Someone in the UFC obviously doesn't like Vladimir Matyushenko.
Our amigos over at TheGarv.com are reporting that the Belarusian banger has verbally agreed to a light heavyweight showdown opposite rising star Jon Jones at the UFC on Versus 2 event scheduled for Aug. 1 at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"The Janitor" was last seen mopping up Eliot Marshall at UFC on Versus 1 back on March 31 for his second straight win under the UFC banner. While Matyushenko is enjoying a three-fight winning streak, all three contests have gone the distance.
The same can't be said for Jones, who in addition to making a mockery of the Zuffa light heavyweight division, broke a few "Bones" in his last contest, also at UFC on Versus 1 when he stopped promotion veteran Brandon Vera in the night's main event.
The win pushed Jones' record to 10-1, with a controversial disqualification (illegal elbows) as the only blemish on his otherwise perfect record -- one that includes eight finishes.
Should the pending Matyushenko bout be seen as a step backwards for the seemingly unstoppable up-and-comer? Or another stiff test against an experienced veteran en route to bigger and better challenges?
Jones' performance on Aug. 1 may provide the best answer.
UFC on Versus 2 is expected to feature a welterweight showdown between Jake Ellenberger and John Howard. To date, no other bouts have been rumored for the Salt Lake City event.
As always, stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates on this still-developing fight card.
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