B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D0271753E173848C32CE0DC844EF52ED" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_81BAD09EA30BC42E20260DC844EF0A6B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_81BAD09EA30BC42E20260DC844EF0A6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D0271753E173848C32CE0DC844EF52ED" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_81BAD09EA30BC42E20260DC844EF0A6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_FivePointMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_FivePointMember_483BDB40214B44F64CCF0DC844EFAE7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_81BAD09EA30BC42E20260DC844EF0A6B" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_FivePointMember_483BDB40214B44F64CCF0DC844EFAE7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_MatadorResourcesCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_MatadorResourcesCompanyMember_31FB6AFC54B8DC7F7E730DC844EF4E40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_81BAD09EA30BC42E20260DC844EF0A6B" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_MatadorResourcesCompanyMember_31FB6AFC54B8DC7F7E730DC844EF4E40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_FDC750E6A036E47392FD0DC844EF1D09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_FDC750E6A036E47392FD0DC844EF1D09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_DF80E4A6D5C8D0FFAF330DC844EF04E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_FDC750E6A036E47392FD0DC844EF1D09" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_DF80E4A6D5C8D0FFAF330DC844EF04E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_DF80E4A6D5C8D0FFAF330DC844EF04E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_FDC750E6A036E47392FD0DC844EF1D09" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_DF80E4A6D5C8D0FFAF330DC844EF04E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_8F93899F974C16C6734C0DC844EF97B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_DF80E4A6D5C8D0FFAF330DC844EF04E4" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_8F93899F974C16C6734C0DC844EF97B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CD4E81779A0504CA1E7B0DC844EF1DA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CD4E81779A0504CA1E7B0DC844EF1DA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7D633EE764A2BE4F37FD0DC844EFB109_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CD4E81779A0504CA1E7B0DC844EF1DA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7D633EE764A2BE4F37FD0DC844EFB109_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7D633EE764A2BE4F37FD0DC844EFB109" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CD4E81779A0504CA1E7B0DC844EF1DA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7D633EE764A2BE4F37FD0DC844EFB109" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_74923FCCF7B7F7CA64ED0DC844EF97BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7D633EE764A2BE4F37FD0DC844EFB109" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_74923FCCF7B7F7CA64ED0DC844EF97BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CE9B29343F30943BAA870DC844F331AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CE9B29343F30943BAA870DC844F331AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E6BAB5197C0086FBAA7E0DC844F38997_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CE9B29343F30943BAA870DC844F331AD" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E6BAB5197C0086FBAA7E0DC844F38997_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E6BAB5197C0086FBAA7E0DC844F38997" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CE9B29343F30943BAA870DC844F331AD" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E6BAB5197C0086FBAA7E0DC844F38997" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SanMateoMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMember_6A5865BB2EBFB99A56EB0DC844F3D046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E6BAB5197C0086FBAA7E0DC844F38997" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMember_6A5865BB2EBFB99A56EB0DC844F3D046" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_6697A912056BDD06341D0DC844F3EB79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E6BAB5197C0086FBAA7E0DC844F38997" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SanMateoMidstreamMember_6697A912056BDD06341D0DC844F3EB79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_63031F39690581B271470DC844F392F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2C21FA270EAA0CD9FC200DC844E80130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_63031F39690581B271470DC844F392F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4543EE7318EFF435B4800DC844F39F0A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_63031F39690581B271470DC844F392F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4543EE7318EFF435B4800DC844F39F0A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4543EE7318EFF435B4800DC844F39F0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_63031F39690581B271470DC844F392F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4543EE7318EFF435B4800DC844F39F0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_9BF2F0A7D1B6176CFDFF0DC844F395E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4543EE7318EFF435B4800DC844F39F0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_9BF2F0A7D1B6176CFDFF0DC844F395E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_PerformanceBasedStockUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_PerformanceBasedStockUnitsMember_94A694C0938BB08F867C0DC844F39D88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4543EE7318EFF435B4800DC844F39F0A" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_PerformanceBasedStockUnitsMember_94A694C0938BB08F867C0DC844F39D88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_ServiceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsToBeSettledInCashMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_ServiceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsToBeSettledInCashMember_8AC6D4571A64C80CB9BF0DC844F321E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4543EE7318EFF435B4800DC844F39F0A" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_ServiceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsToBeSettledInCashMember_8AC6D4571A64C80CB9BF0DC844F321E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_ServiceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_ServiceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember_CB0E5B7C405D078A58AD0DC844F32C1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4543EE7318EFF435B4800DC844F39F0A" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_ServiceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember_CB0E5B7C405D078A58AD0DC844F32C1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_B385142C772D03E048930DC844F3F67F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_B385142C772D03E048930DC844F3F67F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_5540CF77D7AC303418740DC844F3FB2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_5540CF77D7AC303418740DC844F3FB2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_B4B3116977E14717D75D0DC844F3A5D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_B4B3116977E14717D75D0DC844F3A5D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_B3E7786E1E244C342BF50DC844F791C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_B3E7786E1E244C342BF50DC844F791C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsandRestrictedStockGrantsInPeriodFairValue" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsandRestrictedStockGrantsInPeriodFairValue_E3A69D77A6D7AFC0CAF30DC844F7D8C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsandRestrictedStockGrantsInPeriodFairValue_E3A69D77A6D7AFC0CAF30DC844F7D8C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_888E621F246CD9F97BF50DC844F7E123" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_888E621F246CD9F97BF50DC844F7E123" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_D3E52F5128BD4AF4628A0DC844F7EBB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_D3E52F5128BD4AF4628A0DC844F7EBB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_FF230E5967638FB931DE0DC844F7B88B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_FF230E5967638FB931DE0DC844F7B88B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_EquityMethodInvestmentDeferredPerformanceIncentives" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_EquityMethodInvestmentDeferredPerformanceIncentives_F97D8324445DA41AAC040DC844F73CA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_EquityMethodInvestmentDeferredPerformanceIncentives_F97D8324445DA41AAC040DC844F73CA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_EquityMethodInvestmentDeferredPerformanceIncentivesTerm" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_EquityMethodInvestmentDeferredPerformanceIncentivesTerm_8A2B1FAF1E8602A1527C0DC844F7E5C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_EquityMethodInvestmentDeferredPerformanceIncentivesTerm_8A2B1FAF1E8602A1527C0DC844F7E5C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_39F56BBF85FA991727000DC844F7BC02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_39F56BBF85FA991727000DC844F7BC02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_EquityMethodInvestmentDeferredPerformanceIncentivesAmountRecognized" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_EquityMethodInvestmentDeferredPerformanceIncentivesAmountRecognized_9627C9E4C3B181662C2D0DC844F709C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_14808855E1764792B06D0DC844F38DBC" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_EquityMethodInvestmentDeferredPerformanceIncentivesAmountRecognized_9627C9E4C3B181662C2D0DC844F709C7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_C87209DECF355797ABFBACDCD937C7FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_A3AB8028E4C05B15BE366F5C4148D792" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_C87209DECF355797ABFBACDCD937C7FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_A3AB8028E4C05B15BE366F5C4148D792" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2F59A80B4DE05529A601801530D4A6C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_A3AB8028E4C05B15BE366F5C4148D792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2F59A80B4DE05529A601801530D4A6C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_3EEA353BC9AC0F1A50BEFB8FD6EC12C4_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2F59A80B4DE05529A601801530D4A6C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_3EEA353BC9AC0F1A50BEFB8FD6EC12C4_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2D8DBA2636FB5578A25FE26421CBC8B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2F59A80B4DE05529A601801530D4A6C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2D8DBA2636FB5578A25FE26421CBC8B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_BD044781688E5DE9A7DCE18958CC1669" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2D8DBA2636FB5578A25FE26421CBC8B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_BD044781688E5DE9A7DCE18958CC1669" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8BD3725B852A53B3B207F1237E1FC813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_A3AB8028E4C05B15BE366F5C4148D792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8BD3725B852A53B3B207F1237E1FC813" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_B88557709C93C615490EFB8FD6ECE941_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8BD3725B852A53B3B207F1237E1FC813" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_B88557709C93C615490EFB8FD6ECE941_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1C00B3EA7FEF590E90035D24E1E9A392" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8BD3725B852A53B3B207F1237E1FC813" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1C00B3EA7FEF590E90035D24E1E9A392" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_93763F9F1FD15088B3653956A927CF82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1C00B3EA7FEF590E90035D24E1E9A392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_93763F9F1FD15088B3653956A927CF82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_A58DD344C2C953EB892930F081B2D227" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1C00B3EA7FEF590E90035D24E1E9A392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_A58DD344C2C953EB892930F081B2D227" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_4B7A82B347BB5D96A37EC73E00936255" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1C00B3EA7FEF590E90035D24E1E9A392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_4B7A82B347BB5D96A37EC73E00936255" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNetAbstract_FB877550B968547E8E196B8CC56A9A58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_C87209DECF355797ABFBACDCD937C7FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNetAbstract_FB877550B968547E8E196B8CC56A9A58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_AssetLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_AssetLiabilitiesAbstract_594E26BF9C845B6490EF03F09D56E227" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNetAbstract_FB877550B968547E8E196B8CC56A9A58" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_AssetLiabilitiesAbstract_594E26BF9C845B6490EF03F09D56E227" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_02532194A89A5A53A2106CC46A5F660E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_AssetLiabilitiesAbstract_594E26BF9C845B6490EF03F09D56E227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_02532194A89A5A53A2106CC46A5F660E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_0CD3C62ABE2D57778DCE52FACEA49C02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_AssetLiabilitiesAbstract_594E26BF9C845B6490EF03F09D56E227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_0CD3C62ABE2D57778DCE52FACEA49C02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_1D23DCCECBD55DBF927C5C7E5F780C9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_AssetLiabilitiesAbstract_594E26BF9C845B6490EF03F09D56E227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_1D23DCCECBD55DBF927C5C7E5F780C9E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_0448A2BBDC9B53758B02876ABAF2B30E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_7209C84CFFB756548BA2FF7E024C8431" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_0448A2BBDC9B53758B02876ABAF2B30E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_7209C84CFFB756548BA2FF7E024C8431" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_06EC0CC7979B55DAA19924F40156CD17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_7209C84CFFB756548BA2FF7E024C8431" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_06EC0CC7979B55DAA19924F40156CD17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DEE0D14FCD7D18B2E96FFB8FD72A30FC_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_06EC0CC7979B55DAA19924F40156CD17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DEE0D14FCD7D18B2E96FFB8FD72A30FC_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7F64427B47B054A5B3B9845E6BDB953A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_06EC0CC7979B55DAA19924F40156CD17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7F64427B47B054A5B3B9845E6BDB953A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SeniorNotesDue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SeniorNotesDue2023Member_D620EAAE69DB58E28B61A62063DDC316" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7F64427B47B054A5B3B9845E6BDB953A" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SeniorNotesDue2023Member_D620EAAE69DB58E28B61A62063DDC316" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_827C93C2B6AA53C4AA169F98891E223F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_7209C84CFFB756548BA2FF7E024C8431" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_827C93C2B6AA53C4AA169F98891E223F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_25F94CA41F47C5CE4A76FB8FD72A039A_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_827C93C2B6AA53C4AA169F98891E223F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_25F94CA41F47C5CE4A76FB8FD72A039A_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FC653F34E07E53A295AE3F6D3990EA86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_827C93C2B6AA53C4AA169F98891E223F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FC653F34E07E53A295AE3F6D3990EA86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_A2814B70EBA7550FABEE1BFC5A800AE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FC653F34E07E53A295AE3F6D3990EA86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_A2814B70EBA7550FABEE1BFC5A800AE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure_4DF01BEA9AF35FAE9BC59D345087F7D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_0448A2BBDC9B53758B02876ABAF2B30E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure_4DF01BEA9AF35FAE9BC59D345087F7D7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesBalanceSheetInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesComponentsOfLeaseExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_D2D600450D7F5C7BA77B234CA9E46F20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_2D890EDD0FA1533B8637E3AD618B9FF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_D2D600450D7F5C7BA77B234CA9E46F20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_2D890EDD0FA1533B8637E3AD618B9FF5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_D3837076D3E4570FA04F81187B1C5049" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_2D890EDD0FA1533B8637E3AD618B9FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_D3837076D3E4570FA04F81187B1C5049" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_AE199C91BD41B5E85B734520FA0814B2_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_D3837076D3E4570FA04F81187B1C5049" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_AE199C91BD41B5E85B734520FA0814B2_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_91026AC9149D5982AA69FA9C54B97102" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsAxis_D3837076D3E4570FA04F81187B1C5049" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_91026AC9149D5982AA69FA9C54B97102" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DrillingRigLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DrillingRigLeasesMember_869F51B9B654599BAC4988867ABBCB70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_91026AC9149D5982AA69FA9C54B97102" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DrillingRigLeasesMember_869F51B9B654599BAC4988867ABBCB70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DrillingRigLeasesAndOtherEquipmentRentalsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DrillingRigLeasesAndOtherEquipmentRentalsMember_35CDEEB6BE745078918CA0D00B3ECCF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasDeliveryCommitmentsAndContractsOilProducingPropertyDomain_91026AC9149D5982AA69FA9C54B97102" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DrillingRigLeasesAndOtherEquipmentRentalsMember_35CDEEB6BE745078918CA0D00B3ECCF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D6A1693B748156F5934304C45071E73B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_2D890EDD0FA1533B8637E3AD618B9FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D6A1693B748156F5934304C45071E73B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_57CEA12E524D007E245F4520FA091F98_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D6A1693B748156F5934304C45071E73B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_57CEA12E524D007E245F4520FA091F98_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B02C579416AA5A02BC9078DAE3FB3FDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D6A1693B748156F5934304C45071E73B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B02C579416AA5A02BC9078DAE3FB3FDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OperatingLeaseExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OperatingLeaseExpenseMember_54D1828480FE597BBE84CD1307C178FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B02C579416AA5A02BC9078DAE3FB3FDA" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OperatingLeaseExpenseMember_54D1828480FE597BBE84CD1307C178FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasServiceMember_BE57B3DA17F052018B1F083B422859FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B02C579416AA5A02BC9078DAE3FB3FDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasServiceMember_BE57B3DA17F052018B1F083B422859FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_E272E9BFDC675C32B5D362E4C1D45A6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B02C579416AA5A02BC9078DAE3FB3FDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_E272E9BFDC675C32B5D362E4C1D45A6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_7680479FB02253D281A8DB5A5695F60C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_D2D600450D7F5C7BA77B234CA9E46F20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_7680479FB02253D281A8DB5A5695F60C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_4FC2905BD0E15EE7BD3B615D11B787DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_D2D600450D7F5C7BA77B234CA9E46F20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_4FC2905BD0E15EE7BD3B615D11B787DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_8E4817CFC3A157719CD8E166B2F0C98B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_D2D600450D7F5C7BA77B234CA9E46F20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_8E4817CFC3A157719CD8E166B2F0C98B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_6B2B1458DF725403BCC1D7784FEB0ACF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_8E4817CFC3A157719CD8E166B2F0C98B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_6B2B1458DF725403BCC1D7784FEB0ACF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_1B1D9FFC66725CFCB14CFD30FF8ED6FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_8E4817CFC3A157719CD8E166B2F0C98B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_1B1D9FFC66725CFCB14CFD30FF8ED6FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_FinanceLeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_FinanceLeaseCost_00CB770565BB5CCA89E0E6AFF9E05B2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_8E4817CFC3A157719CD8E166B2F0C98B" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_FinanceLeaseCost_00CB770565BB5CCA89E0E6AFF9E05B2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_3C3CF23A1E9C5623A6D627D4FAB6258A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_D2D600450D7F5C7BA77B234CA9E46F20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_3C3CF23A1E9C5623A6D627D4FAB6258A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OtherPaymentsForLeases" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OtherPaymentsForLeases_7250B62757265DE8AF8952A91A79D387" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_D2D600450D7F5C7BA77B234CA9E46F20" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OtherPaymentsForLeases_7250B62757265DE8AF8952A91A79D387" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesDisclosureUnderTopic840Details" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesLeasePaymentMaturityScheduleDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesLeaseTermsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/NatureOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A3DCB4E60D9D8A99DC330DC843BA2B04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A3DCB4E60D9D8A99DC330DC843BA2B04" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_5CB770FA02E40EF630960DC843BA716F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A3DCB4E60D9D8A99DC330DC843BA2B04" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_5CB770FA02E40EF630960DC843BA716F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_56A992EE9010022840820DC843BA1809_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_5CB770FA02E40EF630960DC843BA716F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_56A992EE9010022840820DC843BA1809_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_56A992EE9010022840820DC843BA1809" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_5CB770FA02E40EF630960DC843BA716F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_56A992EE9010022840820DC843BA1809" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasMember_ED45A875E3F68388D09D0DC843BA63F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_56A992EE9010022840820DC843BA1809" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasMember_ED45A875E3F68388D09D0DC843BA63F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamMember_991321B607F2C51130240DC843BF1C4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_56A992EE9010022840820DC843BA1809" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamMember_991321B607F2C51130240DC843BF1C4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_NaturalGasSalesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasSalesMember_02CA1BA2CBA2DB70485B0DC843BF949D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_56A992EE9010022840820DC843BA1809" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasSalesMember_02CA1BA2CBA2DB70485B0DC843BF949D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_EEC0101A770A0EB1B6770DC843BF91D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A3DCB4E60D9D8A99DC330DC843BA2B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_EEC0101A770A0EB1B6770DC843BF91D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E416945C9DF86F2026A70DC843BF4229_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_EEC0101A770A0EB1B6770DC843BF91D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E416945C9DF86F2026A70DC843BF4229_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E416945C9DF86F2026A70DC843BF4229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_EEC0101A770A0EB1B6770DC843BF91D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E416945C9DF86F2026A70DC843BF4229" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossMember_0B2B946A56852D0ECE100DC843BFE81B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E416945C9DF86F2026A70DC843BF4229" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossMember_0B2B946A56852D0ECE100DC843BFE81B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B76675113A2B546CD4B60DC843BF1536" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A3DCB4E60D9D8A99DC330DC843BA2B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B76675113A2B546CD4B60DC843BF1536" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_21385364A6C29ED602880DC843BF00BC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B76675113A2B546CD4B60DC843BF1536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_21385364A6C29ED602880DC843BF00BC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_21385364A6C29ED602880DC843BF00BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B76675113A2B546CD4B60DC843BF1536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_21385364A6C29ED602880DC843BF00BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_ExplorationandProductionSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_ExplorationandProductionSegmentMember_B6B741F8D949660E4E9B0DC843BFCB1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_21385364A6C29ED602880DC843BF00BC" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_ExplorationandProductionSegmentMember_B6B741F8D949660E4E9B0DC843BFCB1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_MidstreamSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_MidstreamSegmentMember_CCC7AAAABBDBE9D4948F0DC843BF5A98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_21385364A6C29ED602880DC843BF00BC" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_MidstreamSegmentMember_CCC7AAAABBDBE9D4948F0DC843BF5A98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_FB12C41CE2EC83FE118A0DC843C3D252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A3DCB4E60D9D8A99DC330DC843BA2B04" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_FB12C41CE2EC83FE118A0DC843C3D252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1663843D57CEDED851620DC843C44668_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_FB12C41CE2EC83FE118A0DC843C3D252" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1663843D57CEDED851620DC843C44668_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1663843D57CEDED851620DC843C44668" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_FB12C41CE2EC83FE118A0DC843C3D252" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1663843D57CEDED851620DC843C44668" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_F1EAAA6617F5F409028F0DC843C487FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1663843D57CEDED851620DC843C44668" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_F1EAAA6617F5F409028F0DC843C487FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_16DC80C464DDE1A465380DC843C43221" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1663843D57CEDED851620DC843C44668" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_16DC80C464DDE1A465380DC843C43221" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_29052AE5A367A939E8E60DC843C4CB31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1663843D57CEDED851620DC843C44668" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_29052AE5A367A939E8E60DC843C4CB31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_80837C129677F615BFFE0DC843C57F53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_80837C129677F615BFFE0DC843C57F53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_LeaseBonusMineralAcreageIncome" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_LeaseBonusMineralAcreageIncome_78E3357C02E65EE895960DD5D8476774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_LeaseBonusMineralAcreageIncome_78E3357C02E65EE895960DD5D8476774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_AD12460CB8ADA4F278210DC843C55A08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_AD12460CB8ADA4F278210DC843C55A08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_E6081893E2F84F5F2BD50DC843C5D1BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_E6081893E2F84F5F2BD50DC843C5D1BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_47E78645A30AC6627EB70DC843C5474D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_47E78645A30AC6627EB70DC843C5474D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_DE4555A64F4B0884328E0DC843C51B9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_DE4555A64F4B0884328E0DC843C51B9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_35E2D51DAAC6F813D05E0DC843C53FF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_35E2D51DAAC6F813D05E0DC843C53FF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_F590457725040B80B6350DC843C53090" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_F590457725040B80B6350DC843C53090" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_3DCF18E4184F9CC0CF0A0DC843C57AFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_3DCF18E4184F9CC0CF0A0DC843C57AFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_FAEA9B33700940DB75F40DC843C5546A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_FAEA9B33700940DB75F40DC843C5546A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B1340F3628BE858A10BC0DC843C5801C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B1340F3628BE858A10BC0DC843C5801C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_PaymentstoAcquireProductiveAssetsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_PaymentstoAcquireProductiveAssetsNoncontrollingInterest_825D9A6EDF6D3B5404430DC843C58036" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_PaymentstoAcquireProductiveAssetsNoncontrollingInterest_825D9A6EDF6D3B5404430DC843C58036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssetsLandAndSeismicAcquisitionExpenditures" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssetsLandAndSeismicAcquisitionExpenditures_50346F12FDB562B3A1D80DC843C52967" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_642AE41BE45FAF3CC9270DC843C46CE4" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssetsLandAndSeismicAcquisitionExpenditures_50346F12FDB562B3A1D80DC843C52967" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SubsidiaryGuarantors" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SubsidiaryGuarantorsConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_E49D7F47585E5147BEEAC83DF086E798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_E49D7F47585E5147BEEAC83DF086E798" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3C03AA5D560F56358BB23B1F8399A23E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_E49D7F47585E5147BEEAC83DF086E798" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3C03AA5D560F56358BB23B1F8399A23E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_97E60478300EFB40E492FB8FD7593121_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3C03AA5D560F56358BB23B1F8399A23E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_97E60478300EFB40E492FB8FD7593121_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_FADD8FBF744A5C41975D7AE75E816857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3C03AA5D560F56358BB23B1F8399A23E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_FADD8FBF744A5C41975D7AE75E816857" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_667E0DC7C36258088CE4EB19CFB48B25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_FADD8FBF744A5C41975D7AE75E816857" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_667E0DC7C36258088CE4EB19CFB48B25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_063CF553C6525CD79ED7E750A3D3A8F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_FADD8FBF744A5C41975D7AE75E816857" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_063CF553C6525CD79ED7E750A3D3A8F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_4EEC87652549527E8247A761F38F488E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_FADD8FBF744A5C41975D7AE75E816857" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_4EEC87652549527E8247A761F38F488E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_BFC8F1B622AF569AB490469009ED1F86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_E49D7F47585E5147BEEAC83DF086E798" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_BFC8F1B622AF569AB490469009ED1F86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_4FEE6D90EEF674E2CD37FB8FD7597C05_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_BFC8F1B622AF569AB490469009ED1F86" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_4FEE6D90EEF674E2CD37FB8FD7597C05_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_530C278FB0175F72A1B38A4FFF2AB30E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_BFC8F1B622AF569AB490469009ED1F86" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_530C278FB0175F72A1B38A4FFF2AB30E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_8572620B62AE572286C52C50E5D52E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_530C278FB0175F72A1B38A4FFF2AB30E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_8572620B62AE572286C52C50E5D52E01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_C33875031DA25921BD3E42CD9D03AF19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_530C278FB0175F72A1B38A4FFF2AB30E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_C33875031DA25921BD3E42CD9D03AF19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_61D34F7F1B535B1C9E40C7DDCA51C5D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_61D34F7F1B535B1C9E40C7DDCA51C5D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_ReceivablesIntercompany" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_ReceivablesIntercompany_D3D054EB290B5C8D9481B3AB28AECF79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_ReceivablesIntercompany_D3D054EB290B5C8D9481B3AB28AECF79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_9474D5D1864C59CCA6EE08FAC32B1980" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_9474D5D1864C59CCA6EE08FAC32B1980" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_CB5B136C53C05E5DA33A079D9C900F92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_CB5B136C53C05E5DA33A079D9C900F92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_A8FA798C7C6257529E4DB6F2290D339F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_A8FA798C7C6257529E4DB6F2290D339F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_928B0BF805F95650A4CA4AFCB2136D7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_928B0BF805F95650A4CA4AFCB2136D7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_8449A58EBA62572C89BCBD7BE2F1F140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_8449A58EBA62572C89BCBD7BE2F1F140" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_PayablesIntercompany" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_PayablesIntercompany_D45DC73C33EC553284CBADB579D8A612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_PayablesIntercompany_D45DC73C33EC553284CBADB579D8A612" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesCurrent_ED7F42FDBFEF53FDA8D3F0937598443C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesCurrent_ED7F42FDBFEF53FDA8D3F0937598443C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt_E53F8C6F81D75BABBF99E123975CED35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt_E53F8C6F81D75BABBF99E123975CED35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_C12EA871B1F75C5BB07F39D24C955D48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_C12EA871B1F75C5BB07F39D24C955D48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_F9B7041B3BCE53F893C1F5191437974B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_F9B7041B3BCE53F893C1F5191437974B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_BDCBBDA51BA75180A412EA250786B5CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_BDCBBDA51BA75180A412EA250786B5CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_7E54FE38BED951799800AB75196A9182" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_40B5384B24815750B26B2126E9FA0A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_7E54FE38BED951799800AB75196A9182" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SubsidiaryGuarantorsConsolidatedCashFlowDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_63FB5B1DEA5855C881ED68AB57F6F648" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_43ACF9E949535C99B443ABD5D541985F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_63FB5B1DEA5855C881ED68AB57F6F648" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_43ACF9E949535C99B443ABD5D541985F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_2555E714633750599710FD520BE9DFD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_43ACF9E949535C99B443ABD5D541985F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_2555E714633750599710FD520BE9DFD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4151EB6C101C585D137C45249611DB60_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_2555E714633750599710FD520BE9DFD5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4151EB6C101C585D137C45249611DB60_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8C07EF8DC5D52ACA34B360C9DD83E5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_2555E714633750599710FD520BE9DFD5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8C07EF8DC5D52ACA34B360C9DD83E5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_5288BCD2DA975A8EBF300BFB5A7009E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8C07EF8DC5D52ACA34B360C9DD83E5F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_5288BCD2DA975A8EBF300BFB5A7009E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_85CE9ABB0C3759EAAD30809B15569BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8C07EF8DC5D52ACA34B360C9DD83E5F" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_85CE9ABB0C3759EAAD30809B15569BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3CDF0DBE9C11594D8471D3FC3D331B5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8C07EF8DC5D52ACA34B360C9DD83E5F" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3CDF0DBE9C11594D8471D3FC3D331B5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B8B166FE13125763A7E278CC18A2FDFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_43ACF9E949535C99B443ABD5D541985F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B8B166FE13125763A7E278CC18A2FDFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_093F1DB0969B9DB98D00452496129DA0_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B8B166FE13125763A7E278CC18A2FDFA" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_093F1DB0969B9DB98D00452496129DA0_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_394B084F7EC751469BC7468252AB8333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B8B166FE13125763A7E278CC18A2FDFA" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_394B084F7EC751469BC7468252AB8333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_4F10B495C3175F64BEE62C02D3B43518" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_394B084F7EC751469BC7468252AB8333" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_4F10B495C3175F64BEE62C02D3B43518" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_699F238B0FE454B39CA4B402270C2305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_394B084F7EC751469BC7468252AB8333" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_699F238B0FE454B39CA4B402270C2305" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_7E49B6EBB7F359A488A3B2B85A5384CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_63FB5B1DEA5855C881ED68AB57F6F648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_7E49B6EBB7F359A488A3B2B85A5384CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_1452CCE44EC45774A393C41AB0CBFBB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_63FB5B1DEA5855C881ED68AB57F6F648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_1452CCE44EC45774A393C41AB0CBFBB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_22D7D9470FF05115AF8B6D7AA93E3A5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_63FB5B1DEA5855C881ED68AB57F6F648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_22D7D9470FF05115AF8B6D7AA93E3A5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_551EA7B455DA5C129A70E4406197FAE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_63FB5B1DEA5855C881ED68AB57F6F648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_551EA7B455DA5C129A70E4406197FAE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_9355CE85D523576C95573C55492238AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_63FB5B1DEA5855C881ED68AB57F6F648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_9355CE85D523576C95573C55492238AF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SubsidiaryGuarantorsConsolidatedIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_9CA3AABEE13AFEAF02CB19682AE7F150" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_9CA3AABEE13AFEAF02CB19682AE7F150" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_6FF2D5E4A8086048E25719682AE74819" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_9CA3AABEE13AFEAF02CB19682AE7F150" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_6FF2D5E4A8086048E25719682AE74819" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A4CD6DC51949DFF4663F19682AE8B2B0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_6FF2D5E4A8086048E25719682AE74819" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A4CD6DC51949DFF4663F19682AE8B2B0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A4CD6DC51949DFF4663F19682AE8B2B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_6FF2D5E4A8086048E25719682AE74819" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A4CD6DC51949DFF4663F19682AE8B2B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_B551F20F323CBEC3E54819682AE8C1B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A4CD6DC51949DFF4663F19682AE8B2B0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_B551F20F323CBEC3E54819682AE8C1B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_1AE3A1AC1F67FC6547C819682AE893A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A4CD6DC51949DFF4663F19682AE8B2B0" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_1AE3A1AC1F67FC6547C819682AE893A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_35E2DC824C1A0DF1CAC119682AE8B1B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A4CD6DC51949DFF4663F19682AE8B2B0" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_35E2DC824C1A0DF1CAC119682AE8B1B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_361EB7F1A1F35E1C4A9819682AE82679" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_9CA3AABEE13AFEAF02CB19682AE7F150" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_361EB7F1A1F35E1C4A9819682AE82679" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_E60EB1D0AAF13167169019682AE923B4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_361EB7F1A1F35E1C4A9819682AE82679" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_E60EB1D0AAF13167169019682AE923B4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_E60EB1D0AAF13167169019682AE923B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_361EB7F1A1F35E1C4A9819682AE82679" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_E60EB1D0AAF13167169019682AE923B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_6420F1419398B7FE47C019682AE9662C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_E60EB1D0AAF13167169019682AE923B4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_6420F1419398B7FE47C019682AE9662C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_2A046D84D126EF9B633919682AE90E57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_E60EB1D0AAF13167169019682AE923B4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_2A046D84D126EF9B633919682AE90E57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_3D5C95864E7B2D45C06519682AE99172" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_3D5C95864E7B2D45C06519682AE99172" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4A540739F9605286168819682AEAD253" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4A540739F9605286168819682AEAD253" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_7A66F1A7ABCB0785375D19682AEAFE78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_7A66F1A7ABCB0785375D19682AEAFE78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_F7192E19199FD3F84EB219682AEA6832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_F7192E19199FD3F84EB219682AEA6832" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OtherIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OtherIncomeExpense_6922FD804008D8F55A35196C7A32F50E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OtherIncomeExpense_6922FD804008D8F55A35196C7A32F50E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesBeforeTax_83BDB5B891D0A6CA37F919682AEABAE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesBeforeTax_83BDB5B891D0A6CA37F919682AEABAE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_A9AD17C82D56EA9A9A1319682AEBC7F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_A9AD17C82D56EA9A9A1319682AEBC7F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_18341F84A7472EF8DF6B19682AEBC9C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_18341F84A7472EF8DF6B19682AEBC9C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C99A2421912FBD383FD319682AEBCE31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C99A2421912FBD383FD319682AEBCE31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_00E7F4E874A742CAF55819682AEB8EC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_00E7F4E874A742CAF55819682AEB8EC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_4204389DF232CEF80D7319682AEB0829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8954F0F67DEFC72D9B8A19682AE91041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_4204389DF232CEF80D7319682AEB0829" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetailsTextual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0C6C4CB8381F7FFA6C080DC8464DBD1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1EDABBD9A7344E28B0D10DC8464D4A13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0C6C4CB8381F7FFA6C080DC8464DBD1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1EDABBD9A7344E28B0D10DC8464D4A13" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F445411694CE740254A40DC8464DB75B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1EDABBD9A7344E28B0D10DC8464D4A13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F445411694CE740254A40DC8464DB75B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2529622EC75A2DC328B50DC8464D4C51_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F445411694CE740254A40DC8464DB75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2529622EC75A2DC328B50DC8464D4C51_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2529622EC75A2DC328B50DC8464D4C51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F445411694CE740254A40DC8464DB75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2529622EC75A2DC328B50DC8464D4C51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_95A9BACE64EA31D281830DC8464D5DDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2529622EC75A2DC328B50DC8464D4C51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_95A9BACE64EA31D281830DC8464D5DDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_E2B30643C80495D162FE0DC8464DD5B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1EDABBD9A7344E28B0D10DC8464D4A13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_E2B30643C80495D162FE0DC8464DD5B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6C972DDC433D2F083F540DC8464D0085_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_E2B30643C80495D162FE0DC8464DD5B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6C972DDC433D2F083F540DC8464D0085_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6C972DDC433D2F083F540DC8464D0085" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_E2B30643C80495D162FE0DC8464DD5B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6C972DDC433D2F083F540DC8464D0085" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E0696E266FF39F3AFFA30DC8464D1B25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6C972DDC433D2F083F540DC8464D0085" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E0696E266FF39F3AFFA30DC8464D1B25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_012E09C8D42F11D7DEBA0DC8464D729F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0C6C4CB8381F7FFA6C080DC8464DBD1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_012E09C8D42F11D7DEBA0DC8464D729F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_0DCA6786413BEACEFCE40DC8464D4F0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0C6C4CB8381F7FFA6C080DC8464DBD1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_0DCA6786413BEACEFCE40DC8464D4F0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_DiscountingRatePresentValueOfFutureRevenueFromProvedOilAndGasReserves" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_DiscountingRatePresentValueOfFutureRevenueFromProvedOilAndGasReserves_94D130EC878E992B4C9C0DC8464D8F8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0C6C4CB8381F7FFA6C080DC8464DBD1E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_DiscountingRatePresentValueOfFutureRevenueFromProvedOilAndGasReserves_94D130EC878E992B4C9C0DC8464D8F8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_84D61A59D8AE97A5470E0DC8464D1CA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0C6C4CB8381F7FFA6C080DC8464DBD1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfOilAndGasProperties_84D61A59D8AE97A5470E0DC8464D1CA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_CapitalizedGeneralAndAdministrativeCosts" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_CapitalizedGeneralAndAdministrativeCosts_0852E0960D7DA613747F0DC84651D9D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0C6C4CB8381F7FFA6C080DC8464DBD1E" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_CapitalizedGeneralAndAdministrativeCosts_0852E0960D7DA613747F0DC84651D9D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized_932FBA24834CF80620BB0DC846517933" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0C6C4CB8381F7FFA6C080DC8464DBD1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized_932FBA24834CF80620BB0DC846517933" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_F4B26AD441E9F6C88B0E0DC84651A328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0C6C4CB8381F7FFA6C080DC8464DBD1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_F4B26AD441E9F6C88B0E0DC84651A328" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDisaggregatedRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_B10899A6A35B6338A9D30DC846586C99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_E08019E2FD818DC660170DC846533FA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_B10899A6A35B6338A9D30DC846586C99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_E08019E2FD818DC660170DC846533FA9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_ED65F9DE47F3C172A3C40DC846531FF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_E08019E2FD818DC660170DC846533FA9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_ED65F9DE47F3C172A3C40DC846531FF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9DB5EDE9EEDC9C5FC9CF0DC846577041_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_ED65F9DE47F3C172A3C40DC846531FF6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9DB5EDE9EEDC9C5FC9CF0DC846577041_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9DB5EDE9EEDC9C5FC9CF0DC846577041" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_ED65F9DE47F3C172A3C40DC846531FF6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9DB5EDE9EEDC9C5FC9CF0DC846577041" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OilRevenuesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OilRevenuesMember_576D501923E1FDBD5CFA0DC846572AB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9DB5EDE9EEDC9C5FC9CF0DC846577041" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OilRevenuesMember_576D501923E1FDBD5CFA0DC846572AB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_NaturalGasRevenuesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasRevenuesMember_9424A5AAF65344CF05BC0DC846572BD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9DB5EDE9EEDC9C5FC9CF0DC846577041" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasRevenuesMember_9424A5AAF65344CF05BC0DC846572BD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamMember_C55371527311EC2963480DC846573A6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9DB5EDE9EEDC9C5FC9CF0DC846577041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamMember_C55371527311EC2963480DC846573A6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_NaturalGasSalesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasSalesMember_EB1264A799C4DD1292DC0DC846571265" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9DB5EDE9EEDC9C5FC9CF0DC846577041" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_NaturalGasSalesMember_EB1264A799C4DD1292DC0DC846571265" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OilandNaturalGasRevenuesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OilandNaturalGasRevenuesMember_578585229AED335FBE170DC8465841F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9DB5EDE9EEDC9C5FC9CF0DC846577041" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OilandNaturalGasRevenuesMember_578585229AED335FBE170DC8465841F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_39C876D32B2D80C534880DC8465807D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_B10899A6A35B6338A9D30DC846586C99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_39C876D32B2D80C534880DC8465807D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_LeaseBonusMineralAcreageIncome" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_LeaseBonusMineralAcreageIncome_3575775B6352BA14B9A00DFB032170A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_B10899A6A35B6338A9D30DC846586C99" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_LeaseBonusMineralAcreageIncome_3575775B6352BA14B9A00DFB032170A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_0A53C2272BD508033BE70DC846582E19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_B10899A6A35B6338A9D30DC846586C99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_0A53C2272BD508033BE70DC846582E19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_04B258583052B9411BDD0DC846582F3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_B10899A6A35B6338A9D30DC846586C99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_04B258583052B9411BDD0DC846582F3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1FF32EA07FB8D10BB66F0DC84658F422" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_B10899A6A35B6338A9D30DC846586C99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1FF32EA07FB8D10BB66F0DC84658F422" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosures" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SupplementalDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SupplementalDisclosuresLineItems_9109BA1955F75267827FA715D3CEA060" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_SupplementalDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_SupplementalDisclosuresTable_9AC55423C24D52DB8F61F37088CCB306" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_SupplementalDisclosuresLineItems_9109BA1955F75267827FA715D3CEA060" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_SupplementalDisclosuresTable_9AC55423C24D52DB8F61F37088CCB306" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_37EDC3DE35845508802EAC43DDB7CC09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_SupplementalDisclosuresTable_9AC55423C24D52DB8F61F37088CCB306" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_37EDC3DE35845508802EAC43DDB7CC09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9C4F250C3413ABE2935AFB8FD7E64356_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_37EDC3DE35845508802EAC43DDB7CC09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9C4F250C3413ABE2935AFB8FD7E64356_3D38BFF26D2751D19F08783CAA9C37CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_628FFD789D8C5C5CA098B084B92F1B4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_37EDC3DE35845508802EAC43DDB7CC09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_628FFD789D8C5C5CA098B084B92F1B4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_AccruedEvaluatedAndUnprovedAndUnevaluatedPropertyCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_AccruedEvaluatedAndUnprovedAndUnevaluatedPropertyCostsMember_5A4B927FD4F25D76B6A9089FD024E407" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_628FFD789D8C5C5CA098B084B92F1B4D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_AccruedEvaluatedAndUnprovedAndUnevaluatedPropertyCostsMember_5A4B927FD4F25D76B6A9089FD024E407" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_AccruedSupportEquipmentAndFacilitiesCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_AccruedSupportEquipmentAndFacilitiesCostsMember_1B4ACA13BFE8552F9203B01AA034BAE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_628FFD789D8C5C5CA098B084B92F1B4D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_AccruedSupportEquipmentAndFacilitiesCostsMember_1B4ACA13BFE8552F9203B01AA034BAE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_AccruedLeaseOperatingExpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_AccruedLeaseOperatingExpensesMember_2BBB9210FEF6528D8EC514264CECFF16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_628FFD789D8C5C5CA098B084B92F1B4D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_AccruedLeaseOperatingExpensesMember_2BBB9210FEF6528D8EC514264CECFF16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_AccruedInterestOnBorrowingsUnderCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_AccruedInterestOnBorrowingsUnderCreditAgreementMember_77C1E8667DBD520C954AF835C33137A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_628FFD789D8C5C5CA098B084B92F1B4D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_AccruedInterestOnBorrowingsUnderCreditAgreementMember_77C1E8667DBD520C954AF835C33137A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_AccruedAssetRetirementObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_AccruedAssetRetirementObligationsMember_28ACBD56474954749CF81A89736E2159" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_628FFD789D8C5C5CA098B084B92F1B4D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_AccruedAssetRetirementObligationsMember_28ACBD56474954749CF81A89736E2159" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_AccruedPartnersShareOfJointInterestChargesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_AccruedPartnersShareOfJointInterestChargesMember_FD22B2D147C3582BA67C50B2720430E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_628FFD789D8C5C5CA098B084B92F1B4D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_AccruedPartnersShareOfJointInterestChargesMember_FD22B2D147C3582BA67C50B2720430E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_OtherAccruedLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_OtherAccruedLiabilityMember_AF6D45D1D5335C9ABD96C55FFC9927E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_628FFD789D8C5C5CA098B084B92F1B4D" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_OtherAccruedLiabilityMember_AF6D45D1D5335C9ABD96C55FFC9927E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_A42FCE0ADC745119B6D093F7B3E1C75C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_mtdr_SupplementalDisclosuresLineItems_9109BA1955F75267827FA715D3CEA060" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_A42FCE0ADC745119B6D093F7B3E1C75C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D6C2FC310E8119791CFB0DC843EFC8BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_11661DD07DEC6A191B800DC843EBA5CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D6C2FC310E8119791CFB0DC843EFC8BF" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_11661DD07DEC6A191B800DC843EBA5CB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_14731F8902DF1310322A0DC843EB7BB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_11661DD07DEC6A191B800DC843EBA5CB" xlink:to="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_14731F8902DF1310322A0DC843EB7BB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1A6CDE2C8892A2A898D60DC843EB8C16_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_14731F8902DF1310322A0DC843EB7BB9" xlink:to="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1A6CDE2C8892A2A898D60DC843EB8C16_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1A6CDE2C8892A2A898D60DC843EB8C16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_14731F8902DF1310322A0DC843EB7BB9" xlink:to="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1A6CDE2C8892A2A898D60DC843EB8C16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_MineralPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_MineralPropertiesMember_9522C4A844977D7132C90DC843EF680F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1A6CDE2C8892A2A898D60DC843EB8C16" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_MineralPropertiesMember_9522C4A844977D7132C90DC843EF680F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_MidstreamPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_MidstreamPropertiesMember_893C2EC6C3BD33E8796C0DC843EFE9FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1A6CDE2C8892A2A898D60DC843EB8C16" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_MidstreamPropertiesMember_893C2EC6C3BD33E8796C0DC843EFE9FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_EA3C05657DA9C551D0AE0DC843EFDF0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D6C2FC310E8119791CFB0DC843EFC8BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_EA3C05657DA9C551D0AE0DC843EFDF0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetRetirementObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetRetirementObligations_84543CEA981B541977C90DC843F19E30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D6C2FC310E8119791CFB0DC843EFC8BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetRetirementObligations_84543CEA981B541977C90DC843F19E30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_IncreaseDecreaseinliabilitiesforoilandnaturalgasproperties" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_IncreaseDecreaseinliabilitiesforoilandnaturalgasproperties_F6B40F94E578F5EB36630DC843F1470B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D6C2FC310E8119791CFB0DC843EFC8BF" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_IncreaseDecreaseinliabilitiesforoilandnaturalgasproperties_F6B40F94E578F5EB36630DC843F1470B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilitiesForSupportEquipmentAndFacilities" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilitiesForSupportEquipmentAndFacilities_A1C1928B40DB8515EC0A0DC843F1FB54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D6C2FC310E8119791CFB0DC843EFC8BF" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilitiesForSupportEquipmentAndFacilities_A1C1928B40DB8515EC0A0DC843F1FB54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilitiesForAccruedCostToIssueSeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilitiesForAccruedCostToIssueSeniorNotes_870B432D1EF28473D7FA0DE49E64B537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D6C2FC310E8119791CFB0DC843EFC8BF" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilitiesForAccruedCostToIssueSeniorNotes_870B432D1EF28473D7FA0DE49E64B537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_TransferofInventoryFromToOilandNaturalGasProperties" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_TransferofInventoryFromToOilandNaturalGasProperties_125FA158AF23E336DE060DC843F15AD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D6C2FC310E8119791CFB0DC843EFC8BF" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_TransferofInventoryFromToOilandNaturalGasProperties_125FA158AF23E336DE060DC843F15AD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="mtdr-20190930.xsd#mtdr_Transferofinventorytootherpropertyandequipment" xlink:label="loc_mtdr_Transferofinventorytootherpropertyandequipment_2B51C8C68A409EE40A860DC843F150D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D6C2FC310E8119791CFB0DC843EFC8BF" xlink:to="loc_mtdr_Transferofinventorytootherpropertyandequipment_2B51C8C68A409EE40A860DC843F150D1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresSupplementalDisclosuresRestrictedCashReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.matadorresources.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
