Bellator 99 Date: September 13, 2013 Arena: Pechanga Resort & Casino City: Temecula, CA Light Heavyweight bout: Houston “The Assassin” Alexander (+190) vs Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko (-270) Fight Breakdown: The Co-Main Event for Bellator 99 will be a light heavyweight showdown between two UFC veterans when 41 year old striker Houston “The Assassin” Alexander takes on the 42 year old Russian wrestler Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyshenko. at Several Bookmakerss. HOUSTON “THE ASSASSIN” ALEXANDER (15-9 MMA, 0-0 Bellator) is taking this fight on short notice, as he replaces an injured Christian M’Pumbu. Alexander is talented on the feet, he does great work with his limbs. He loves to strike and knock opponents out and his resume reflects that sentiment with nine of his fifteen career victories coming by way of TKO/KO. As much as he loves to strike, I think it’s always dangerous for him every time he mixes it up on the feet. That’s due to his very weak chin. Alexander is not a durable fighter, by any means. His chin and gas tank are both atrocious. Five of his nine career losses have been by knockout. Alexander is going into this bout, carrying with him a two-fight win streak on the regional circuit; both being finishes. VLADIMIR “THE JANITOR” MATYSHENKO is a long-time UFC veteran who was recently released from the promotion after suffering back to back losses to top contenders Alexander Gustaffson and Ryan Bader. His release was a bit of a shock to many MMA fans, considering his only loss came against the biggest names in the division, including the champion Jon “Bones” Jones. Many viewed him as the “gatekeeper” for the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Matyushenko is a talented wrestler who possesses great takedowns. His top control is excellent; he likes to keep opponents down and beat on them. “The Janitor” has decent boxing skills, as well; his last two wins in the UFC were by knockout. Matyushenko generally has good conditioning, though that is now questionable considering the last time he went past the first round he was 38 years old and is now at the ripe old age of 42; that’s four years. That said, I think he will still have the cardio advantage going into this fight, as his opponent Houston Alexander is also up there in age at 41 years old and unlike Matyushenko, he generally does not have good cardio. Fight Prediction: I think Matyushenko’s chin will hold up against Alexander. I see this fight playing on the feet and Matyushenko catching Alexander. If it goes past the first round and into the second and possibly third, I see Matyushenko wearing Alexander out using his wrestling and boxing. Only way I see Alexander winning is by knockout, but again, I think The Janitor’s chin will hold up. Gabe’s Pick: Vladimir Matyushenko by TKO (punches, 1:27 round 2) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Vladimir Matyushenko -270 for a small to moderate play.
