Vladimir Matyushenko Headed to Bellator

Vladimir Matyushenko was swept out of the Octagon following a two-fight skid, but has been picked up by Bellator MMA.

Company president Bjorn Rebney on Wednesday confirmed the signing first reported by TheMMAReport.com.

Matyushenko, at 42 years of age and sporting a 26-7 record, is one of the most experienced mixed martial artists on the planet. The Belarusian has been competing at the highest levels of MMA since he debuted at IFC 5 in 1997.

Now, more than 15 years later, he is still competitive against the best fighters in the world.

His latest run through the UFC saw Matyushenko win four of his seven fights, losing only to current UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, current top contender Alexander Gustafsson, and Top 10 ranked Ryan Bader.

“(Matyushenko) is convinced at this stage of his career that he is at a place that he can really still excel and compete at a very high level,” Rebney told TheMMAReport.com.

Matyushenko will be put into the mix in Bellator’s light heavyweight division, although it was unclear at the time of publication if he would debut during the promotion’s Summer Series light heavyweight tournament alongside “King Mo” Lawal or if he would make his first Bellator start during Season 9 this fall.