UFC on Fox 6: Clay Guida Fully Prepared for Debut at Featherweight

Clay "The Carpenter" Guida

Guida Eager to Begin Featherweight Career

Veteran Clay Guida is tired of being a mid-tier contender in the UFC. He has spent seven years in the lightweight division, and despite racking up several victories over big name fighters such as Nate Diaz and Anthony Pettis, Guida always seemed to be just one win short of becoming a legitimate threat to the 155 lb. title. His quest for gold was derailed first by a close decision to Diego Sanchez and then again by Benson Henderson in December of 2011.

Guida's last match was a disappointing yet controversial loss to Gray Maynard. His lackluster performance definitely made "The Carpenter" contemplate making some serious changes in his career if he wants to maintain his respectable and tough-as-nails reputation.

"If I was hanging my head, I wouldn't be here right now," Guida told MMAjunkie. "You've got to pick up the pieces and move on."

This is why Guida decided to drop down a weight class and start fresh in a new division. It has been said that his aggressive grappling would give him the upper hand at 145 lbs., as he wouldn't have to worry about the overwhelming size and power of some of the UFC's highly ranked lightweights.

Guida will make his featherweight debut this Saturday night at UFC on FOX 6 against Hatsu Hioki, who, oddly enough, has a significant height and reach advantage in this upcoming fight.

"I'm still not one of the biggest at 145," Guida said. "You see the guy I'm fighting is probably the biggest, right?"

While Guida may not seem as imposing as his taller opponent, he cannot deny that the idea of a clean slate is a tool he will surely utilize to fuel his desire to win.

"Yesterday when I was getting my morning workouts, getting ready to get on the plane, I had that feeling like I did [seven] years ago when I fought in my UFC debut against Justin James. It was a good feeling."

No doubt about it, Guida is prepared to make a statement at UFC on FOX 6. He's ready to bring back the energy and undying will to win that made him a stand out fighter when he first burst onto the scene in 2007. As far as he is concerned, the most entertaining and intense featherweight contender in the world will make his UFC debut just two days from now, and his name is Clay Guida.

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