Melvin Guillard - MMA Career

MMA Career

In 2005, Guillard defeated fellow future UFC veteran Roger Huerta by decision, but the fight was ruled a No Contest after Huerta appealed the decision to the commission, accusing Guillard of greasing between rounds one and two.

Guillard participated in The Ultimate Fighter 2, but was eliminated from the competition after losing a unanimous decision to Josh Burkman. He returned on the season finale, defeating Marcus Davis by technical knockout due to a cut. Fighting again at welterweight, Guillard lost his next fight to Josh Neer, submitting to a first round triangle choke. Guillard had earlier opened a large cut on Neer's forehead.

After the lightweight division was reinstated at UFC 58, Guillard began to transition to this weight class. He made his UFC lightweight debut at UFC 60, defeating Rick Davis by first round KO. At UFC 63 on September 23, 2006, Guillard fought former WEC lightweight champion Gabe Ruediger and won the fight via KO by a body blow. Guillard next fought Joe Stevenson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 9 and submitted to a guillotine choke 27 seconds into the fight, after being stunned by a punch. Guillard also submitted in his next fight, against Rich Clementi at UFC 79, to a rear naked choke at 4:40 of the first round. Before and after the bout, the fighters talked trash. Guillard gave Clementi the finger during the introductions and attempted to attack him after the fight, but was restrained by referee Herb Dean. He was subsequently released from the UFC, but was brought back after a win in a minor promotion.

Guillard returned to the UFC at UFC 86, knocking out Dennis Siver in 36 seconds. He was slated to fight Spencer Fisher at UFC 90, but tore his ACL while training and was replaced by Shannon Gugerty.

Guillard next won a split decision over Gleison Tibau at The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale on June 20, 2009.

Guillard submitted to a guillotine choke by Nate Diaz on September 16, at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard.

On February 6, 2010, Guillard faced Ronys Torres at UFC 109. He joined coach Greg Jackson's camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico to prepare for the fight. He showed improved submission defense and patience in the fight, winning a close unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Guillard was scheduled to face Thiago Tavares at UFC 114, but Tavares was forced off the card with an elbow injury. Guillard instead fought and knocked out UFC newcomer Waylon Lowe in the first round.

On September 25, Guillard won a split decision over Jeremy Stephens at UFC 119.

Guillard was expected to face Yves Edwards on January 22, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 23. However, headliner Kenny Florian pulled out of his fight with Evan Dunham due to injury and Guillard replaced him. He defeated Dunham in the first round via TKO by knees. The finish earned him the Knockout of the Night award.

Guillard next defeated Shane Roller via first round KO on July 2, 2011 at UFC 132.

Guillard faced Joe Lauzon on October 6, 2011 at UFC 136, and was quickly submitted with a rear naked choke after being rocked by a counter left hook from Lauzon.

Guillard next faced Jim Miller in the main event of UFC on FX 1 on January 20, 2012. After dropping Miller in the early going, Guillard was submitted in the first round.

Guillard next fought Fabrício Camões on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Guillard fought Donald Cerrone on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150, and was knocked out early in the first round. He received a $60,000 Fight of the Night bonus award for his effort. This was the first knockout loss of his career.

Guillard was scheduled to face Jamie Varner on December 15, 2012 at The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale. However, Varner fell ill the day of the event and the bout was scrapped from the card. The bout with Varner was rescheduled for December 29, 2012 at UFC 155.. Guillard was taken down by Varner several times in their bout, losing a split decision.