Guillard vs. Stevenson UFN 9

[jesusatemyhotdog]

Source: ufcjunkie.com, mmaweekly.com


Report: Joe Stevenson vs. Melvin Guillard at UFC Fight Night 9
Posted by UFC Junkie on February 12, 2007 at 4:28 pm ET
Two of the most promising lightweights — and possibly fighters at any weight — to come out of The Ultimate Fighter reality series will meet at UFC Fight Night 9, according to MMAWeekly.com. The combatants? The Ultimate Fighter 2 welterweight winner Joe Stevenson (26-7 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and fellow cast member Melvin Guillard (20-5-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC).

This fight could very well be the night’s main event.

I’m saying it right now, and I truly mean it: I am more excited about this fight than probably another one scheduled for the 2007 calendar year.

And yes, I’m sure I’m about the only one.

But since appearing on the show (where an abrupt and surprising loss to Josh Burkman in the season’s second episode sent him packing), Guillard has looked light a completely different fighter. And since dropping to the lightweight division, he’s one of the biggest (and scariest) guys to ever compete at 155 pounds. His power and quickness are second to none.

Guillard was actually slated to face Dustin Hazelett at UFC 67 but had to pull out of the bout because of a hand injury.

Since the show, Guillard, a Team Punishment fighter, racked up wins over Marcus Davis (The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale), Rick Davis (UFC 60) and Gabe Ruediger (at UFC 63 with a brutal KO via body punch). His lone loss was against Josh Neer at UFC Fight Night 3. Covered in blood and close to a doctor’s stoppage, Neer capitalized on Guillard’s carelessness and caught him in a triangle choke. The submission exploited what many fans believe is a huge hole: Guillard’s ground game.

Similarly, Stevenson’s only loss in the UFC was also to Neer, when he lost a unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 4. But he’s beaten Luke Cummo at The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale, and he also picked up marquee victories over Yves Edwards (UFC 61) and Dokonjonosuke Mishima (UFC 65).

This should be an interesting match. Guillard clearly has the advantage standing, and Stevenson should be the favorite if the fight goes to the ground. Regardless, both guys are highly experienced despite being very young — Guillard is 23, and Stevenson is 24 — and this bout will be a great showcase of the talent that The Ultimate Fighter series can produce.

And although I say it about many fights, this one really should have major championship implications. Whoever wins this fight should get a crack at the title in his next bout.

UFC Fight Night 9 takes place April 5 at The Palms Las Vegas. It airs on Spike TV and precedes the debut episode of The Ultimate Fighter 5.

The latest rumored UFC Fight Night 9 card, according to MMAWeekly.com, includes:

UFC FIGHT NIGHT 9 — April 5 on Spike TV
The Palms in Las Vegas, Nev.

Joe Stevenson vs. Melvin Guillard
Kenny Florian vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima
Wander Braga vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Kuniyoshi Hironaka vs. Jeff Joslin
Wilson Gouveia vs. Hector Ramirez
Naoyuki Kotani vs. Thiago Tavares
Roan Carneiro vs. Anthony Torres


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IMO, this is a great matchup. I predict Guillard by KO, TKO

[The Sundance Kid]

Great fight. I think it all depends on If Melvin can get his shots off before Joe takes him to the ground. IMO the winner of this fight should get a title shot.

[Mac]

If that's true then it's a great main event for what was looking to be a mediocre card at best. To me Stevenson looks to be a bad match up for Guillard but if Melvin can win I will jump on the bandwagon. If there's any room left that is.

[MMA God]

This could very well be one of those fights that you will talk about for a long time. These 2 guys are the future of the lightweight division in my opinion. Having said that, I believe that Stevenson picks up the win on this one.

[Soul_Edge]

This gives the card that looked very lackluster before much more stout. I think the winner of this should fight one more time to get a title shot. Remember that Hermes is the no. 1 contender and gets the next shot at Sherk's crown. I like Stevenson in this matchup, but he could easily get caught. Should be a solid main event fight.

[Ubermensch]

I guess Melvin is going to be working on his sprawl. WAR Melvin....well that sounds a bit goofy.

[ozzy2525]

Yeah Melvin he better not get taken down, Both there wrestling skills are about equal but Joe's BJJ is way better than Melvin's. I really can't pick a winner fo this one

[DW]

Originally Posted by Ubermensch

WAR Melvin....well that sounds a bit goofy.

Yes it does, Melvin is not a very menacing sounding name at all.
Maybe he should change it to Axl or Brutus..............jk

[TapOut27]

Aren't they both team punishment?? I think melvin will be favored, as he can wrestle, its his BJJ that is not very good, but Stevensons isnt top notch either. Good fight.

[Raiders18]

Should be an excellent fight, im goin with Melvin by (T)KO.