Clay Guida

Clay Guida is one of the most recognizable and popular mixed martial artists (MMA) in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born in Illinois, U.S., on December 8, 1981, he is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the featherweight division of the UFC. He began his career as a wrestler and competed for four years at Loras College. Afterwards he dedicated himself to MMA, making his debut during May 14th 2003 when he defeated Mark Simmons with a rear-naked choke submission.

In 2006 Clay joined UFC and became part of it’s welterweight division where he would fight 12 times over 3 years before moving to lightweight on April 21st 2009 when he fought Nate Diaz at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale event; which resulted in a loss for him by decision after three rounds. After that close match Clay won 6 out of his next 7 fights before being defeated again by Benson Henderson at UFC 164 after 5 rounds due to unanimous decision from judges.

It was then that Clay decided to make another big move within UFC – this time down to featherweight division as part of January 4th 2014 event where he faced Tatsuya Kawajiri winning via unanimous decision after 3 rounds; which led him towards new opportunities such as fight against Chad Mendes for interim title but unfortunately losing it via first round KO punch from Mendes on June 28th 2014 during Fight Night 47 held Maine’s Cross Insurance Center Event venue. Despite this setback Clay remains one of UFC’s most active athletes having participated into 31 bouts between 2003 – 2019 gaining 23 wins alongside 8 losses with 12 further matches ending via decisions handed down by judges or referees; still remaining highly competitive within Featherweight Division even though past few fights weren’t successful results wise due lack experience or age related issues interfering with performance levels both inside octagon cage and outside training sessions leading up these events .

Throughout his professional career Clay has been known not only for notable victories but also entertaining fans thanks creative style which includes aggression mixed along technical tactics plus relentless pace keeping opponents guessing future movements while always displaying huge heart willingness regardless outcome each single bout might have had either positive or negative result wise . For example during 2013 “Fight Of Year” between Jim Miller vs Joe Lauzon both fighters received awards however their bout was overshadowed slightly because crowd favorite Clay Guida main eventing same card provided memorable display despite losing Gray Maynard majority decision becoming instant fan favorite without ever winning belt itself . Additionally impressive feat considering nature difficult sport MMA featuring multitude incredibly dangerous talented competitors eager claim championship titles belts themselves representing major organizations worldwide including prestigious UFC itself .

In recognition many accomplishments throughout distinguished career spanning two decades now , clay received nomination ‘Submission Of Year’ 2018 award courtesy impressive victory against Bobby Green utilizing arm triangle choke selecting defend well known tough opponent among peers across world elite ultimate fighting championship organization well other promotions globally renowned such Bellator Cage Warriors based respective continents America Europe respectively