The guy has always been a fan favorite due to his non stop motor and cast iron chin. But he's always fallen just short in fights that could have made him a title contender. After winning 3 straight fights in 2008/2009 against Shiavo, Danzig and Nate Diaz, Guida lost a close decision to Diego Sanchez in what earned UFC 'Fight of the Year' honors. Guida was then out-classed by Kenny Florian in his next fight. Prior to the fight with Florian, Guida started training with Greg Jackson. The change didn't immediately help as Guida was dropped and submitted by the technically superior Florian. However, the subtle change from being a mindless brawler/wrestler to a fighter following a Greg Jackson game plan started in that fight. Since the one-sided loss to Florian, Guida has ripped off another 3 fight win streak which includes submissions over BJJ Black Belt Rafael dos Anjos and dangerous striker Takanori Gomi. Most impressive was the tactical level changes and constant movement against Gomi. Guida didn't attack face-first as in the past against other big punchers like Sanchez. This latest version of Guida meticulously followed Greg Jackson's game plan of constant movement, feints, and well-timed level changes. The plan, and more importantly Guida's execution, worked to perfection. Guida was never tagged by the hard-punching Gomi yet managed to win the majority of striking exchanges as well as landing take downs against Gomi's solid defense. It's too early to tell if Guida will rise above the gate keeper status and become a true title contender, but all the essential elements seem to be coming together. He is a cardio machine; he has a granite chin; he is a solid wrestler; and he seems to be buying into Jackson's training and game planning. It will be fun to see how the UFC matches him next.
he's a live dog vs. anyone besides maynard, edgar, and florian. i guess that makes him a top 5 contender at least within the ufc. he'd be a good opponent for guys like alvarez or melendez in case they ever want to cross over. btw, has anyone seen melendez vs. guida?
Yep, I actually went to that show and that was a damn good fight. It's too bad the main event sucked giagantic donkey balls. Who would have ever imagined that Vitor Belfort vs Overeem would be a boring ass grapple fest. That's also the card where they didn't close the gate to the cage correctly and Bobby Southworth and james Irvin fell out of the cage and got injured.
Man, Belfort-Overeem was like undressing Scarlett Johanson and finding a dick. Major disappointment. Meanwhile, Melendez clearly beat Guida in my recollection.
He has the ability to beat anyone and has an incredible gas tank. So until he just losses "it" i think he can always compete He takes far too much punishment, if he can some how fix that with his style of fighting he would always give anyone trouble
