Brazil’s Joaquim Silva and longtime lightweight veteran Clay Guida threw down at Saturday’s UFC Austin, with both fighters seeking a return to the win column.
Guida had been trading wins and losses over his past six fights or so, while Silva was 1-3 through four fights, with the lone win coming over now-former UFC fighter Jesse Ronson.
Clay Guida started the fight with his patented awkward movement, which seemed to be confusing Silva as he was hit with some clean shots at the start of the round. Silva was clearly being patient and trying to pick his shots throughout the opening frame.
Guida over-committed on a right hand later in the round and ate a fight-changing uppercut that led to huge shots from Silva. Guida was able to survive and land a takedown to bring about an end to a crazy back half of the first round.
The second round saw Guida start strong, slamming Silva on the mat for the takedown. Silva was able to find his way up and get control in the clinch landing huge shots but Guida was continuing to make Silva work. Clay Guida landed yet another takedown in the round but Silva jumped guillotine and it seemed to be tight. Guida muscled out of it and was able to get up leading to both fighters back on their feet. Guida finished the round strong heading into round three where he was looking to win the fight.
Heading into the third round Silva seemed to have control of the round as Guida was looking to get the fight to the mat, but Silva was able to stuff the early attempts. Guida was relentless trying to get the fight to the mat but Silva continued to stuff the head and use his forward pressure to try and get round three in his favor. Silva continued to try and jump guillotine but Guida defended it and ended the round with Silva on top to end the fight.
This was a potential fight of the night but the judges ultimately scored the 29-28 unanimous decision for Joaquim Silva. Silva said after the fight he expected this fight out of Clay Guida saying “This guy is amazing!”
