Matyushenko-Gustafsson Targeted for UFC 133

Alexander Gustafsson (above) vs. Vladimir Matyushenko is in the works for UFC 133. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

Sherdog.com confirmed that verbal agreements are in place for the bout following an initial report from MMAJunkie.com on Friday. UFC 133 goes down Aug. 6 from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. While not officially announced by the promotion, the event is expected to feature a pair of pivotal light heavyweight confrontations, as Rashad Evans locks up with Phil Davis and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira meets Rich Franklin.

A former International Fight League light heavyweight champion, Matyushenko has won five of his last six bouts. The 40-year-old began his most recent run with the UFC in 2009, out-pointing Igor Pokrajac and Eliot Marshall before falling to current light heavyweight champion Jon Jones at UFC Live 2 in August. However, “The Janitor” bounced back from the loss, earning back-to-back knockouts over Alexandre Ferreira in November and most recently Jason Brilz at UFC 129 last month.

At 24, Gustafsson is 16 years younger than his foe. The Swede has only been bested once as a professional and holds a 3-1 record inside the Octagon. Gustafsson made his UFC debut in 2009, knocking out Jared Hamman in just 41 seconds. His lone loss would follow that victory, however, as Gustafsson was choked out by the aforementioned Davis at UFC 112 last year. Gustafsson then battled back to take consecutive submission victories over Cyrille Diabate and James Te Huna, respectively.