Veteran fan favorite Clay Guida made his return to the Octagon on Saturday night as part of a stacked UFC Austin main card.
Closing in on his 18th year with the promotion, Guida will look to climb back into the win column following a loss against Rafa Garcia in his last outing. Standing in his way will be Brazilian standout Joaquim Silva. Dropping three of his last five, ‘Netto BJJ’ finds himself in desperate need of a win against ‘The Carpenter’ in The Lone Star State.
Round 1
Clay Guida comes out with his usual erratic movement, chasing Silva around the Octagon. Guida fires a calf kick followed by a right and then a left hand. Guida moves in and attempts to land a couple of strikes against the fence before shooting for a takedown. Silva sidesteps and avoids the danger. Silva throws a quick head kick that Guida dodges. Guida continues his pursuit and Silva lands a stiff jab. Guida fires back with a calf kick as the crowd begins chanting his name.
Guida is bleeding just under his right eye. Silva throws a right and Guida responds with a left. Guida connects with a solid left again. A double jab from Guida is answered by Silva who throws a lunging jab of his own. A calf kick from Guida lands and ‘The Carpenter’ follows it up with a big right hand that stumbles and temporarily knocks down Silva.
Silva bounces back to his feet and lands a big uppercut that has Guida fighting for his life. Guida shoots, but Silva fends it off and delivers some ground-and-pound strikes. Guida survives the onslaught and clinches up with Silva against the fence. Guida changes levels and scores a brief takedown as the round ends.
Round 2
Despite the near-finish in round one, Clay Guida comes out pushing the pace and firing on Silva. Guida lands a stiff body kick before rushing in and landing a takedown. Silva grabs Guida’s head in the process and threatens a guillotine, but Guida pops his head out. Guida climbs back to his feet. Silva unleashes a flurry against the fence, including a stiff knee, but Guida fires back with a right hand that puts Silva on his bicycle.
Guida lands a takedown and again finds himself in a guillotine, but fights his way out and gets top control. Silva earns his way up and Guida holds him against the fence, attacking the double leg. Guida switches to a single leg, but Silva stays on his feet, prompting Guida to go back to the double leg. Guida slams Silva to the mat, but Silva once again pops right back up. Guida again picks him up and slams him, and again, Silva pops back up right away.
Guida maintains control against the fence as the second round comes to a close.
Round 3
Guida continues his aggressive approach and throws a two-punch combo followed by a left hook and a calf kick. Silva goes to the body with a front kick to deter Guida from changing levels. Guida throws another calf kick. Silva responds with another front kick, then another. A short left hook from Guida lands. Guida finds himself being pushed up against the fence, forcing Guida to move backward.
Guida throws a calf kick. Silva attempts to fire back with a right hand and Guida uses it as an opportunity to shoot for the takedown, pushing Silva’s back to the cage wall. Guida drops for a double leg, but Silva is able to sprawl and defend. Silva goes on the attack, fishing for a guillotine before Guida manages to reverse and put Silva back up against the cage.
Silva again reverses and snatches Guida’s head, pulling a guillotine, but fails to lock it in. The fight comes to an end with both fighters trading blows in the clinch.
Official Result: Joaquim Silva def. Clay Guida via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Clay Guida vs. Joaquim Silva at UFC Austin Below:
CLAY GUIDA IS HERE AND @CLAYGUIDA IS PUMPED TO BE AT #UFCAUSTIN pic.twitter.com/v2r8C1NwUQ
— UFC (@ufc) December 3, 2023
CLAY GUIDA'S ENERGY ON 💯 #UFCAUSTIN pic.twitter.com/YOJJ9VsHX4
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 3, 2023
Joaquim Silva wins the Unanimous Decision over Clay Guida after a great scrap!! #UFCAustin
pic.twitter.com/pn8rJFcv2J— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) December 3, 2023
