Two top lightweights clash this Saturday night in Nashville, Tennessee, as Melvin Guillard takes on Jim Miller in the main event of UFC on FX. Both Miller and Guillard are coming off losses and looking to get their UFC careers back on track.
Jim Miller spent all of 2010 and most of 2011 going right through the stacked UFC lightweight division. Miller went 4-0 in 2010 with wins over: Duane Ludwig, Mark Bocek, Gleison Tibau and Charles Oliveira. Miller opened up 2011 with a victory over Kamal Shalorus at UFC 128.
Then in August of 2011, Miller was fought Ben Henderson with the winner getting a shot at the UFC lightweight title. Henderson dominated Miller over three rounds to earn the unanimous decision victory and a shot at UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar.
Melvin Guillard was one of the hottest fighters in the sport in 2011. Guillard defeated Evan Dunham at UFC Fight for the Troops 2 and Shane Roller at UFC 132, both by first round knockout.
At UFC 136 in October 2011 Guillard faced Joe Lauzon, with a victory, Guillard would have became the number one contender in the lightweight division. Guillard was submitted by Lauzon in the first round, putting his title chances on hold for the moment.
Guillard versus Miller is a typical clash of styles. Miler has 11 career victories by submission and all of Guillard's losses in the UFC have came via submission. Guillar has knockout power in both hands and is dangerous at all times while the fight is standing.
Both Guillard and Miller are among the best lightweights on the planet. A win for either fighter means they are back in title contention.
Here is a profile on each fighter in the main event:
Jim Miller, 20-3 (9-2 UFC)
Key Wins: Duane Ludwig (submission), Mark Bocek (unanimous decision), Charles Oliveira (submission)
Key Losses: Gray Maynard (unanimous decision), Ben Henderson (unanimous decision), Frankie Edgar (unanimous decision)
2X "Submission of the Night"
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
11 wins by submission
Strengths: wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, level of competition
Melvin Guillard, 46-10-3 (10-5 UFC)
Key Wins: Evan Dunham (knockout), Shane Rollar (knockout), Dennis Siver (knockout)
Key Losses: Joe Lauzon (submission), Nate Diaz (submission), Joe Stevenson (submission)
2X "Knockout of the Night"
Won 8 of last 10 fights
All 5 UFC losses via submission
Survivor of Hurricane Katrina
Strengths: one punch KO power, experience
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