UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko — Jones Makes a Case for a Title Shot and Gomi’s Back in Business » 30ninjas

UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko — Jones Makes a Case for a Title Shot and Gomi’s Back in Business

Share on Facebook posted 08-04-10 by Max Tedaldi

Jon Jones def. Vladimir Matyushenko

First-Round TKO

Coming off on an impressive first round knockout of Brandon Vera at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones, Jon “Bones” Jones was favored 8-1 in his bout with Vladimir Matyushenko. With a 10.5 inch reach on the 16-years-his-senior Belarusian, Bones made his opponent look like somewhat of a newb, even though Mayushenko has been competing in UFC almost since its inception. Early in the first round Jones launched a spinning back kick and quickly moved in for a takedown. One crucifix, and a flurry of radid elbows and this one was over almost as soon as it began.

Other than a DQ against Matt Hamill for multiple illegal elbows, Jones has a perfect record so the real question is when is he going to get a title fight. Fans may grow upset if the UFC continues to coddle Jones by slowly building him up.

Yushin Okami def. Mark Munoz

Split Decision

Munoz came into this fight with three straight UFC victories, so apart from his shaky debut, Munoz was looking strong as a UFC Middleweight. His opponent, the Japanese southpaw Yushin Okami has been a consistent UFC middleweight performer over the past few years, who Sherdog ranked the # 8 Middleweight before the fight. Going into the fight Munoz’ strategy was obvious, get the fight to the ground and exact some vicious G n’ P. Okami’s defense seemed designed to counter this exact strategy and apart from a takedown late in the second round, Okami was able to stuff all of Munoz’ attempts. After Okami was able to land a huge right in the third round this one was all but decided. Who knows what would have happened had Munoz been able to take this fight to the ground, as it was, the Filipino Wrecking Machine’s strategy never really got off the ground. . . er . . . I guess it never really got on it.

Jake Ellenberger def. John Howard

Third-Round TKO

John “Doomsday” Howard followed his UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones “knockout of the night” win over Daniel Robert with a disappointing loss to Jake Ellenberger. Howard is still a top prospect, but he’ll have to work on his takedown defense if he wants to be a contender. Ellenberger was obviously looking for a quick surprise victory over Howard as he came out swinging in the first round. Howard managed to neutralize but not before suffering multiple short elbows, and a takedown at the end of the round. Round two saw Howard connect with a big right headkick but he was unable to capitalize and finish once Ellenberger scored another takedown. Howard went for both a triangle and an armbar but Ellenberger was able to pass and work Howard’s swollen eye. After an Ellenberger right and a Howard takedown the fight was called off because the swelling on Howard’s eye looked like a balloon.

Takanori Gomi def. Tyson Griffin

First-Round TKO

Gomi was dominant in Pride, but after two lackluster fights for UFC it looked like his star was fading. Gomi impressed everybody but himself by taking down rising star Tyson Griffen in the first round. A left jab followed by a right cross left Tyson falling face first onto the canvas and the fight was over at 1:04 into the first round. This may be the breath of fresh air the former elite lightweight champ needs to become a UFC lightweight mainstay.

Preliminary Card

Middleweight bout: Rob Kimmons def. Steve Steinbeiss
Lightweight bout: Charles Oliveira def. Darren Elkins
Middleweight bout: Brian Stann def. Mike Massenzio
Light Heavyweight bout: Igor Pokrajac def. James Irvin
Catchweight (172 lb) bout: Matthew Riddle def. DaMarques Johnson
Lightweight bout: Jacob Volkmann def. Paul Kelly