The patented fast pace of Clay Guida was present at UFC Vegas 18, winning a unanimous decision over Michael Johnson.
The UFC Vegas 18 card on Saturday night featured a pair of lightweight veterans (and former featherweights) badly in need of a win. 39-year old Clay Guida, entering with a new UFC deal, had lost two straight. In even worse shape was Michael Johnson, who had dropped his last three heading into the fight.
Guida had his usual high energy pace to start, bouncing from side to side. Johnson popped him with a one-two combination. Guida fired back with some shots and was all of a sudden engaging in a slugfest with Johnson. Guida continued to land haymakers as Johnson was looking to counter. Guida slowed things down with a takedown attempt along the fence. He eventually pushed through and got Johnson down. Johnson eventually worked his way up to the feet, limiting the damage Guida imposed. Johnson landed a big knee to the chin on the exit and began opening up on the feet. Another knee found the chin of Guida, who forced a clinch. Johnson landed a pair of left hands as he was gaining accuracy as the round went on. Guida landed an overhand right near the end of the round.
Guida started the second round by pushing forward relentlessly. Johnson was firing counter shots and Guida was able to duck under and get a takedown along the fence. Johnson worked his way up the fence, but Guida was holding onto his legs for dear life. Johnson broke free and landed another clean knee to the chin. Guida pushed forward for another takedown effort, but Johnson resisted this time. Guida immediately shot again after a stuffed takedown and Johnson stayed in control, resisting another takedown. Guida pushed and pushed, but Johnson stayed on his feet to the end of the round.
Guida ran to the center to start the final round. Johnson was landing long shots on the aggressive Guida to start the round. Guida was wobbled by a straight punch and got a takedown against the fence to slow things down. Johnson returned to his feet, but Guida dragged him down again. Johnson was seated against the cage halfway through the final round and gave up his back while trying to stand up. Guida slipped his arm under the chin and had a deep rear-naked choke. Johnson had a hold of one of Guida’s wrists, which helped him eventually escape. Guida kept the body triangle locked in and Guida was unable to get out for the remainder of the fight.
Clay Guida def. Michael Johnson by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
