If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. For the second time this year, a light heavyweight match between Alexander Gustafsson (12-1) and Vladimir Matyushenko (25-5) has been slated for action, this time at UFC 141. The two were previously scheduled to fight at UFC 133, but Matyushenko pulled out with an injury. UFC officials announced the bout late Wednesday night.
Tabbed as one of the rising prospects of the 205-pound division, Gustafsson returns to the cage for the third time this year, previously defeating James Te-Huna and Matt Hamill via stoppage. Having finished 11 of his 12 wins, the 24-year-old Swedish stand-up specialist is renown for his knockout power and has quickly amassed a 4-1 record inside the UFC.
Meanwhile, Matyushenko continues his trek through a 15-year mixed martial arts career with the fifth bout of his third stint inside the UFC. Affectionately known as "The Janitor," the 40-year-old Belarusian has rallied off a two-fight win streak since losing to UFC light heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones, earning first-round knockout victories over Alexandre Ferreira and Jason Brilz.
UFC 141 is slated for December 30th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Headlining is a behemoth bout between former heavyweight champions Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem.
UFC 141 fight card:
Heavyweight: Alistair Overeem vs. Brock Lesnar
Welterweight: Johny Hendricks vs. Jon Fitch
Light Heavyweight: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Vladimir Matyushenko