Starting the year off with a successful venue in Rio, the UFC rolls into “Music City” this Friday night and will be headlined in a clash of lightweights as Melvin Guillard will look to get back into title contention by facing off against the always tough, Jim Miller on the inaugural card of UFC on FX. The two fighters were poised last year to be in the mix for a title shot but suffered losses. They now want to show the world and each other why they belong in conversation for a title shot and not to serve as division gatekeepers.
Melvin Guillard (29-9) has been a known face inside the octagon since his time on the Ultimate Fighter program. Being one of the youngest professional fighters with an extensive professional record he started at the age of nineteen. Strong wrestling, heavy hands and the intensity to end the fight at any moment, the “Young Assassin” is looking to add another victim to his list when he leaves the Bridgestone Arena on Friday night.
Fighting out of New Jersey and tenacious thru any fight, Jim Miller (20-3) has tasted defeat three times all by which were men who have either achieved championship status or fought for the belt. Able to utilize Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling or pace to get victory, this AMA Fight Club product can earn a decision or secure a submission against his Jackson’s MMA opponent if his game plan is successful.
STRIKING: GUILLARD
Nineteen of his twenty nine professional wins have come by KO/TKO and he has been known for the power he brings with him. Finishing opponents like Evan Dunham, Dennis Siver, Gabe Ruediger and others with his striking, it will be in his best interest to keep the fight standing and look for another “knockout of the night” bonus. The best thing that has happened to Guillard was switching camps over to Jackson’s MMA and implementing a game plan’s instead of headhunting; following what his camp has prepared him for in addition to using his hands to set up a win or take down would be the best option in this fight.
SUBMISSIONS: MILLER
Although this is not a fight on paper that would be “striker vs. grappler” their strengths would say that by looking at fight records. Miller does have three victories by KO/TKO and five decision wins; the remaining eleven came by submissions. Holding that advantage in skills plus his opponent coming off of a quick submission loss via rear naked choke, Miller will need to be patient and look for a takedown attempt and scramble for the tap. Getting the fight to the ground will not be easy with Guillard’s wrestling background but once there, Miller can dictate what happens next.
MENTAL EDGE: EVEN
The wild card leading into a fight is where the men are mentally. Have they trained properly, watched enough tape or did enough homework to anticipate what the other will do? Focus and treating each fight like it could be their last is what is needed in this scenario, not looking past each other or thinking of what happens next in a victorious outcome.
UFC on FX is live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TNthis Friday, January 20th and will be broadcast on the FX channel; check local listings and providers for channel info and showtimes.
