After back-to-back submission losses to Joe Stevenson and Rich Clementi, it was easy to see why UFC President Dana White was giving "No Love" to Melvin Guillard.
That was then. This is now.
"The Young Assassin" is 8-1 over his last nine fights and has made a mockery of the 155-pound division since aligning himself with Jackson's MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In addition to his cruel and unusual punishment of Shane Roller at the UFC 132: "Cruz vs. Faber 2" pay-per-view, the former "Ultimate Fighter" derailed the hype train of Evan Dunham with a brilliant performance at UFC "Fight for the Troops 2" earlier this year.
And Dana White (via 5th Round) is taking notice:
"I like Melvin and I like how he’s training hard. I always thought he was the biggest waste of talent and he really turned that around and I’m happy to see it. There’s so many good guys in that 155 pound division, we’re trying to figure out who’s next. That division is so stacked and there’s so many good fights to make. I’m excited to see him in there with Lauzon. If he beats Lauzon, it’s gonna be interesting to see who we end up pitting together to fight for the title next."
Standing in his way on Saturday night (Oct. 8) at UFC 136 is Joe Lauzon, who has been inconsistent as of late, going 2-2 over his last four contests. But the Bostonian bulwark is a formidable threat on the ground and one of the division's more likable fighters.
Disposing of a jiu-jitsu wizard like "J-Lau" could be the final hurdle in proving Guillard has the tools to get the job done at the division's highest level.
Anyone think he gets it done?
Or will Guillard find himself losing the momentum he worked so hard to build when he goes to war in "The Lone Star State?"
Opinions, please.
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