Clay Guida’s wrestling is too much for Michael Johnson, Wins unanimous decision
Clay Guida vs Michael Johnson
The UFC returns to the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada tonight, February 6, 2021, for UFC Vegas 18, headlined by two multi-organization heavyweight world champions when No. 5 ranked Alistair Overeem takes on No. 6 ranked Alexander Volkov.
In the co-main event of the evening, former UFC lightweight champion, No. 4 ranked UFC bantamweight contender Frankie Edgar, will taking on No. 2 ranked bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen.
In a lightweight brawl, Clay Guida and Michael Johnson faced off as the featured bout of the evening and didn’t disappoint.
Guida came into this bout looking to snap a two-fight losing streak. “The Carpenter’s” last win was in 2019 when he easily defeated the UFC Hall of Famer, BJ Penn. Although his heart and conditioning are second to none, it’s been tough for Guida to string together a consistent run until tonight.
Johnson entered this bout 3-7 in his last ten bouts. This will be the TUF season 12 runner-up, Johnsons 23rd bout inside the octagon with either fighter’s contract on the line as both of these UFC vets have their back against the proverbial cage.
With both of these warriors known for their readiness to wage war, this bout didn’t fail to live up to the hype.
Here’s how the lightweight matchup between Clay “The Carpenter” Guida and Michael “The Menace” Johnson went down at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Volkov.
Round 1: Both fighters start the bout pawing their jobs. Clay Guida fires a leg kick and Johnson returns the favor with a one-two upstairs from Johnson. Guida lands a hard overhand right early. Johnson takes a back step to land a clean left hook. Guida presses forward and tags Johnson with a right cross. Both fighters are content in trading back and forth and Guida narrowly missing a head kick attempt. Guida continues pressuring, switches levels, but catches a knee from Johnson while working his way in. Guida eats the flush knee and continues pressuring inside. He gets Johnson against the cage and is able to scoop Johnson up and takes him down, landing in half guard. Guida looks for the guillotine but gives it up and gets back to his feet. Johnson pressures Guida against the cage with his strikes only to reset to the middle. Johnson lands two solid knees to the head followed by a leg kick, looking to stay outside. Guida continues to pressure inside but Johnson turns Guida against the cage and resets to the center of the cage once more. Guida throws an overhand right that is blocked. Johnson fires back with a combination that Guida smiles off. Both fighters land their respective punches as the round draws to a close.
MyMMANews scores round 1 for Clay Guida. 10-9
Round 2: Guida continues to pressure forward pawing his jab. Johnson’s fires a combination and Guida switches levels again. Guida secures the takedown but Johnson secures his base and works his way to his feet. Guida is still pressure-heavy, holding onto a single leg. Johnson lands several hammerfists, leaving enough room to escape for him to escape. Guida chases after him and runs into another stiff knee up the middle. Guida continues forward and gets Johnson against the cage, once again. Johnson creates space and lands another lead knee. Guida absorbs the punishment and presses forward looking for takedown after takedown. Johnson is able to reverse Guida against the cage, where he returned to the center of the octagon. Guida remains active on the takedown, pressing Johnson’s back against the fence. They’d trade several glancing shots to close the round as Guida’s pressure is paying dividends.
MyMMANews scores round 2 for Clay Guida. 10-9
Round 3: Guida maintains the pressure and the fighters get to work. Both fighters landing heavy punches upstairs, Johnson changed his striking in an attempt to neutralize Guida. Instead, fighting with his hips out and with a wider stance. Guida continues forward, grabs a leg, and doesn’t give it up. He keeps his weight on Johnson, waiting for Johnson to make one wrong move to escape. Guida sees his opportunity and takes Johnson’s back. Guida secures the body triangle and works for a rear-naked. Johnson fends it off well, but Guida keeps his body lock and continues to work until the final bell sounds.
MyMMANews scores round 3 for Clay Guida. 10-9
Official result: Clay “The Carpenter” Guida defeats Michael Johnson via Unanimous decision. (30-27) (30-27) (30-27)
