ROUNDTABLE: Who wins the Clay Guida vs. Joe Lauzon fight and why?

Who wins the Clay Guida vs. Joe Lauzon fight and why?

FRANK HYDEN, MMATorch Columnist

I’m going with Lauzon by decision in a fairly lackluster fight. I just think Guida’s going to do everything he can to muddy the fight up and slow things down. I hope I’m wrong, but I just don’t see this fight being all that interesting. I think you’ll be watching it and saying it’s not too bad, but then struggle to remember any of it 10 minutes later.

COLE HENRY, MMATorch Contributor

This seems like a bad match up for Guida. He has looked okay in some recent fights, but I think he runs into trouble here against Lauzon and his ground game. I think Lauzon wins with a triangle late in the first round.

RAFFAEL IGLESIAS, MMATorch Contributor

Winner: Joe

For this one I got out my magic eight ball. In my opinion this is the closest fight on the card. Both fighters might not be in their prime anymore and in the twilight of their career but both guys are known for bringing it. Magic eight ball says unlikely for Guida and I believe so for Lauzon.

RICK MONSEY, MMATorch Contributor

I really hope Lauzon wins here.  He’s a nice guy in person and I’m always going to cheer for him.  Not saying Clay Guida isn’t a “good guy,” I don’t know, he probably is.  I just don’t like watching him belch in between rounds and for the most part his fights are boring.  Here’s an example: remember when Clay Guida fought Gray Maynard?  I’ve been through root canals that were more entertaining.  That’s it. End of thought.

JOHN HARRIS, MMATorch Contributor

This card is stacked with fights that could steal the show and this one between Clay Guida and Joe Lauzon is among those. I’m going with Joe Lauzon by unanimous decision.  These two have been with the UFC since 2006 and both men have been in some classic battles. I find it very fitting they are finally crossing paths. While being part of some exciting fights over the years neither man has been able to break through into the title scene for any weight class they have fought in.

Guida is an aggressive wrestler with near endless cardio. Lauzon has good standup to along with excellent submissions from his back. I expect Guida to get some take downs but Lauzon’s ground game will be able to keep him out of trouble. Lauzon should be able to pick Guida apart standing and win this fight.

DAVE KOULA, MMATorch Contributor

Definitely another fight where their best days are behind them.  Lauzon has seemed uninspired his last few fights, I think his tires may have a few too many miles on them at this point.  Guida has never been more than just a game opponent.  This fight probably makes a lot of sense for where these two are at, and unlike the previously mentioned fight no one is likely to get hurt.  Lauzon by decision.

SEAN COVINGTON, MMATorch Contributor

Speaking of being fatigued on fighters…these two men should also retire. I don’t know how Clay Guida got half of his wins or how he hasn’t bled out in a fight by now. I used to love Clay going into battle, now it’s just the same sad story of loss after loss. He can’t win the big one and is never really in the big one anyway. I like Joe Lauzon but some of the same can be said about him.

JOSHUA GARCIA, MMATorch Contributor

This fight is tough because I like both guys and I want to see both do well.  Joe has recently been having issues with cardio and he has a bad matchup if his cardio isn’t up to speed. Clay is a cardio monster and does not tire, but he doesn’t have the skills that Joe has.  I will have to go with Clay in this fight just due to his toughness and cardio.  He will push the fight and Joe will have his moments early, but eventually will tire and Clay will take advantage.  I have Clay winning via decision.

NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS ROUNDTABLE: Are you in favor of Urijah Faber coming out of retirement to fight TJ Dillashaw?