Sanchez vs. Guida Slated for 'TUF 9' Finale
("I'th my birfday." Photo courtesy of CombatLifestyle.)
According to Sherdog, Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida have agreed to face each other in the headlining bout of the Ultimate Fighter: Team U.S. vs. Team U.K. finale (June 20th, Las Vegas). In his lightweight debut at UFC 95 last month, Sanchez used his boxing to dominate Joe Stevenson en route to a unanimous decision victory; the Nightmare had previously compiled an 8-2 record as a welterweight. As for Guida, the Chicago-based fighter has been on a tear lately, with three consecutive victories over Samy Schiavo, Mac Danzig, and Nate Diaz.
While Guida's wrestling prowess and endless gas tank have been a curse for former Ultimate Fighter winners, Sanchez won't be vulnerable in the same way that Danzig and Diaz were. Sanchez is just as skilled at takedowns and positional control as the Carpenter, and he has his own reputation for vast cardio. If striking decides this fight, Sanchez will likely have the edge. But a win would mean the same thing for either fighter — a big step towards establishing themselves as the next top lightweight contender after Kenny Florian.
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Mike` Says:
after clay's performance against diaz, aka "the longest hug," this will be the first time I actually root for diego.
armfarmer Says:
I don't think Diego will be able to handle him at lw, Diego lost too much strength with the cut imo. I think it will be pretty much the same fight as Guida/Danzig. Diego has better strikes and bjj, but he I think he'll get outwrestled.
mayhem420 Says:
As much as I like Clay and hate Deigo... I think Deigo takes this one.
I see this as being a replay of the Huerta/Clay fight.
NeW jErSeY-nEw JeRsEy Says:
hmm...
Two cardio-freaks with awesome ground skills. I think Diego is going to be just fine at 155. He made the cut, and got past Joe Daddy. As scrappy as Guida is, I think he's going to get out-muscled by the bigger guy. Diego by UD.
LAS Says:
I'm not sure how Guida/Danzig is a relevant comparison to this fight, unless you really think Diego is no better than Mac Danzig. Diego is a much better wrestler than Danzig, really just a much better fighter.
Old, Bald and Irish Says:
Picture Caption:
"I'm king ob da werld!"
...not!
agentsmith Says:
I fucking hate the way Guida fights... nothing but lay-n-pray and man-hugs on fast forward.
lost in ok Says:
Can Diego really match wrestling skills with Clay? The stats tell a different story with Nightmare landing far fewer takedowns in his career than times he was taken down. His wrestling ability is suspect at best. He will be a mildly memorable dream and not a Nightmare for Guida to take down. Once on the mat it may be a different story with Sanchez working on BJJ with the legendary Ribieros. If Sanchez wants to win the fight he better start working on his back game.
Old, Bald and Irish Says:
Ditto "agentsmith".
Diaz got robbed by Guida in a BS decision. I hope Clay gets KTFO.
armfarmer Says:
"I'm not sure how Guida/Danzig is a relevant comparison to this fight, unless you really think Diego is no better than Mac Danzig. Diego is a much better wrestler than Danzig, really just a much better fighter."
I agree, but I think the result will still be the same. Guida will lose short stand up exchanges before scoring takedowns and controlling him with superior wrestling, and basically just avoiding the other aspects of mma that diego is better at. I think he'll nulify the striking and bjj and win with wrestling and control, then catch loads of crap for it on the forums the next day. That's my prediction.
armfarmer Says:
I really think Diego looks a little on the tall and lanky side at lw, and Guida being short well muscled and compact will give him an edge in the takedown game. I think it's always easier for a short compact guy to take down a taller lankier guy, and Guida is probably just a better wrestler in general. That said I see Diego having a lot of problems stopping the td's.
Batman Says:
clay is going to frustrate the hell out of sanchez with the hugs.
England Rules Says:
Daiz should of stuck to boxing Guida's head off and he would of won that fight with easy, as for Diego he's made the weight once and went 3 rounds.... It should get easier next time round and he should be able to over power and knock out "Captain Cave Man"
Machete for hands Says:
He hasnt really showed off his ground work at 155 yet. he stood up with joe all 3 rounds. so im guess he's gonna kill clay guida.
dabix Says:
This picture is a major argument in the thesis of Guida
being a former caveman, abducted by aliens and taken to our era. Ron Hubbard would have been proud of our carpenter, here pictured with his time traveller's helmet.
The can Says:
Guida has a good chance at winning this one, he wont just stand around and eat shots like Joe-daddy. I expect alot of crazy transitions if it goes to the ground...pretty tough one to call though.
portland mma Says:
Clay showed how horribly one sided he was with his hug to death tactics against Diaz. I hate Diego but not as much as I hate watching Guida.
Your Fucking Father Says:
I am glad to see that I am not the only one who thinks the Diaz-Guida descision was absolue fucking robbery. I cant believe for one second Guida thinks he actually won that fight. This is not Ultimate Hug Fest, its a fucking MMA fight so punch someone you asshole. I thought that was the most boring fight and I was telling all my buddies how Diaz was going to finish with a slick submission and the Guida lays and hugs the entire fight, and then to top it off the fight ends and he runs around the ring like a retard on crack with his arms in the air like it was the most exciting fight ever.
Jeffro Says:
Yes, Clay has had a few "Hug and Tugs". But the guy has been in some of the most exciting fights in the UFC. Tyson Griffen? Roger Huerta? Samy Schiavo? If you shit talkers had even seen these fights, I'd bet you would sing a different tune.
Guida by Mongaloid Chop.
Hexed79 Says:
In addition to agreeing with the good reverend Jeffro (preach on!) I'm not sure why all the hate for Diego.
Sure, he's a little bit bat-shit crazy, but he makes his living fighting in a cage.
He's got cardio for eons and a frantic pace. What's not to appreciate?
RickyRobbie Says:
Jeffro stop defending your boyfriend. He can hug you as much as he wants during his sparetime but we don´t care.
Clay Says:
"Diego...let's hug it out, bitch."
Sodak Says:
this could be the shittiest fight in UFC history
devilmonkey Says:
Fuck that puto! Diaz shoulda kept it real and submitted him if he was worried about going to decision.
ruckus Says:
YES.
portland mma Says:
You are an idiot, the Sammy Shiavo fight was a joke, what'd the guy go like 0-3 before the UFC cut his ass.
portland mma Says:
Not to mention he lost the Griffin and Huerta fight.
Anonymous Says:
Wow. Not many fights I could care any less about. Absolutely will NOT watch this fight.
Joemalorx Says:
Foaming mouth positivism is way scarier than caveman humps.
Diego wont't be denied, Guida will get outclassed and most likely will eat a couple of knees when going for takedowns. Diego 3rd tko
walrus Says:
Where the fuck is Frankie Edgar?
They need to start throwin him at some of these fighters? He could be a contender.
Bas Rutten Says:
"Mike` Says:
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 05:43
after clay's performance against diaz, aka "the longest hug," this will be the first time I actually root for diego."
thats exactly what i was going to say.
YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!
My Fight Wiffa Cheeto Says:
Win Sanchez via Stevia.
armfarmer Says:
Walrus, if I'm not mistaken Frankie Edgar is fighting Sherk soon.
bold Says:
picture caption
wtf yous guys lookin at?
MMA Wannabe Says:
To be honest, I do miss the over-aggressive (but less successful) Clay Guida.
At least back then, you'd know he'd get into the cage to throw hands, not squeak out conservative victories.
nippletwist Says:
id much rather see nate diaz vs diego sanchez, considering nate diaz kicked guidas ass for 3 rounds.
this fight will probably go in very similiar fashion. diego will outstrike him, guida will go for the hug, diego will throw him down a few times and continue to dominate the striking.
the only thing i see going differently is that sanchez may be able to finish him and get the tko/ko.
UFC fan Says:
I like em both, but Diego will prolly knock Guido out.
Jeffro Says:
Guida by Sanchez.
Jack Says:
Guida is a master at controlling the octagon which is one of the criteria for judging the fight. If you don't like it, go watch the WWF. Sorry about the big wordz.