Marshall: "I Will be Ready" For Matyushenko

I recently chatted with UFC fighter Eliot Marshall, who meets Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC on Versus 1 live on March 21 in Broomfield, Colorado.  The still developing MMA fighter looks forward to a very difficult test in front of a home crowd, and thinks he'll be properly prepared.

Marshall, a local fighter who is less experienced than Matyushenko, plans to prove he's a fighter to pay attention to in the future.

"I'm in the cage with veterans every day, and I really cannot see him 'overwhelming me' with experience.  I am comfortable wherever the fight goes and I will be ready for this fight," Marshall recently told me in an article I posted on MMA HQ.

via www.mmaweekly.com

To improve his wrestling pedigree leading to a potential grappling battle with Matyushenko, Marshall continues to train in a strong camp.  He's currently working on his wrestling at UNC with Leister Bowling, who is the coach at UNC, while also training with Shane Carwin, Nate Marquardt, Jon Jones, and Rashad Evans.

"I know he has a good grappling base and is very durable," Marshall recently said.  "I am looking to make a statement with this fight and show the UFC and the fans that I am worth of their support.  (Matyushenko) likely sees this as a huge opportunity for him to leap into the lime light of the UFC, but I have my own plans."

Marshall is still relatively untested - and Matyushenko is a very experienced veteran - though Marshall hopes his strong BJJ background and improved wrestling will give him the edge necessary to win in front of a home crowd.

Who is your pick in this fight?