UFC 141 Fight Card: Why Vladimir Matyushenko Is Still a Legit Threat

Vladimir Matyushenko is a former IFL champion and a former UFC light heavyweight title contender.

"The Janitor" quickly disposed of Jason Brilz at UFC 129 in just 20 seconds—not bad for a man who is 40 years old.

In his most recent stint in the UFC, Matyushenko is 4-1—only current light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has stopped him.

In fact, his only losses have come against some of the top names in MMA.

Jones, Tito Ortiz, Andrei Arlovski and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira have given him four of his five losses.

At 26-5, Matyushenko is still a legit threat in the division and anybody looking to use him as a stepping stone to the top of the division has to be aware of the danger Matyushenko poses.

Matyushenko packs a punch and his striking can and will overpower you if given the opportunity.

Not only can he beat you with his striking, but Matyushenko also has a nice wrestling base built in the Soviet Union. Moreover, he was a two-time Junior College National champion here in the United States.

Matyushenko may not find himself in title contention this late in his career, but when he comes to play and his body isn't falling apart, he can beat you in an upset.

You can count him out, but he is still a legitimate threat to take out any up-and-comer who thinks that Matyushenko will play dead and get used as a name on your resume.