Vladimir Matyushenko returns to the Octagon against Igor Pokrajac at UFC 103

by MMAmania.com on Aug 12, 2009 7:30 PM EDT

Former number one light heavyweight contender Vladimir Matyushenko will return to the Octagon after a six-year hiatus to take on Igor Pokrajac at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" from the the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 19.

The promotion today announced the light heavyweight bout, finalizing its 13-fight card planned for the "Lone Star" state.

Back in Sept. 2001, Matyushenko challenged then light heavyweight champion, Tito Ortiz, at UFC 33: "Victory in Vegas," losing a five-round unanimous decision. "The Janitor" would rebound and mop up Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Travis Wiuff and Pedro Rizzo before sustaining a knockout loss to fellow Belarusian, Andrei Arlovski, at UFC 44: "Undisputed" in Sept. 2003.

He was cut lose by the promotion shortly after the loss, amassing a respectable record (3-1) during his tenure.

Matyushenko would go on to wreak havoc under the International Fight League (IFL) banner, winning six consecutive fights and earning the promotion's first-ever 205-pound belt with a unanimous decision win over Alex Schoenauer by unanimous decision to become the first ever light heavyweight champion in 2007.

The 38-year-old most recently scored a unanimous decision over Jason Lambert at "Call to Arms I" this past May. Matyushenko has won nine of 10 fights since the loss to Arlovski and will look to improve that tally when he takes on Igor Pokrajac.

Pokrajac is perhaps best known as the top sparring partner of Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, who is scheduled to co-headline UFC 103 opposite Junior dos Santos. He's not just getting a UFC shot on that alone -- he is currently enjoying an eight-fight win streak.

He most recently toppled Kalvis Gebauers via technical knockout at WFC 8: "D-Day" in April 2009. Pokrajac has faced notable opponents such as Assuerio Silva and Mamed Khalidov, but came up empty on both attempts. It's safe to say that Matyushenko will be among his toughest tests to date.

UFC 103 will feature a new-look main event between Rich "Ace" Franklin and Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort at a 195-pound catchweight. Also slated for the main card is a heavyweight tilt between former PRIDE superstar Mirko Cro Cop and surging heavyweight prospect Junior Dos Santos.

In addition, Martin Kampmann will be out to put a "hit" on Mike Swick to determine the number one contender for Georges St. Pierre’s 170-pound title.

To check out the complete UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" fight card click here.

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Comments

Wow, awesome!

by Alpha Male on Aug 12, 2009 11:40 PM EDT reply actions

for sure, this is really turning into a solid card!

by brendan(formerly a bunch of names that no one cares about) on Aug 13, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Janitor UD. I think they’re just honoring his contract.I don’t even know why they bother with Igor. He failed at his two attempts against good comp, he’s a european fighter so he’s at a severe disadvantage in the wrestling and he’s never fought on B/C level shows.

Anyone hear anything about Lil Nog fighting in the UFC. He’s the only free agent at this point that i care about.

by NameNotRequired on Aug 13, 2009 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Wow, 13 fights booked for 103? That’s some undercard. They should make this a six-fight main card like 99.

by Jeremyjackson on Aug 14, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s a possibility, they got to fill their PPV air time to the max b/c of the g@yweather fight.

by Alpha Male on Aug 14, 2009 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions

i bet half the casual fans aint even heard of Matyushenko…. but damn this is good news.

Ortiz Vs Matyushenko 2 would be sweet seeing that neither of them are gonna have any impact relevance in the LWH other than a gate keeper role

by CoNr on Aug 13, 2009 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions

NNR Pokrajac also has pretty good wrestling, altho i myself have never seen it, plus sherdog has him as a wresler/bjj guy.

but just dont assume cause he european he dont have wrestling skills… not everyone from this side of the pond is micheal bisping/kongo :P

by CoNr on Aug 13, 2009 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions

I figured i’d made am educated guess but i still Vladdy probly outwrestles him. I never trust european wrestlers unless they’re from former eastern block countries where the greco pedigree is legit. But as far as the rest – Hell Mustapha Al-Turk had ADCC and wrestling credentials there.

by NameNotRequired on Aug 13, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Cro Cop’s boy Igor I’ve heard about him but never seen him fight I don’t think he has that many fights but maybe part of the Cro Cop deal? I seen every UFC but I can’t seem to remember him fighting Tito I remember AA and Pedro then again I never payed much attention who was who until I started watching Wandy then I fell in love with this sport.

by Beaver on Aug 14, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s 2003 all over again.

by Dennis on Aug 13, 2009 12:01 AM EDT reply actions

Wow, love to see all these amazing fighters coming to the UFC! UFC really needed these Affliction studs!

by oldskooljjsu on Aug 13, 2009 12:01 AM EDT reply actions

He’s a tough guy, deserves another shot in the UFC

by DAVE A on Aug 13, 2009 1:33 AM EDT reply actions

I would not put to much weight on CroCop and his team member Pokrajac. They both seem to have some attitude problems, showing clear lack of self-confidence.

Mirko made his last 3 fights dirty brawls, as for Pokrajac, this is about wrestling skills when he faces a decent and smart fighter like Mamed Khalidov:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxEwKQv6jQg

He gets his ass kicked.

Anyway, still hope CroCop will be able able to put together at least some performance and not go down to easily with Dos Santos.

by RJS on Aug 18, 2009 11:34 PM EDT reply actions