UFC 141 Preview: The Main Card

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Light Heavyweights Vladimir Matyushenko (26-5, 7-3 UFC) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (12-1, 4-1 UFC)

The Matchup: It has become fashionable to label Matyushenko as a product of a bygone era given the fact that he once challenged Tito Ortiz for the light heavyweight title at UFC 33, but it would be unwise to dismiss “The Janitor” so easily. Matyushenko has quietly won four of five fights in his second UFC go around, with his only loss coming at the hands of current 205-pound champion Jon Jones.

For all the talk of his perceived lack of athleticism, the Belarusian looked explosive in dispatching Jason Brilz in 20 seconds at UFC 129. Known primarily for his wrestling chops, Matyushenko hit an uppercut followed by a straight right to drop Brilz before finishing his opponent with a barrage of hammerfists on the ground. It was his second straight stoppage inside of a round.

He will need to bring his A-game against Gustafsson, an intriguing prospect who has also won four of his last five Octagon appearances. A lanky 6-foot-5, the Swede was spectacular in earning a technical knockout victory against Matt Hamill at UFC 133, demonstrating superior speed and movement while throttling the takedowns of “The Ultimate Fighter 3” alumnus.

Matyushenko presents a similar challenge, if only with more experience. Though he demonstrated much improved striking in the win over Brilz, The Janitor will likely want to get this one to the ground as soon as possible. Gustafsson has plenty of pop and is capable of stringing together solid combinations in a standup affair. However, it is no guarantee that Matyushenko controls the action if it goes to the mat, because Gustafsson has demonstrated a willingness to take chances in order to improve position and get submissions, and he is also decent in scrambles.

The Pick: The odds are against Matyushenko wading through the attacks of Gustafsson to impose his wrestling, but it is a risk he will have to take. There is always a possibility of him landing something substantial, as he did against Brilz, but Gustafsson has more weapons at his disposal. The Stockholm native hurts Matyushenko with strikes before tapping him on the ground in the third frame.

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