Melvin Guillard

Melvin Guillard
Born Melvin Paul Guillard, Jr.
(1983-03-30) March 30, 1983
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Other names The Young Assassin
Nationality American
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight 157.9 lb (72 kg; 11 st 4 lb)
Division Lightweight (155 lb)
Welterweight (170 lb)
Reach 70 in (178 cm)
Team Jackson-Wink MMA (2009-2011)
Blackzilians (2012-2013)
Grudge Training Center (2013, 2016-present[1])
American Top Team (2013-2016) [2]
Rank Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brown belt in Judo
Years active 2002-present
Professional boxing record
Total 2
Losses 1
By knockout 1
Draws 1
Mixed martial arts record
Total 53
Wins 32
By knockout 21
By submission 2
By decision 9
Losses 16
By knockout 2
By submission 9
By decision 5
Draws 2
No contests 3
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Melvin Paul Guillard, Jr. (born March 30, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in Bellator MMA's lightweight division. Guillard most notably competed in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) where he went (12–9) and World Series of Fighting (WSOF) where he went (1–1). He debuted in the company on The Ultimate Fighter 2 television series, losing to Josh Burkman by decision in the first Welterweight elimination bout. Guillard currently holds the UFC record for most TKO/KO victories (eight) in the lightweight division, surpassing the previous record held by Multi-Divisional Champion B.J. Penn with his knockout of Shane Roller at UFC 132. He again extended this record in his knockout victory over Mac Danzig at UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga.

Background

Born and raised in Louisiana, Guillard competed in various sports such as basketball before he began wrestling at Bonnabel High School.[3] Guillard was talented, becoming a State Champion in his senior year, winning the Class 5A MVP award, and also was a member of the Louisiana Junior National Team for two years. Guillard continued competing for one year at Colby College in Kansas and graduated with a degree in criminal law.[4] Guillard had originally become drawn to mixed martial arts due to his wrestling coach's connections with the sport, and had the goal of fighting professionally by his early teens. By the time he was 16 years old, Guillard was preparing to fight professionally.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

In 2005, Guillard defeated fellow future UFC veteran Roger Huerta by decision, but the fight was ruled a No Contest after Huerta appealed the decision to the commission, accusing Guillard of greasing between rounds one and two.

The Ultimate Fighter 2

Guillard participated in The Ultimate Fighter 2, but was eliminated from the competition after losing a unanimous decision to Josh Burkman. He returned on the season finale, defeating Marcus Davis by technical knockout due to a cut. Fighting again at Welterweight, Guillard lost his next fight to Josh Neer, submitting to a first round triangle choke. Guillard had earlier opened a large cut on Neer's forehead.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

After the lightweight division was reinstated at UFC 58, Guillard began to transition to this weight class. He made his UFC lightweight debut at UFC 60, defeating Rick Davis by first round KO. At UFC 63 on September 23, 2006, Guillard fought former WEC lightweight champion Gabe Ruediger and won the fight via KO by a body blow. Guillard next fought Joe Stevenson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 9 and submitted to a guillotine choke 27 seconds into the fight, after being stunned by a punch. Guillard also submitted in his next fight, against Rich Clementi at UFC 79, to a rear naked choke at 4:40 of the first round. Before and after the bout, the fighters talked trash. Guillard gave Clementi the finger during the introductions and attempted to attack him after the fight, but was restrained by referee Herb Dean. He was subsequently released from the UFC, but was brought back after a win in a minor promotion.

Guillard returned to the UFC at UFC 86, knocking out Dennis Siver in 36 seconds. He was slated to fight Spencer Fisher at UFC 90, but tore his ACL while training and was replaced by Shannon Gugerty.

Guillard next won a split decision over Gleison Tibau at The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale on June 20, 2009.

Guillard submitted to a guillotine choke by Nate Diaz on September 16, at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard.[6]

On February 6, 2010, Guillard faced Ronys Torres at UFC 109.[7] He joined coach Greg Jackson's camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico to prepare for the fight.[8] He showed improved submission defense and patience in the fight, winning a close unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Guillard was scheduled to face Thiago Tavares at UFC 114,[9] but Tavares was forced off the card with an elbow injury.[10] Guillard instead fought and knocked out UFC newcomer Waylon Lowe in the first round.[11]

On September 25, 2010 Guillard won a split decision over Jeremy Stephens at UFC 119.[12]

Guillard was expected to face Yves Edwards on January 22, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 23.[13] However, headliner Kenny Florian pulled out of his fight with Evan Dunham due to injury and Guillard replaced him.[14] He defeated Dunham in the first round via TKO by knees. The finish earned him the Knockout of the Night award.

Guillard next defeated Shane Roller via first round KO on July 2, 2011 at UFC 132.[15]

Guillard faced Joe Lauzon on October 6, 2011 at UFC 136.[16] Guillard was quickly submitted with a rear naked choke after being stunned by a counter left hook from Lauzon.[17]

Guillard next faced Jim Miller in the main event of UFC on FX 1 on January 20, 2012.[18] After dropping Miller in the early going, Guillard was submitted in the first round.

Guillard next fought Fabrício Camões on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.[19] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Guillard fought Donald Cerrone on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150, and was knocked out early in the first round after clipping Cerrone with a big left hand. He received a $60,000 Fight of the Night bonus award for his effort.[20] This was the first knockout loss of his career.

Guillard was scheduled to face Jamie Varner on December 15, 2012 at The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale.[21] However, Varner fell ill the day of the event and the bout was scrapped from the card. The bout with Varner was rescheduled for December 29, 2012 at UFC 155.[22] Guillard was taken down by Varner several times in their bout, losing a split decision.[23]

Guillard faced Mac Danzig on July 27, 2013 at UFC on Fox 8.[24] He knocked Danzig out in the second round. The win earned Guillard his third Knockout of the Night bonus award.[25]

Guillard faced Ross Pearson on October 26, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 30.[26] The fight ended in a no contest when Pearson was deemed unable to continue after being cut on the forehead by an accidental illegal knee.[27] As a result of the controversial result, a rematch was booked for UFC Fight Night 37 at March 8, 2014 in London.[28] However, Pearson pulled out of the fight due to injury and was replaced by Michael Johnson.[29] Guillard lost the lackluster fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.[30]

World Series of Fighting

On April 7, 2014, World Series of Fighting executive vice president Ali Abdel-Aziz confirmed Guillard had signed a multi-fight contract.[31]

Guillard made his debut at WSOF 11 on July 5, 2014 against Gesias Cavalcante.[32] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Guillard was expected to challenge Justin Gaethje for his WSOF Lightweight championship on November 15, 2014 at WSOF 15.[33] However, Guillard missed weight for the bout and it was changed to a catchweight affair.[34] Guillard lost the fight via split decision.

On April 30, 2015 Melvin was released by the World Series of Fighting. His manager, Malki Kawa, announced the news on Twitter: "I just received what I asked for from wsof which is the release for [Melvin]... Should have a new home for him shortly".[35]

Bellator MMA

On May 4, 2015, Bellator MMA president Scott Coker announced Melvin's signing in a press release, stating "We are excited to have Melvin coming onboard." [36]

In his debut fight for the promotion, Guillard faced Brandon Girtz at Bellator 141 on August 28, 2015. He lost the fight via split decision.[37]

In his second fight for the promotion, Guillard faced Derek Campos on February 19, 2016 at Bellator 149.[38] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.[39]

In his third fight for the promotion, Guillard faced David Rickels on July 21, 2016 at Bellator 159. Guillard earned his first win in Bellator via a series of elbows and punches to defeat Rickels via KO in the first round. The win was overturned after Guillard tested positive for a non-performance-enhancing banned substance. Guillard was subsequently suspended for one year by the Kansas Athletic Commission.[40]

Personal life

Guillard is married. He is a playable character in UFC Undisputed 3 the video game.[41]

Substance abuse and family

Guillard fought The Ultimate Fighter 2 winner Joe Stevenson in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Stevenson vs Guillard on April 5, 2007, and submitted to a guillotine choke in 27 seconds after being dropped by a jab. He publicly accused Stevenson of using Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Guillard's own pre-fight urine sample later tested positive for cocaine. The Nevada State Athletic Commission subsequently suspended Guillard for eight months and fined him $2,100.[42] Melvin attributed his drug abuse to the death of his father at age 44, from cirrhosis after a life of heavy drinking.

He later said, "I made a lot of excuses for myself because of my father's death, and I regret it now because my father left me and he always told me, 'Son, never live a regret. Never make excuses for yourself. Be a man and take responsibility for whatever you do in life.'"[43] He has said his dad was his best friend and biggest fan, and never missed watching him fight. However, after Hurricane Katrina, his dad (a contractor) was backed up with work and so didn't make it to Guillard's UFC debut. He died before he could ever watch him fight in the UFC.[44]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
NC 32–16–2 (3) David Rickels NC (overturned) Bellator 159 July 22, 2016 1 2:14 Mulvane, Kansas, United States 158 lb. catchweight (Guillard missed weight); Originally a KO win overturned after testing positive for a banned substance.
Loss 32–16–2 (2) Derek Campos KO (punches) Bellator 149 February 19, 2016 2 0:32 Houston, Texas, United States 158 lb. catchweight (Guillard missed weight)
Loss 32–15–2 (2) Brandon Girtz Decision (split) Bellator 141 August 28, 2015 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States Bellator debut.
Loss 32–14–2 (2) Justin Gaethje Decision (split) WSOF 15 November 15, 2014 3 5:00 Tampa, Florida, United States Non-title bout, Guillard missed weight (159lbs).
Win 32–13–2 (2) Gesias Cavalcante TKO (punches and elbows) WSOF 11 July 5, 2014 2 2:36 Daytona Beach, Florida, United States 157 lb. catchweight (Guillard missed weight).
Loss 31–13–2 (2) Michael Johnson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Manuwa March 8, 2014 3 5:00 London, England, United Kingdom
NC 31–12–2 (2) Ross Pearson NC (illegal knee) UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Munoz October 26, 2013 1 1:57 Manchester, England, United Kingdom Pearson was unable to continue after being cut by an accidental illegal knee.
Win 31–12–2 (1) Mac Danzig KO (punches) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga July 27, 2013 2 2:47 Seattle, Washington, United States Knockout of the Night.
Loss 30–12–2 (1) Jamie Varner Decision (split) UFC 155 December 29, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 30–11–2 (1) Donald Cerrone KO (head kick and punch) UFC 150 August 11, 2012 1 1:16 Denver, Colorado, United States 157.5 lb. catchweight (Guillard missed weight); Fight of the Night.
Win 30–10–2 (1) Fabrício Camões Decision (unanimous) UFC 148 July 7, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 29–10–2 (1) Jim Miller Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller January 20, 2012 1 2:04 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Loss 29–9–2 (1) Joe Lauzon Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 136 October 8, 2011 1 0:47 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 29–8–2 (1) Shane Roller KO (punches) UFC 132 July 2, 2011 1 2:12 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 28–8–2 (1) Evan Dunham TKO (knees) UFC: Fight For The Troops 2 January 22, 2011 1 2:58 Fort Hood, Texas, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 27–8–2 (1) Jeremy Stephens Decision (split) UFC 119 September 25, 2010 3 5:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 26–8–2 (1) Waylon Lowe TKO (knee to the body) UFC 114 May 29, 2010 1 3:28 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 25–8–2 (1) Ronys Torres Decision (unanimous) UFC 109 February 6, 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 24–8–2 (1) Nate Diaz Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard September 16, 2009 2 2:13 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win 24–7–2 (1) Gleison Tibau Decision (split) The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale June 20, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 23–7–2 (1) Dennis Siver TKO (punches) UFC 86 July 5, 2008 1 0:36 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 22–7–2 (1) Eric Regan Decision (unanimous) RITC 105: Friday Night Fights March 7, 2008 3 3:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 21–7–2 (1) Rich Clementi Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 79 December 29, 2007 1 4:40 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 21–6–2 (1) Joe Stevenson Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Stevenson vs. Guillard April 5, 2007 1 0:27 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Guillard tested positive for benzoylecgonine (cocaine metabolite).
Win 21–5–2 (1) Gabe Ruediger TKO (body punch) UFC 63 September 23, 2006 2 1:01 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 20–5–2 (1) Rick Davis KO (punch) UFC 60 May 27, 2006 1 1:37 Los Angeles, California, United States
Loss 19–5–2 (1) Josh Neer Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night 3 January 16, 2006 1 4:20 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 19–4–2 (1) Marcus Davis TKO (doctor stoppage) The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale November 5, 2005 2 2:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
NC 18–4–2 (1) Roger Huerta NC (overturned) Freestyle Fighting Championships 14 March 5, 2005 3 5:00 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States Originally a decision win for Guillard; overturned due to Guillard greasing between rounds.
Win 18–4–2 Peter Kaljevic TKO (elbows) Freestyle Fighting Championships 14 March 5, 2005 1 2:24 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win 17–4–2 Darrell Smith TKO (punches) Freestyle Fighting Championships 14 March 5, 2005 1 3:07 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win 16–4–2 Rob Emerson Decision (split) RCF: Cold Hearted February 19, 2005 3 5:00 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Loss 15–4–2 Santino Defranco Submission (triangle choke) ISCF: Domination at the DAC November 20, 2004 1 2:33 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 15–3–2 Jason Hathaway TKO (punches) ISCF: Compound Fracture October 15, 2004 1 0:37 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Draw 14–3–2 LaVerne Clark Draw RCF: Duel in the Delta September 25, 2004 3 5:00 Tunica, Mississippi, United States
Win 14–3–1 Angel Nievens Decision (unanimous) FFC 11: Explosion September 10, 2004 3 5:00 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Loss 13–3–1 Ryan Stout Submission (armbar) Battle of New Orleans 14 July 10, 2004 1 2:55 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Draw 13–2–1 Lee King Draw Battle of New Orleans 13 June 25, 2004 3 5:00 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Win 13–2 Rich Miller TKO (punches) Extreme Challenge 58 June 11, 2004 2 2:07 Medina, Minnesota, United States
Win 12–2 Kyle Bradley TKO (punches) Freestyle Fighting Championships 9 May 14, 2004 1 4:20 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Loss 11–2 Jake Short Decision (unanimous) Freestyle Fighting Championships 8 March 5, 2004 3 5:00 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Loss 11–1 Carlo Prater Submission (guillotine choke) Freestyle Fighting Championships 7 December 19, 2003 1 2:32 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win 11–0 Justin Wieman TKO (punches) ISCF: Anarchy in August August 2, 2003 2 N/A Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 10–0 Kyle Bradley Submission (armbar) FFC 6: No Love July 11, 2003 1 2:54 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win 9–0 Paul Purcell TKO (punches) Art of War 2 June 21, 2003 1 N/A Kalispell, Montana, United States
Win 8–0 Diego Saraiva KO (punches) ISCF: May Madness May 23, 2003 1 N/A Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 7–0 Alex Kronofsky KO (punch) Battle of New Orleans 6 April 26, 2003 1 1:32 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Win 6–0 Aaron Williams TKO (punches) Freestyle Fighting Championships 5 April 25, 2003 1 1:43 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win 5–0 Victor Estrada Submission (armbar) Battle of New Orleans 5 March 22, 2003 1 2:04 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Win 4–0 Rod Ramirez TKO (punches) Battle of New Orleans 4 February 15, 2003 2 0:32 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Win 3–0 Joe Jordan Decision (unanimous) Battle of New Orleans 3 January 18, 2003 2 5:00 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Win 2–0 Jonathon Hargroder KO (punch) Battle of New Orleans 2 December 21, 2002 1 0:31 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Win 1–0 Calvin Martin Decision (unanimous) Battle of New Orleans 1 November 16, 2002 2 5:00 New Orleans, Louisiana

See also

References

  1. Smith, Kodi. "Melvin Guillard Removed From ATT Website". American Top Team Fight Team Roster Page. American Top Team. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  2. "Melvin Guillard finds new home at Grudge, coach optimistic about turnaround". mmajunkie.com. April 3, 2013.
  3. "Reviving an 'Assassin'". Sherdog.
  4. "Melvin Guillard". UFC.
  5. "New Orleanian Melvin Guillard gears up for UFC 114". NOLA.com.
  6. "UFC Fight Night DIAZ vs GUILLARD". Ufc.com. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  7. "UFC 109: Ronnys Torres vs. Melvin Guillard". tatame.com. Retrieved 2009-10-24.
  8. "UFC 109 - Guillard joins Jackson's MMA to prepare for Ronnys Torres". mmabay.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-01-19.
  9. "Melvin Guillard v. Thiago Tavares at UFC 114". sbnation.com. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
  10. "Thiago Tavares out of UFC 114 bout with Melvin Guillard due to elbow injury". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2010-05-11.
  11. "Newcomer Waylon Lowe replaces Thiago Tavares, meets Melvin Guillard at UFC 114". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2010-05-11.
  12. "Melvin Guillard vs. Jeremy Stephens targeted for UFC 119 main card in Indy". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
  13. "Melvin Guillard and Yves Edwards meet at Jan. 22 UFC event". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2010-10-14.
  14. "Kenny Florian Injured, Melvin Guillard To Face Evan Dunham". Heavy.com. December 6, 2010.
  15. "Melvin Guillard vs. Shane Roller set for UFC 132 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. March 14, 2011.
  16. "Melvin Guillard vs. Joe Lauzon in the works for UFC 136 in Houston". mmajunkie.com. 2011-07-15.
  17. "UFC 136 results: Joe Lauzon submits Melvin Guillard for monster upset win". mmamania.com. 2011-10-08.
  18. "Melvin Guillard vs. Jim Miller headlines UFC on FX 1 event". mmajunkie.com. 2011-11-17.
  19. "Melvin Guillard Draws Fabricio Camoes in Lightweight Battle at UFC 148". mmaweekly.com. March 29, 2012.
  20. "UFC 150 Bonuses: Cerrone Banks Extra $120,000; Bermudez, Guillard Pocket $60K Each". Sherdog.
  21. "Melvin Guillard vs. Jamie Varner added to TUF 16 Finale in December". mmajunkie.com. November 1, 2012.
  22. "Illness forces Jamie Varner out of Melvin Guillard fight". mmafighting.com. December 15, 2012.
  23. "UFC 155 results recap: Jamie Varner vs. Melvin Guillard". bloodyelbow.com. December 31, 2012.
  24. Tom Ngo (April 3, 2013). "Melvin Guillard Meets Mac Danzig at UFC on FOX 8". 5thround.com. Retrieved April 3, 2013.
  25. Staff (2013-07-27). "UFC on FOX 8 bonuses: Johnson, Guillard, Herman, Smith earn $50,000". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-07-27.
  26. Dana Becker (2013-08-06). "Melvin Guillard-Ross Pearson Slated For Return To England In October". fightline.com. Retrieved 2013-08-06.
  27. "Lyoto Machida Arrives at 185 Pounds, Knocks Out Mark Munoz at UFC Fight Night 30". Sherdog.
  28. "Melvin Guillard-Ross Pearson Rematch Added to UFC's March 8 Show in London". Sherdog.
  29. "Pearson Out Of UFC London, Guillard Gets Replacement". YourMMA.tv. January 23, 2014.
  30. Ariel Helwani (March 21, 2014). "Melvin Guillard released from UFC". mmafighting.com.
  31. Ariel Helwani (April 8, 2014). "Melvin Guillard signs with World Series of Fighting". mmafighting.com.
  32. Henderson, Jason (3 May 2014). "Melvin Guillard Vs JZ Cavalcante Set For WSOF 11". Fight of the Night. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  33. "WSOF 15 - Branch vs. Okami". Sherdog.com.
  34. "WSOF 15 weigh-in results: Guillard misses weight, Gaethje bout now non-title fight". mmajunkie.com.
  35. "Malki Kawa's Tweet". Twitter.com.
  36. "Bellator's Statement". MMAJunkie.com.
  37. Coffeen, Fraser (2015-08-29). "Bellator 141 results and gifs: Guillard dominated in Bellator debut". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2016-08-05.
  38. "Bellator books Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock 3, 'Kimbo' vs. 'Dada 5000' for Houston - MMAjunkie". MMAjunkie.
  39. Doyle, Dave (2016-02-20). "Bellator 149 results: Derek Campos finishes Melvin Guillard in second round". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2016-08-05.
  40. "Melvin Guillard suspended one year, Bellator 159 bout with David Rickels ruled no contest after failed drug test". 2016-08-05. Retrieved 2016-08-05.
  41. "Guillard Comes Back from the Depths to Start a New Chapter". UFC.com. 2009-06-17. Retrieved 2009-06-17.
  42. "NSAC Suspends Guillard for Cocaine Use". Sherdog. May 10, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
  43. "UFC's Guillard adopts new habit -- winning". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
  44. "Beyond the Fight: Guillard vs. Miller". Sherdog.
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