Breaking down UFC on VERSUS: Jon Jones vs. Vladimir Matyushenko

By Brett Okamoto

Thursday, July 29, 2010 | 2:13 p.m.

Jon Jones will enter the octagon Sunday a heavy favorite over Vladimir Matyushenko in their light-heavyweight bout in San Diego.

Despite the fact nearly everyone is counting out the 39-year-old Matyushenko, Jones (10-1) says he's been watching a lot of tapes from his opponent's (24-4) career and been impressed by what he's seen.

"I've watched Vlad's fights over and over again," said Jones on a recent conference call. "I've watched him do some pretty extraordinary things, and I've watched him beat some pretty good fighters.

"Facing a guy who's 24-4, how do you not go to practice everyday and do those extra pushups? In all reality, I think I should be the underdog in this fight."

That, however, is not the case.

The fight's betting line at The Venetian sports book opened with the 23-year-old prospect as an 8-to-1 favorite, one of the most lopsided lines of any recent UFC main event.

With just two years of experience at the professional level, fans already have started proclaiming Jones as a future dominant champ.

Even his opponents have acknowledged Jones is something special. Matyushenko said he's never faced a fighter he would compare to Jones during his 13-year professional career.

"I would say there's a new generation of fighters, but it's not just that with Jon," Matyushenko said. "He's unique. He's tall and lanky and at same time he's really fast."

Jones certainly has heard the hype but continues not buying into it. Referring to himself as "a nobody" in the sport, Jones spends hours watching film working on the holes he sees in his game.

"I haven't fought a top-10 or top-five guy yet, so I really have no leeway to start thinking I'm the man," Jones said. "I heard a quote that said a real black belt in mixed martial arts focuses on what he doesn't know and not what he already knows. I have a lot to learn."

Matyushenko will hope to capitalize on what Jones doesn't know, using his lack in experience against him.

The California-based fighter is riding a three-fight win streak, including decision victories over Igor Pokrajac and Eliot Marshall.

A win over Jones would not only shock the MMA world, it would do much to elevate Matyushenko's standing during the twilight of his career — something he's well aware of.

"I've fought Tito Ortiz before in a big event, but I'm not looking at the past," said Matyushenko, on the bigger fights of his career. "I'm looking at the future and this is definitely a big ticket for me and my future."

That makes him a dangerous fighter, something that Jones, although heavily favored, isn't forgetting.

"I think Vladimir is tougher than Brandon Vera, and I think he's tougher than Matt Hamill," Jones said.

Quick Hits:

Jones always says he's looking to add new elements to his game, and it shows.

The young fighter has had a knack for showing a new tool every time he fights, all while maintaining the ones that baffled previous opponents.

If there is one area Matyushenko may hold an edge it would be wrestling, something that Jones has prepared for.

"I've never fought anyone who has wrestled at an Olympic level, so what we did was hire a guy named Willie Parks," Jones said. "Parks was second to King Mo (Muhammed Lawal) when he was an Olympic starter. He's been living with me in my house and going over takedown defense.

"I just felt as if wrestling might be an avenue (Matyushenko) might try to go down, and I thought I'd take that away from him."

If Matyushenko struggles to get Jones to his back, a spot no fighter has been able to put him, he says he's prepared to find another way despite facing obvious physical disadvantages on his feet.

Matyushenko will be the shorter fighter with the shorter reach Sunday, but said his experience will help him get through it.

"I can't make my reach longer or be taller, but I can come in the best shape of my life," Matyushenko said. "I have experience, and I'll try to use that against him as much as I can."

Last Time Out:

Jones: First-round TKO win over Brandon Vera at UFC on VS 1.

Matyushenko: Split decision win over Eliot Marshall at UFC on VS 1.

The Lines: Jones, minus-800; Matyushenko, plus-500

Final Words:

Jones: On a potential move to heavyweight. "I've been weight lifting, and I've gained a lot of weight. Right now, my goals are at light heavyweight but at the same time, I love how Randy Couture was a faster, athletic guy at heavyweight. I really think my style could give some heavyweights issues."

Matyushenko: On fighting at 39-years-old. "It's been proven older guys can fight. Take Randy Couture for instance. I don't know why I can't do it too. I feel young, so why not fight young guys?"

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at LVSunFighting