UFC 103 Analysis of Two Interesting Fights
Frank Trigg and Vladimir Matyushenko Return to the UFC
Sep 18, 2009
Former training partners and members of the rAw team where champions Randy Couture and Dan Henderson first honed their MMA skills, Trigg and Matyushenko return to the UFC this weekend in hopes of making runs at championship gold. After achieving success in other organizations after short stints in the UFC several years ago, Trigg and Matyushenko bring years of experience and skill against the young lions of the UFC.
Frank Trigg vs. Josh Koscheck
Frank Trigg, with 19 Wins and 6 Losses, has stayed active since his last UFC appearance in 2005 defeating notable opponents in regional shows and in Japan. He has scored victories in his last four fights at a higher weight class. Josh Koscheck, an alum from the first season of The Ultimate Fighter television series, brings a record of 12 wins and 4 losses, and is coming off of a flash knockout loss to Paulo Thiago. Both fighters are hungry, and both bring strong wrestling credentials to the match.
Koscheck is a four time NCAA Division 1 wrestling All – American and currently trains out of the American Kickboxing Academy which has produced a steady stream of UFC contenders. Trigg is a former Olympic wrestling trials finalist and competed at an international level for several years. Both fighters have similar strengths with youth and speed favoring Koscheck while Trigg, perhaps stronger, has twelve years experience fighting in MMA.
When similar styles match up each fighter must find their edge in the other skills they possess. Although it is interesting to see who wins the takedown battle as well as who can claim superiority in the clinch, effective striking will be a key factor in the bout. Trigg has used efficient striking to set up takedowns, while Koscheck has added kicking to his repertoire and highlight reel knockouts to his credit. Maintaining ground control will be difficult and the ability to transition on the ground will bring the openings that will help either fighter to secure victory.
Both fighters bring strong emotion to the ring, and staying in one’s game plan will also be essential. However, effective striking, experience, and a solid chin will help Trigg achieve a unanimous decision.
Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Igor Pokrajac
Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko holds a record of 22 wins and 4 losses and wrestled at an international level for several years before transitioning to MMA in 1997. Since his last fight in the UFC, Matyushenko dominated the competition in the now-defunct IFL. He recently lost to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, but brings a strong ground control game to his fights. The younger Igor Pokrajic trains with noted champion and striker Mirko Cro-Cop and holds a record of 21 wins and 5 losses. Making his UFC debut, a majority of Pokrajac’s victories are from knockouts.
Matyushenko has fought tougher competition and is likely to be physically stronger. Pokrajac’s keys to victory lie in using effective footwork combined with striking. If Matyushenko can trap Pokrajac against the cage or on the ground, he will grind out a victory. Both fighters will use the first round to settle into the UFC while Matyushenko eventually uses efficient ground and pound to stop Pokrajac in the second round.
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