Fighter of the Month: January 2011 – Clay Guida
By Justin Bolduc
Fighter of the Month: Clay Guida
Event: UFC 125 (January 1, 2011)
Opponent: Takanori Gomi
Result: Second round guillotine choke submission
January was an action-packed month of mixed martial arts to start off 2011. The UFC kicked off the year with a January 1 event featuring lightweights Clay Guida and Takanori Gomi.
Clay Guida used erratic movements and a fast pace to set up strikes and takedowns, scoring points and confusing the former PRIDE champion. With the crowd behind him and chanting “Let’s go Guida!” the former Strikeforce champion launched a high kick, stunning his Japanese opponent. Guida then shot for a takedown, but was unable to bring Gomi to the mat. Gomi tried to find his jab and range to stifle Guida’s hyper movements, but Guida continued his pace with another head kick followed by an impressive slam.
After taking round one Guida brought the same fast pace and confusing movement into the second round. Guida tried for another takedown early in the round, but Gomi’s takedown defense has always been a strong suit. Gomi tried to open up more, but Guida’s unorthodox approach to the fight left the PRIDE superstar confused. After a monster hook from Gomi, Guida shot for a double-leg which was countered by a devastating knee from the Japanese fighter. Guida, known for his relentlessness, powered through and scored an impressive takedown. Guida attacked Gomi’s neck and rolled through, finishing the bout with a guillotine choke with thirty-three seconds remaining in the round.
The win was Guida’s third straight submission victory, putting him in position to face WEC champion Anthony Pettis in a number one contender match.
