UFC on FX: Guillard And Miller Both Look For Redemption

Although it’s not a title fight, or even a #1 contender fight for that matter, there will unquestionably be a great deal on the line for the two fighters in the main event of UFC on FX 1.

When lightweights Melvin Guillard and Jim Miller step into the Octagon Friday night they will both be fighting for redemption in what is perhaps the most competitive division presently within the UFC.

It seems as if the timing couldn’t be better for this fight.  Each men were riding very impressive win streaks heading into their last bouts (7 consecutive wins for Miller and 5 for Guillard) before being derailed in their quest for a shot at lightweight gold.

Miller (20-3) was just 1 win away from challenging for the title before his much-anticipated fight with former WEC Lightweight Champion Ben Henderson at UFC Live: Lytle vs. Hardy last August.  Miller was simply outworked by Henderson in the 15-minute battle and suffered a heartbreaking loss by unanimous decision.

Guillard (29-9-2-1) also appeared to be on the brink of his own title shot before suffering a devastating (and puzzling) loss at the hands of Joe Lauzon at UFC 136 last October.  In reality it looked as if Guillard was more focused on the outcome of the evening’s main event (the rubber match between current UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard) rather than his adversary.  The always dangerous Lauzon ended Guillard’s night quickly by forcing him to submit in only 47 seconds of round 1.

This seems to be a fabulous matchup for Miller stylistically.  He boasts an imposing 11 submission victories on his resume.  This could prove to be disastrous for Guillard, due to the fact that 8 of his 9 losses have come via submission.  Miller’s 3 losses have come against opponents who were eventually able to outwrestle him (Edgar, Maynard and Henderson).  Grappling is not a skill Guillard is known to heavily rely on, and he will most certainly look to keep this fight standing as long as he possibly can.

While the road to salvation in the UFC’s lightweight division begins for both men at UFC on FX 1, one man’s journey will ultimately prove to be more arduous than that of his rival.

UFC on FX 1 Main Card:

Melvin Guillard (29-9-2, 1) vs. Jim Miller (20-3)

Duane Ludwig (21-11) vs. Josh Neer (32-10-1)

Pat Barry (10-4) vs. Christian Morecraft (7-2)

Mike Easton (11-1) vs. Jared Papazain (14-6-0-1)

*photo courtesy of MMA Weekly*

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