“Training for my fight against Maynard is going great. I've focused a lot more on fixing holes in my wrestling game with my wrestling coach Israel Martinez. We brought in a few D1 wrestlers to push me. I absolutely think that Gray Maynard is at the top of the division with Ben (Henderson) and Frankie (Edgar). As one of only 2 fighters to defeat Frankie, and having one of the best trilogies in MMA history, he is still at the top. I also believe that finishing Gray Maynard puts me right back in the mix as a top contender in the lightweight division after coming up short against Ben Henderson. I've never been much for predictions, but don't be surprised to see me get my next UFC victory by TKO over Gray Maynard.”
In light of Guida’s five “Fight of the night” bonuses, he thinks that number 6 could be coming up fast: “All I can say is it's going to be 5 rounds of fun and I've come a long way since Gilbert Melendez. Every time a competitor like Gray Maynard or me steps in the octagon, ‘Fight of the night’ is always a possibility.”
After more than 40 professional MMA bouts, Guida says his secret to his never-ending passion for the sport: “(It) comes purely from the love of competition and pushing myself to extreme measures to become the absolute best I can be. I haven’t accomplished anything in this sport yet. My quest for knowledge and desire to become the lightweight champion are stronger than ever before, and I won't stop until the Title is mine!”
Not sure he'll win by TKO, but I'll be pulling for him to win regardless. Have to assume his cardie is much better than Maynard's which will be a huge advantage if this fight goes 5 rounds.