Melvin Guillard
Melvin Guillard | “The Assassin”
Ht: 5’9 – Wt: 155 – Age: 29
Born: Louisiana, USA
Fights out of: Boca Raton, FL, USA
Team: Imperial Athletics
Overall Record: 30-11-2
UFC Record: 11-7
Background:
Melvin Guillard is one of the heaviest hitters in the UFC lightweight division. Guillard made his mixed martial arts debut all the way back in 2002, winning his first 11 fights on the independent circuit, including victories over UFC veterans Kyle Bradley, Diego Saraiva, and Joe Jordan. Guillard struggled through a 4-4-2 rut as his lack of submission skills came back to haunt him. Guillard bounced back with 3 straight wins, before facing off against Roger Huerta. Guillard won a narrow decision, but the fight was overturned after it was revealed Guillard had an illegal substance on his body that made him slippery. Following the no-contest, Guillard moved into The Ultimate Fighter 2 house, though he was quickly eliminated in the 1st round by Josh Burkman. Guillard went on to make his official UFC debut in against fellow TUF 2 participant Marcus Davis. Guillard won via 2nd round TKO, but lost his next bout to Josh Neer via submission. Guillard rebounded with consecutive knockout victories over Rick Davis and Gabe Ruediger before suffering embarrassing 1st round submission losses to Joe Stevenson and Rich Clementi. Guillard briefly returned to the independent circuit, but was quickly re-signed following just one win. Guillard picked up a knockout win over Dennis Siver upon his UFC return before claiming a controversial split decision victory over Gleison Tibau. Guillard moved on to face Nate Diaz in the main event for UFC Fight Night 19. Guillard had Diaz rocked early, but Diaz showed off his strong chin and submission superiority, tapping Guillard out in the 2nd round. Guillard seemed to turn the corner following the loss, embarking on a 5-fight win streak over Ronys Torres, Waylon Lowe, Jeremy Stephens, Evan Dunham, and Shane Roller. The 5-fight win streak, 3 of which came via brutal KO/TKO finishes had Guillard on the cusp of a title shot. Guillard was booked against fringe contender Joe Lauzon at UFC 136, but Lauzon pulled off the upset after stumbling Guillard with punches before ultimately submitting him.
2011 Breakdown:
Guillard went 2-1 in 2011, once again experiencing the highs and lows of the fight game.
Guillard started off the year scheduled to face Yves Edwards at UFC Fight Night 23, but instead ended up filling in on short-notice against rising prospect Evan Dunham. Guillard stunned Dunham with big punches and knees, finishing Dunham via 1st round TKO.
Guillard moved on to face Shane Roller, who had just knocked out Thiago Tavares in his last fight. The UFC 132 bout ended quickly as Guillard once again used his speed and explosiveness to finish another opponent. Guillard dropped Roller with a combination before finishing him off with punches for another 1st round finish.
Guillard was on the brink of a possible title shot, but would need another impressive victory to bolster his resume. Guillard faced off with TUF 5 alum Joe Lauzon at UFC 136. Lauzon was the underdog coming into the fight, but pulled off the upset by catching Guillard with a counter left hand before finishing him off with a rear-naked choke just a minute into the fight.
2012 Forecast:
Guillard’s physical skills are exceptional. His striking game is explosive and powerful. Guillard has shown solid takedown defense and a recent understanding of patience and strategy, but he still falls prone to his own overconfidence. Guillard’s overconfidence has cost him big fights in the past, and possibly took away a title shot this time around. Guillard recently left Greg Jackson’s for Imperial Athletics, a dangerous move for Guillard considering his recent success. Guillard still possesses all the tools to be a champion one day, but he has to learn and harness his aggression so he does not continually put himself in dangerous situations.
Melvin Guillard Fight Record
Overall Record: 29-9-2
2008-2011 Record: 8-2
2011 Record: 2-1
Loss | Joe Lauzon | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 10/08/2011
Win | Shane Roller | KO | Rd 1 | UFC | 07/02/2011
Win | Evan Dunham | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 01/22/2011
2010 Record: 3-0
Win | Jeremy Stephens | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 09/25/2010
Win | Waylon Lowe | KO | Rd 1 | UFC | 05/29/2010
Win | Ronys Torres | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 02/06/2010
2009 Record: 1-1
Loss | Nate Diaz | Sub | Rd 2 | UFC | 09/16/2009
Win | Gleison Tibau | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 06/20/2009
2008 Record: 2-0
Win | Dennis Siver | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 07/05/2008
Win | Eric Regan | Dec | Rd 3 | | 03/07/2008
