'Timeless Talent, Or Time Tested Tenacity: Jones Vs Matyushenko'

Let’s deviate from the cold, stale statistical intros one usually points out in regards to a hot, upcoming fight, such as this Sunday’s August 1st showdown between Jon Jones and Vladimir Matyushenko.

Tune out the fiery bandwagon of rabid supporters who always hoot, holler and champion a young, flashy new prospect (in this case, Jones).

So too, should we ignore the old, stubborn believer who always pulls for the worn warrior with a lengthy resume (Matyushenko), and dive straight into the timeless testiness of this articles title.

Since the beginning of time, it’s always been a right of passage for a young man to step out from the shadows of his father by proving to and beating him in whatever mental or physical trade the two grew up on.

Though they’re not father and son, the same practice is being practiced between today’s UFC fighters, Jones and Matyushenko.

What’s lost in translation though is Matyushenko’s perceived advantage of experience being on his side. True, he’s 39 and has been fighting since Jones was playing hopscotch in schoolyards.

True, he’s fought in more continents than U.S states most of us have been to. But it’s also true that evolution stops for literally, no-body.

Experience was more beneficial years ago when we had much less influence over things that hindered the physical evolution of man, such as nutrition, training, mental preparedness and knowledge of recovery.

Even nature’s elements (which we control more) had an effect on the growth of yesteryear’s man. Take one look at Jon “Bones” Jones and you’ll see how man has seized control of his evolving evolution.

With a youthful 17 year age gap between the two, no one needs to point out more than once that Jones, fairly has a scientific and technological advantage over the more mileage Matyushenko.

I’m not saying Matyushenko’s a small, stunted man, and I do recognize that he packs some serious density in those fist of his, but if he’s leaning on the idea of experience along-with-the-claim, of coming to the fight in better shape, then somebody better prepare him a comfy pillow full of ice to rest his noggin on, now.

At 6’4, 23 years old with an 84 inch reach and a body oozing with fast-twitch fibers that’s heavily monitored by a team of trainers, something tells me that if by chance, experience does favor Matyushenko, he definitely won’t be in better shape to exploit that.

That’s why MMA is actually a team sport; contrary to what we see when that octagon door closes.

But this is the sport of fighting, and as the cliché mantra goes: anything can happen. Still, that’ll be the only bone I’ll throw Vladimir Matyushenko to nibble on.

Otherwise, “The Janitor” might want to live up to his nickname now and start sending out his resume ASAP.