Matyueshenko excited about UFC return
“Tonight we’re gonna party like it’s 1999.” – Prince
Well, maybe more like it’s 2003, as the UFC continues to sign fighters from the past, the latest being light heavyweight Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko.
Matyushenko, who last fought for the promotion six years ago, finds his way back to the company having won nine of 10 bouts, and now looks to make an impact in the UFC once again.
“After my fight with Arlovski (at UFC 44), I took time off and I was looking to get back,” explained Matyushenko to MMAWeekly.com.
“I had a couple of tryout fights and wound up in the IFL. I stuck around a little long with them, then I had a couple of fights for Affliction, and now I’m back in the UFC.”
According to Matyushenko, after the demise of Affliction, there were only so many places for him to face high-level talent.
“There’s not a lot of options left,” he said. “I think (the UFC is) the best of the organizations out there.
“I think the UFC were able to maintain the level of their fights; they’re pretty much the same if not better (than when I was fighting for them last), but they’re making money now. For me as a fighter, yeah, I’m excited to be back.”
When asked if he had spoken to Strikeforce prior to signing with the UFC, Matyushenko replied, “Yeah, but apparently Strikeforce didn’t really respond very well.
“I think they’re kind of overwhelmed. They have a lot of fighters, but I don’t think they’re organized; maybe because they’re short staffed or something, I don’t know.”
Matyushenko won’t have to wait long to enter the Octagon again and work his way back towards title contention.
“It looks like it’s going to be Sept. 19 on the Dallas card,” he commented. “It’s going to be against Igor Pokajac from (Mirko) Cro Cop’s team.
“He’s a pretty good fighter, has about 30 fights, over 20 wins, and it’s going to be a pretty hard fight.”
A fighter many people consider underrated, Matyushenko will have an opportunity to prove himself in front of a much larger audience now that he’s back in the UFC.
“I want to say thanks to all my fans for waiting,” he said. “And here I am (back in the UFC). You’ll have an opportunity to see me in five weeks.”
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