Blue-Collar Battle: The Janitor Stepping In to Face The Hammer

STUDIO MMA, CA — Matt “The Hammer” Hamill’s return to the Octagon just became a bit more interesting for many MMA fans.  MMAJunkie.com is reporting that UFC light heavyweight veteran Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko [26-6-0 MMA] will be stepping in for the injured Roger Hollett [13-3-0 MMA] against Hamill at UFC 152  on September 22 in Toronto.  The 41-year-old Matyushenko last fought at UFC 141 and was stopped by a sharp first-round jab from the notoriously heavy-hitting Alex Gustafsson.

Hamill [10-4-0 MMA], who is one of very few deaf MMA fighters, last appeared in the Octagon just over a year ago, also against Gustafsson.  He suffered a brutal 2nd-round TKO at the hands of the up-and-coming Swede and shortly thereafter announced his now-reversed retirement.

Fans appreciate both Hamill and Matyushenko for their hard-hitting, workmanlike approaches to the game.  Hamill has accumulated victories over Tim Boetsch, Mark Munoz, Keith Jardine, and Tito Ortiz.  The Janitor, a Belarussian, has bested Little Nog, Pedro Rizzo, Tim Boetsch, Igor Pokrajac, and Jason Brilz in his storied career.