The Ultimate Fighter “US vs UK” finale: Clay Guida says he deserves a title shot if he beats Diego Sanchez

Published on: 17th June, 2009

The Ultimate Fighter "US vs UK" finale: Clay Guida says he deserves a title shot if he beats Diego Sanchez | read this item

Clay Guida had a rough 2007 losing three of his four fights in exciting fashion, but could never get the win on the judges scorecards. Guida has rebounded defeating Tommy Schiavo, Mac Danzig and Nate Diaz in his last three fights. Now Guida will have to face his third straight Ultimate Fighter season winner when he faces off against Diego Sanchez.

Guida told MMAFanHouse.com’s Michael David Smith that he feels he deserves a title shot if he defeats the “Nightmare” at The Ultimate Fighter finale this weekend.

“After I win my fourth in a row against Diego Sanchez — and that will be my third straight win against a former Ultimate Fighter champion — I think I deserve a title shot. But in the UFC, that’s a privilege. In the UFC, they don’t just give away title shots. You have to earn it. If you look at my fights in the UFC, I’ve had a couple close decisions, a lot of exciting fights, and I think this will really put me on the map as the No. 1 contender, once I run through Diego”.

Guida also spoke about the difference in his fighting style since losing to Roger Huerta at The Ultimate Fighter season 6 finale in 2007.

“I definitely feel my fight has improved, ever since the Roger Huerta fight (a third-round submission loss in 2007). That was kind of a turning point in my career. I grew up as a fighter after that. We were standing toe-to-toe, and in the third round I kind of started to brawl, and when I shot in I got caught with a knee. But after that I kind of turned a corner in my training, and I learned not to be so careless. I learned to be a poised, patient fighter while at the same time keeping a fast pace. I want to fight with intensity and press the action but at the same time not fight with reckless abandon. The people I train with have helped me become that kind of fighter”.

We all know there was immediate title talk when Diego Sanchez moved down to the Lightweight division. If Guida does defeat Sanchez on Saturday night we do not know if he will get a title shot right away, but he will make a good case to be in the title picture.

What do you think, if Guida defeats Sanchez at The Ultimate Fighter 9 finale does he deserve a title shot?

Alberto Martinez "The Narcisist" is the founding owner of URDirt.com. If you would like to post on the front page or in our New "Fan Jab" section all you need to do is register. Read more from this author