Whether you just have a short downtime during work or don’t want a lengthy breakdown, these “Quick Breaks” are for you. “Quick Breaks” are short breakdowns of upcoming fights. In a summed-up focus of strengths, weaknesses and variables, this will analyze what could happen in the fight and end with this writer’s prediction.
The UFC will be once again be broadcasting on FX this Friday and will be bringing a great headliner matchup between lightweights Gray Maynard and Clay Guida. The UFC returns to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where the event will take place at the Revel Casino.
Facebook prelims start at 5:00 p.m. EST, followed by Fuel TV prelims at 6:00 p.m. EST, leading to the main card on FX at 9:00 p.m. EST.
In the blue corner, you have Clay Guida, who is 29-12 in his career. “The Carpenter” will be coming in off a loss to current lightweight champion, Benson Henderson, and is looking to reclaim his momentum toward a title shot.
The title shot is something that has eluded Guida over the years, but every fight he has been in has been a show. Guida comes to fight and it is a safe bet to expect high energy levels and some bloodshed.
In the red corner, you have Gray Maynard, who is 10-1-1(1). “The Bully” has had great success in the UFC, acquiring 10 wins in a row before facing Frankie Edgar for the title. After their fight went to a draw, and the rematch won by Edgar, Maynard is ready to get back on track.
While he has only fought one man over the last two years, he will now have his chance to prove himself against another quick and energetic striker.
Styles make fights, as they say, and both bring something unique into this fight. Guida has stamina and a relentless pace that is challenging for any opponent. Maynard, while showing some striking, has a forte for wrestling. Guida has a wrestling background as well, but not to the same caliber of Maynard, and has not really focused on using that part of his game in his fights.
Guida will look to use his speed and movement to catch Maynard, but if Maynard can get a hold of him, he may be able to lay-and-pray to a decision. Guida is one to put up a fight and get off the ground quickly, but time will tell if the two opposing grappling strengths will cancel or overpower the other.
As long as Maynard’s stamina holds up and he doesn’t lose focus, he can control this fight. However, it may only be the striking and pace set by Guida that will provide a finish.
Prediction: Clay Guida wins via TKO in the second round.
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