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#2. Anthony Pettis
Anthony Pettis entered the UFC with a lot of momentum. He was was riding a 4-fight win streak that saw him finish three fights and then, most popularly, fight Benson Henderson, where he landed his viral 'Showtime' kick.
The bout against Henderson was for the WEC lightweight title and was the last event in the history of the company. As the final lightweight champion of the organization, it was expected that 'Showtime' would steamroll anyone en route to the UFC title. Clay Guida, once again, showed that he's always a live underdog.
Pettis is dynamic on the feet and very crafty off his back, but this didn't stop 'The Carpenter' from utilizing his best weapon, i.e., his wrestling. Despite a few close calls with submissions, Guida not only defeated Anthony Pettis in his highly-anticipated promotional debut, but he set the blueprint for defeating a fighter like 'Showtime'.
#1. Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida
Though it was Diego Sanchez who left with his hand raised, there were no losers in this matchup for the ages. Both Sanchez and Guida had raised their stock in this bout. The UFC still use the highlights of this match, and the fans are blessed with this fight having happened.
Clay Guida can be very technical and methodical when in action, but it's important to know that he's got an inner savage that'll come out if need be. Diego Sanchez is of the same cloth, a reckless fighter with a pace that'll really test what a fighter is made of.
Following one of the most intense staredowns in MMA history, the bout began and everybody in attendance didn't want to blink. Both fighters were trading shots, but it was 'The Nightmare' that got the better of his opponent. Clay Guida found himself in a lot of trouble with his back on the fence. Hooks, uppercuts and knees landed frequently, but 'The Carpenter' bit down on his mouthpiece and fired right back.
The now 40-year-old was rocked, knocked down and controlled on the mat multiple times, but he never gave up. He landed a takedown in the second round and was trying to even the score with some aggressive ground and pound. A competitive third round ended and Clay Guida jogged around the octagon as he usually does. Though the split-decision victory went to Sanchez, Clay Guida showed exactly how fierce he was in this performance.
