UFC on Versus 2: Vladimir Matyushenko

Vladimir Matyushenko will face Jon "Bones" Jones at UFC on Versus 2 on August 1

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Not many MMA fans are aware of the history Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko has inside the UFC’s octagon. To start, he had five fights in the organization prior to rejoining in 2009, including a UFC 33 Light Heavyweight Title bout in 2001. Although unsuccessful in his previous title run, his recent back-to-back victories after his return have put this 39 year-old Belarusian back in contention.

In order to speak about title contention, “The Janitor” must first capitalize on his next challenge this August on the UFC on Versus 2 fight card. Serving as the main event, he will need to use his past experiences when taking on Jonny “Bones” Jones, one of the organization’s top prospects. If he finds a way to get past Jones, there will be little doubt as to whether he will get to the top of the light-heavyweight division and ever closer to one more title opportunity.

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Matyushenko is an accomplished wrestling athlete who typically utilizes those skills during his bouts. Many call his fights boring, however, boring or not, successful may be a better word to describe him and his career. Debuting in September 1997, he won nine of his first ten bouts before signing with the UFC in 2001. His first UFC stint lasted five bouts, as he defeated Yuki Kondo, Travis Wiuff, and Pedro Rizzo, but also included loses against Tito Ortiz and Andrei Arlovski. He split from the UFC in 2003 and didn’t return to the sport until two years later. It seems it was the right time for the decision; VMAT went on to win eight consecutive fights including one to become the first IFL Light-Heavyweight champion. The only loss after his split came in January 2009 at an Affliction event via KO against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, whom he also owns a victory against. He rejoined his former organization in late-2009 with a unanimous decision victory over Igor Pokrajac at UFC 103, followed by a split decision victory over Elliot Marshall at the first UFC on Versus event this past March. Overall, he has won eleven of his past twelve bouts.

Matyushenko is a tough, grizzled veteran who makes a living out of grinding out victories on the ground and in the clinch. His stand-up skills are adequate, his submission skills are solid, but his wrestling skills are his bread and butter. When in danger, or, when dominating his opponents, he always reverts back to his wrestling. The key for him is to stay busy and not get caught off guard with one of Jones’ flashy spinning back fists or kicks. He also must find a way to get “Bones” to the ground and put him on his back where he can control him. If that scenario plays out, VMAT will be fine; however any other scenario may spell trouble for his chances. Jones is a complete athlete who is strong and powerful, but he isn’t as experienced as his elder opponent. If experience means anything at all, it will come into play in this fight and should favor the thirteen-year veteran.

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His accomplishments speak for themselves, and whether the fans agree or disagree with the decision to give him this fight, it makes perfect sense because he has earned it. If he hasn’t earned this opportunity through his recent stint, then he has through all the years of hard work that he has put in. Lucky for him, it finally looks to be paying off.

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer