Donald Cerrone battled Ultimate Fighter star Melvin Guillard in the evening’s co-main event. Both men were in the hunt for the belt in 2011, but losses shut down their momentum. Looking for their second win in 2012, the bout between lightweight contenders is one we will remember for a long time.
As former training partners under Greg Jackson, Cerrone and Guillard have spent a lot of time training together, and Cerrone reportedly got the better of those encounters.
What We’ll Remember about This Fight:
The excitement. Guillard hurt Cerrone badly early in the first round, and Cowboy showed his ability to fight through adversity with a major head kick. One big punch later and it’s all over, only 1:16 into the first round.
What We Learned about Donald Cerrone:
The amazing finishing power of Donald Cerrone. We all knew that he was a dangerous creature on the ground, but to knock out a brilliant striker like Guillard is an incredible feat.
What We Learned about Melvin Guillard:
That submissions aren’t the only way he can lose. We can’t forget that his loss to Joe Lauzon was technically by submission, although a big punch wobbled Guillard and set it all up.
What’s Next for Donald Cerrone:
Anthony Pettis. Cerrone wants this fight, and he earned it with this performance tonight.
What’s Next for Melvin Guillard:
A record of 1-3 in his last few fights, plus missing weight for tonight’s contest are not factors that shine in his favor. Stepping up on short notice against an elite fighter will keep him off of the chopping block, but he will likely get a big step down in competition.
Melvin should fight someone like Terry Etim or Jamie Varner in his next fight.
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