UFC Fight for the Troops 2 Aftermath: Can Guillard challenge for UFC title?
by Matt Bishop on Jan 23, 2011 1:00 PM EST
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Melvin Guillard was impressive Saturday night at UFC Fight for the Troops 2.
Guillard stopped Evan Dunham's hype train by knocking him out less than three minutes into the first round, picking up his fourth straight win and upping his record to 6-1 in his latest UFC stint.
Following his decimation of Dunham, Guillard said he wants a crack at the UFC lightweight championship in 2011 or 2012. Well, to keep doing that, Guillard is going to have to keep winning fights, something that is easier said than done in the UFC lightweight division.
No doubt, Guillard was impressive, but does he have what it takes to compete at the upper level of the division? Despite competing in nearly 40 fights so far in his career, Saturday's win over Dunham probably was the best of his career. Each time Guillard has faced a name fighter in the UFC, he's lost. He's going to have to string together at least three more wins against top-flight talent before the UFC considers him for a title shot.
If the UFC is considering him for a title shot in the future following this fight, they need to put Guillard in there with fighters who have some serious grappling chops. It's no secret Guillard has had trouble when solid grapplers have taken him to the ground. All four of his UFC losses have come by way of submission, three of them in the first round. That's a serious hole in his game that hopefully is being addressed. If he can overcome that, he stands a chance.
Guillard's speed, power and athleticism make him a threat to anybody in the division on the feet, but the lightweight division is one built mostly around wrestlers and submission fighters. That does not bode well for Guillard moving forward if he hasn't addressed his deficiencies. However, I suspect he is improving in those areas just based on the fact he now is training with Greg Jackson and crew in New Mexico.
It will be interesting to see where the UFC heads with Guillard in the future. A fight with a strong grappler would be prudent for Guillard's next bout.
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So much for hopping on the Dunham bandwagon…
Melvin Guillard done wrecked that shit, man he looked good. Props.
"You’re lucky your brother Joe’s the matchmaker or you’d be sellin’ barbecued monkey on the street in Manaus."
"Take your comebacks, write them down on a sheet of paper. Roll it up tight, soak it in water, freeze it overnight, then jam it up your ass."
"You are a walking punchline."
~ Chael Sonnen repeatedly putting Wanderlei Silva in his place
Melvin is a very tough and talented kid. If he can develop the kind of mental focus and preparation needed to have sustained success at that level, he could do it.
by Rich Wyatt on Jan 23, 2011 3:23 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Indeed Rich
he’s always fought well…then done the dumbest thing to lose…i.e. rocking Nate Diaz…then shooting in on him…wtf? Glad to see him finally put it all together in a high profile fight.
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Melvin can do big things
Since training with Greg Jackson Guillard has shown so much more promise as a fighter than in previous years. He’s more humble, respectful and overall in a much better mindset to be training in. There’s no more excuses for him, he’s had plenty of fights and he should know what he has to do now.
That being said I do think he can contend for the title, it’s just a matter of getting through 1 or 2 more tough fighters in the weight division, which I’m sure he can do.
Sean
"You have to expect things from yourself before you can do them"
Can Guillard challenge for UFC title? NO.
Here’s why.
Each time Guillard has faced a name fighter in the UFC, he’s lost. He’s going to have to string together at least three more wins against top-flight talent before the UFC considers him for a title shot.
In addition to going on a successful streak against top contenders. He has to make a strong argument by stopping those top contenders or by having great crowd pleasing fights. Decision victories simply will not do. Gray Maynard should have not been overlooked for a title shot opportunity but Frankie Edgar convinced the UFC brass that with a great performance against Sean Sherk AND the stoppage victory over Matt Veach. Gray did not look good against Diaz. With the schedule already lined up for the UFC LW title, I just don’t see Guillard jumping ahead of Sotiropoulus, Jim Miller, or Anthony Pettis in 2011.
Guillard did say other fighters should get a shot instead of giving Kenny Florian another opportunity. Maybe they should match up Guillard against Florian and see if he can defend himself against a submission or Florian’s nasty hellbows. Or better yet, Florian against Joe Lauzon.
End note: I agree with Guillard on his approach against Jeremy Stephens BUT fighting like that will not make him a priority on the long list of title contenders.
Excuse my emotional, reactionary, fanatic output but Pettis will be the next UFC lightweight champion. Period.
- - - - -
VEe is ANIMated!
He has to make a strong argument by stopping those top contenders or by having great crowd pleasing fights. Decision victories simply will not do.
Wait, so are you saying that Guillard DIDN’T (T)KO both Dunham and Lowe? Not saying that they’re top contenders, but it’s not like he’s fought anyone with a name in a while.
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Hmm
wouldn’t mind Guillard vs. Florian….actually a tough fight for Florian since Guillard is the better wrestler and has straight thunder in his punches….
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