Light Heavyweight bout: Jon Jones vs. Vladimir Matyushenko
Odds: (-600 Jones /+400 Matyushenko )
In the main event of the evening, dynamic rising star Jon “Bones” Jones faces arguably his toughest challenge to date in long-time veteran Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko. Jones has looked completely unstoppable, mixing great striking and wrestling on top of his ridiculous athleticism, but Matyushenko is extremely well-rounded and experienced, with over 13 years as a professional under his bout, so this is a compelling matchup that should say a lot about where Jones stands right now.
Matyushenko, who has been competing as a professional since 1997, has put together an extremely impressive record. With only 4 losses to his 24 wins, and only one loss since 2003, Matyushenko is clearly a very formidable fighter. He has not lost to anyone outside the Top 10 in this decade, and while he hasn’t beat any big name opponents recently he does have some very nice wins over larger opposition on his resumé. What makes Matyushenko so dangerous is his well-roundedness. He has very solid boxing with decent power, quality wrestling, and good submissions and submission defense. He has also been in with some of the world’s best fighters and is unflappable during his fights.
Jon Jones, who is undefeated save for a DQ loss to Matt Hamill in a fight he was utterly dominating, may lack Matyushenko’s experience and ring savvy, but he makes up for it in size, strength, reach, power, and sheer athletic ability. Jones has crazy reach, and he uses it to set up devastating strikes. His grappling is equally impressive, with great shoot takedowns and spectacular clinch throws that he uses to set up a punishing top game. He is much stronger and quicker than Matyushenko, and will have a big reach advantage, so the only question is whether his physical gifts can compensate for Matyushenko’s edge in technique and experience.
As good as Matyushenko is, he is going to have his hands more than full with Jones. The only edge Matyushenko really has is in the submission game, but it is unlikely that he is going to be able to dictate position against Jones for even a little while. Expect Jones to dominate Matyushenko with his rangy striking before bruising him up in the clinch, taking him down, and pummeling him on top. Matyushenko is notoriously difficult to finish, and is experienced enough to keep from being totally overwhelmed, but Jones will control this in one-sided fashion and earn the unanimous decision.
Prediction: Jon “Bones” Jones via unanimous decision.
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