Ultimate Fighter 2 alumnus and oft-troubled lightweight Melvin Guillard (21-7-2) is returning to the UFC -- a bit sooner than expected -- to take on Germany's Dennis Siver (11-5) at UFC 86 in Las Vegas, Nevada according to UFC.com.
"The Young Assassin" was granted a temporary release from the UFC, which he detailed in a colorful diatribe right here, after he lost to hated rival Rich Clementi via submission (rear naked choke) at UFC 79: "Nemesis" back in December 2007.
It was the second straight defeat for the Louisianna native and the first since returning from a nine-month drug suspension (cocaine) after his loss to Joe Stevenson at UFC Fight Night 9 in April 2007.
Guillard got back to his winning ways after taking a unanimous decision win over Eric Regan at Rage in the Cage last month. Apparently that victory was sufficient enough for him to rejoin the ranks of the lightweight division -- a division that he may find himself near the bottom of thanks to an absolute plethora of talented fighters.
If fans and critics are going to take him seriously, he needs to make a statement against Dennis Siver. That may be easier said than done. Despite being outpointed by Gray Maynard back at Fight Night 12 and having an overall record of 1-2 in the UFC, Siver hasn't been knocked out in sixteen fights (Guillard's strength) and more than half of his wins have come by submission (Guillard's weakness).
This may be Guillard's last chance at success in the UFC. Let's hope the time away from the Octagon has helped him get his priorities in order.
For more details on UFC 86 and its developing fight card click here.
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