Vladimir Matyushenko

In this name that follows Eastern Slavic naming customs, the patronymic is Vladimirovich and the family name is Matyushenko.

Vladimir Matyushenko
Born (1971-01-04) 4 January 1971 (age 53)
Rečyca, Belarusian SSR, USSR
Native nameУладзімір Мацюшэнка
Other namesThe Janitor
ResidenceEl Segundo, California, US
NationalityBelarusian
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Reach74 in (188 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofEl Segundo, California, United States
TeamVMAT
WrestlingFreestyle wrestling
NJCAA Wrestling
Years active1997–2014
Mixed martial arts record
Total35
Wins27
By knockout12
By submission4
By decision11
Losses8
By knockout4
By submission2
By decision2
UniversityLassen Community College
Websitewww.vmatgym.com[permanent dead link‍]
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Men's Freestyle Wrestling
Representing  Belarus
European Championships
Silver medal – second place 1994 Rome 90 kg
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Lassen Cougars
NJCAA National Championships
Gold medal – first place 1996 Bismarck 177 lb
Gold medal – first place 1997 Bismarck 285 lb

Vladimir Vladimirovich Matyushenko[a] (born 4 January 1971) is a Belarusian retired mixed martial artist. A professional from 1997 until 2014, he competed for Bellator MMA, the UFC, Affliction, Jungle Fight, and is the former IFL light heavyweight champion, where he was a member of Ken Yasuda's Tokyo Sabres.[1]

Wrestling career

[edit]

Matyushenko is an accomplished freestyle wrestler athlete who competed for both the Soviet Union and Belarus.[2] At the age of 15, he was training alongside the Soviet Olympic wrestling team.[3] At 90 kg, he won a silver medal in the 1994 European championships, and placed 11th in the 1994 World Championships.[4] He utilized his wrestling background extensively in his fights.[5]

His nickname of "The Janitor" was coined by Dave Schultz as a joke to the U.S. wrestling team after Matyushenko beat members of their formidable squad (including Olympian Kevin Jackson) during a meet in Siberia. Their first impression of him had been when he was cleaning the mats in poor-looking clothing.[6]

He was also a two-time National Junior College champion at Lassen College, winning the 177–184 lb weight class in 1996[7] and the heavyweight weight class in 1997,[7] before moving on to the University of Nevada, graduating with a degree in Health Science in 1999.[8]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Matyushenko made his professional MMA debut by winning three fights on the same night at IFC 5: Battle in the Bayou. With a 9-1 record in smaller promotions, Matyushenko made his UFC debut defeating Yuki Kondo by unanimous decision at UFC 32. After his win at UFC 32 Matyushenko was given a title shot against then Light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz. He lost by unanimous decision. In his next fight Matyushenko defeated Antônio Rogério Nogueira at UFO: Legend. Matyushenko made his return to the UFC in the Heavyweight division defeating Travis Wiuff at UFC 40. He then defeated Pedro Rizzo by unanimous decision at UFC 41. Matyushenko was then defeated by Andrei Arlovski at UFC 44.

International Fight League

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Matyushenko made his IFL debut by defeating Dwayne Compton. He fought under the Tokyo Sabres camp under body builder Ken Yasuda He then defeated Justin Levens by TKO and Aaron Stark also by TKO. In his next appearance Matyushenko beat Tim Boetsch via unanimous decision. Matyushenko defeated Alex Schoenauer by unanimous decision on 3 November 2007,[9][10] becoming the first ever light heavyweight champion in the IFL.[11]

Matyushenko successfully defended his title against Jamal Patterson winning by TKO in the second round.[12]

Affliction

[edit]

After the financial collapse of the International Fight League, Matyushenko participated at "Affliction: Day of Reckoning" pay-per-view event on 24 January 2009, in Anaheim, California at the Honda Center, and lost to Antônio Rogério Nogueira by TKO in round 2.[13]

He defeated Jason Lambert by unanimous decision at Call to Arms I on 16 May 2009, at Citizen Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.[14]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

Matyushenko returned to the UFC on 19 September 2009, at UFC 103 and defeated Igor Pokrajac by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27).[15]

Matyushenko was expected to face Steve Cantwell on 2 January 2010, at UFC 108,[16] but Cantwell pulled out of the bout for undisclosed reasons.[17] Since there was no time to find a suitable replacement, the bout was called off.[18]

Matyushenko next faced Eliot Marshall on 21 March 2010, at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones.[19] Matyushenko won a split decision victory (30–27, 28–29, 30–27).

Matyushenko was defeated by light heavyweight prospect, Jon Jones on 1 August 2010, in the main event of UFC Live on Versus: 2.[20] Matyushenko was taken down by Jones early in the first round, where Jones achieved the crucifix position and rained down elbows on Matyushenko forcing the referee to stop the fight.

It was announced in August 2010 that Matyushenko signed a new four-fight contract with the UFC[21] and was expected to face Jason Brilz on 13 November 2010, at UFC 122.[22] However, Brilz was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Alexandre Ferreira.[23] Matyushenko defeated Ferreira via first-round TKO after achieving a mounted position and landing a flurry of punches and elbows.

Matyushenko faced Jason Brilz on 30 April 2011, at UFC 129.[24] He won the fight via KO at 0:20 into the first round, the second fastest knockout win of his career.

Matyushenko was expected to face Alexander Gustafsson on 6 August 2011, at UFC 133.[25] But Matyushenko had to pull out of the fight due to Injury and was replaced by Matt Hamill.[26]

Matyushenko/Gustafsson ultimately took place on 30 December 2011, at UFC 141.[27] Matyushenko lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

Matyushenko was expected to face returning veteran Matt Hamill on 22 September 2012, at UFC 152.[28] However, Matyushenko was forced out of the bout after suffering a partially torn Achilles tendon while training, and was replaced by Roger Hollett.[29]

Matyushenko faced Ryan Bader on 26 January 2013, at UFC on Fox 6.[30] He lost the bout via submission in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.[31]

Bellator MMA

[edit]

On 18 April 2013, it was announced that Matyushenko had signed a contract to compete for Bellator and would compete in a non-tournament fight that year.[32]

Matyushenko was set to make his Bellator against former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Christian M'Pumbu at Bellator 99 in the main event.[33] However, on 18 August 2013, it was announced that M'Pumbu had a hand injury and would be replaced by Houston Alexander.[34] Matyushenko won the fight via unanimous decision.

Matyushenko faced Joey Beltran on 11 April 2014, at Bellator 116. Despite winning the first two rounds, he lost the fight in the third round due to submission. Matyushenko retired from MMA competition following his loss to Beltran.[35]

Personal life

[edit]

Matyushenko has a son named Roman who also trains MMA.[36] He married Stella Junqueira in 2011 after the UFC fighter Summit.[37] Together, they had a daughter named Sasha.

Matyushenko is currently living in El Segundo, California, United States. Matyushenko also appears in EA Sports MMA and UFC Undisputed 3.[38][39]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
35 matches 27 wins 8 losses
By knockout 12 4
By submission 4 2
By decision 11 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 27–8 Joey Beltran Submission (north/south choke) Bellator 116 11 April 2014 3 3:06 Temecula, California, United States
Win 27–7 Houston Alexander Decision (unanimous) Bellator 99 13 September 2013 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States
Loss 26–7 Ryan Bader Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Dodson 26 January 2013 1 0:50 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Loss 26–6 Alexander Gustafsson TKO (punches) UFC 141 30 December 2011 1 2:13 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 26–5 Jason Brilz KO (punches) UFC 129 30 April 2011 1 0:20 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Win 25–5 Alexandre Ferreira TKO (punches and elbows) UFC 122 13 November 2010 1 2:20 Oberhausen, Germany
Loss 24–5 Jon Jones TKO (elbows) UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko 1 August 2010 1 1:52 San Diego, California, United States
Win 24–4 Eliot Marshall Decision (split) UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones 21 March 2010 3 5:00 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 23–4 Igor Pokrajac Decision (unanimous) UFC 103 19 September 2009 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 22–4 Jason Lambert Decision (unanimous) Call to Arms I 16 May 2009 3 5:00 Ontario, California, United States
Loss 21–4 Antônio Rogério Nogueira KO (knee) Affliction: Day of Reckoning 24 January 2009 2 4:26 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 21–3 Jamal Patterson TKO (punches) IFL: New Jersey 4 April 2008 2 3:35 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States Defended the IFL Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 20–3 Alex Schoenauer Decision (unanimous) IFL: World Grand Prix Semifinals 3 November 2007 3 4:00 Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States Won the inaugural IFL Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 19–3 Tim Boetsch Decision (unanimous) IFL: 2007 Semifinals 2 August 2007 3 4:00 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Win 18–3 Aaron Stark TKO (punches) IFL: Everett 1 June 2007 1 2:49 Everett, Washington, United States
Win 17–3 Justin Levens TKO (punches) IFL: Los Angeles 17 March 2007 1 3:53 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 16–3 Dwayne Compton Submission (armbar) IFL: Houston 2 February 2007 1 1:47 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 15–3 Anthony Ruiz Submission (armbar) Extreme Wars 3: Bay Area Brawl 3 June 2006 1 2:03 Oakland, California, United States
Win 14–3 Carlos Barreto TKO (knee injury) Jungle Fight 4 21 May 2005 1 0:26 Manaus, Brazil
Loss 13–3 Andrei Arlovski KO (punch) UFC 44 26 September 2003 1 2:14 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 13–2 Pedro Rizzo Decision (unanimous) UFC 41 28 February 2003 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 12–2 Travis Wiuff TKO (submission to punches) UFC 40 22 November 2002 1 4:10 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 11–2 Antônio Rogério Nogueira Decision (unanimous) UFO: Legend 8 August 2002 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 10–2 Tito Ortiz Decision (unanimous) UFC 33 28 September 2001 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Win 10–1 Yuki Kondo Decision (unanimous) UFC 32 29 June 2001 3 5:00 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States Light Heavyweight debut.
Win 9–1 Tommy Sauer TKO (cut) WEF: New Blood Conflict 26 August 2000 2 2:17 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Win 8–1 John Marsh Decision (unanimous) IFC: Warriors Challenge 6 25 March 2000 3 5:00 Friant, California, United States
Loss 7–1 Vernon White Decision (split) IFC: Montreal Cage Combat 9 October 1999 1 25:00 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Win 7–0 Travis Fulton Submission (neck crank) IFC: Fighters Revenge 2 April 1999 1 15:33 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Win 6–0 Kenji Kawaguchi KO (punches) Vale Tudo Japan 1998 25 October 1998 1 3:10 Urayasu, Chiba Japan
Win 5–0 Joe Pardo Decision Rumble in Reno 4 September 1998 3 5:00 Reno, Nevada, United States
Win 4–0 Anthony Macias TKO (doctor stoppage) IFC 7: Cage Combat 30 May 1998 1 0:16 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Win 3–0 Anthony Macias TKO (submission to punches) IFC 5: Battle in the Bayou 5 September 1997 1 2:59 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States IFC 5 Tournament Final; won the IFC 5 Heavyweight Tournament.
Win 2–0 Robert Lalonde TKO (submission to punches) IFC 5: Battle in the Bayou 5 September 1997 1 2:27 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States IFC 5 Tournament Semifinal.
Win 1–0 Vernon White Submission (neck crank) IFC 5: Battle in the Bayou 5 September 1997 1 5:44 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States IFC 5 Tournament First Round.

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Belarusian: Уладзімір Уладзіміравіч Мацюшэнка, romanized: Uladzimir Uladzimiravich Matsyushenka

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Statistics for Mixed Martial Arts Fighters". Archived from the original on 20 January 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2007.
  2. ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (12 April 2014). "The Janitor's last drive". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  3. ^ Vladimir Matyushenko Career DEEPDIVE (ep. 113), retrieved 16 October 2022
  4. ^ "Matushenko, Vladimir (BLR)". www.iat.uni-leipzig.de. Archived from the original on 5 July 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  5. ^ "Matyushenko's Life Begins at 40". UFC. 14 September 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  6. ^ "411MANIA". 411mania’s Comment Policy. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  7. ^ a b Yumpu.com (20 February 2013). "WRESTLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Record Book - NJCAA". yumpu.com. p. 19. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  8. ^ Sherdog.com. "Vladimir Matyushenko's Journey to Freedom". Sherdog. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  9. ^ "Review: Matyushenko First IFL Champion- MMA WEEKLY – Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more". Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. MMAweekly.com. 4 November 2007.
  10. ^ "MMA Mixed Martial Arts News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos". sports.yahoo.com.
  11. ^ "Vladimir Matyushenko vs Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Affliction fight booked Jan. 24". mmamania.com. 14 November 2008.
  12. ^ Jamal Patterson vs. Vladimir Matyushenko, retrieved 16 October 2022
  13. ^ "Untitled Document". Archived from the original on 23 October 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2008.
  14. ^ "Vladimir Matyushenko outlasts Jason Lambert at "Call to Arms I"". MMA Junkie. 17 May 2009. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  15. ^ "UFC 103 Results & Live Play-By-Play". Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. MMAweekly.com. 19 September 2009.
  16. ^ "Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Steve Cantwell set for UFC 108 prelims". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 12 December 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  17. ^ "Cantwell latest out of UFC 108". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 29 December 2009.
  18. ^ "Steve Cantwell vs. Vladimir Matyushenko pulled from UFC 108 fight card". mmajunkie.com. 30 December 2009. Archived from the original on 25 May 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2011.
  19. ^ "Jilted Matyushenko Hopes for March Bout". sherdog.com. 7 January 2010.
  20. ^ "Vladimir Matyushenko lost to Jon Jones at UFC on Versus 2". sbnation.com. 28 April 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  21. ^ "MATYUSHENKO SIGNS NEW 4-FIGHT DEAL WITH UFC". Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
  22. ^ "Jason Brilz vs. Vladimir Matyushenko targeted for UFC 122 in Germany". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 5 July 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
  23. ^ "RInjury forces Brilz out of UFC 122, Matyushenko expected to meet Ferreira". mmajunkie.com. 6 October 2010. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2010.
  24. ^ "Jason Brilz meets replacement Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 129 in Toronto". mmajunkie.com. 21 February 2011. Archived from the original on 11 June 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  25. ^ "Alexander Gustafsson vs. Vladimir Matyushenko in the works for UFC 133 in August". mmaJunkie.com. 13 May 2011. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
  26. ^ "Vladdy Matyushenko Injured; Matt Hamill Steps in to Face Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 133". Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. MMAWeekly.com. 14 July 2011.
  27. ^ "Vladimir Matyushenko vs Alexander Gustafsson re-booked for Dec. 30 in Las Vegas". mmamania.com. 21 September 2011.
  28. ^ "Matyushenko replaces Hollett, meets Hamill at UFC 152 in Toronto". mmajunkie.com. 20 August 2012. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  29. ^ "Vladimir Matyushenko out with torn Achilles tendon, Roger Hollett back in against Matt Hamill". mmamania.com. 11 September 2012.
  30. ^ "UFC on Fox 6 Gets Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Ryan Bader". Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. mmaweekly.com. 3 December 2012.
  31. ^ MMAjunkie.com Staff (20 February 2013). "UFC releases Jon Fitch, Vladimir Matyushenko, 14 others". mmajunkie.com.
  32. ^ "POKER369: Situs IDN Poker Online, Bandar Ceme & Judi DominoQQ". 27 March 2023. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013.
  33. ^ "Matyushenko-M'Pumbu to headline Bellator 99". mmajunkie.com. 18 July 2013.
  34. ^ "Bellator 99 Full Fight Card Released; Houston Alexander Steps In to Face Vladimir Matyushenko | MMAWeekly.com". Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos. 18 August 2013.
  35. ^ Mike Whitman (12 April 2014). "UFC Veteran, Former IFL Champ Vladimir Matyushenko Retires Following Bellator 116". sherdog.com.
  36. ^ "38 and in his prime, The Janitor still loves cleaning clocks". UFC.com. 22 December 2009. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
  37. ^ "Vladimir Matyushenko gets married in Las Vegas following UFC Fighter Summit". Mmamania.com. 16 May 2011. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
  38. ^ Holland, Jesse (23 March 2010). "EA Sports MMA adds Josh Barnett, Vladimir Matyushenko and Joachim Hansen to Fall 2010 roster". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  39. ^ D, G. "UFC Undisputed 3 Releases Full Roster". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
[edit]
New championship 1st IFL Light Heavyweight Champion
3 November 2007 – 31 July 2008 		Succeeded by
IFL ceased operations
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