Clay Guida believes that supporters packed into the du Arena will see an “all-round war” when he faces fellow veteran Tatsuya Kawajiri at Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Fight Night Abu Dhabi.
The 32-year-old meets his Japanese opponent in an exciting featherweight bout featuring two of mixed martial art’s most enduring competitors.
Guida heads into the UAE on the back of a defeat to No1 featherweight contender Chad Mendes, in a matchup in which he suffered his first-ever knockout.
“The fans deserve a well-rounded fight, not just one featuring rock ‘em, sock ‘em robots or a takedown snoozefest,” the American said.
“They deserve a good ground game, too and they will get a well-rounded fight.
“When I was still in college I was watching Kawajiri. He is a legend and it is an honour to fight him.
“I am excited just thinking about it. You are going to see an all-round war.”
Kawajiri has an MMA record of 33 wins, seven defeats and two draws but he only made his highly anticipated UFC debut in January of this year when he choked out Sean Soriano.
Both men head into the fight knowing they must claim victory to stand any chance of a future bout for championship gold.
“I am taking on an opponent who has been on a very impressive win streak of late," said Guida. "If I can beat him, it will push me on up the rankings. I am super excited about the opportunity. It is a tough challenge, and I take on tough challenges with open arms.”
Elsewhere on the bill, John Howard takes on the undefeated Ryan LaFlare in a mouth-watering welterweight contest.
New York-native LaFlare has excelled since stepping up to the UFC, and has raced to a 10-0 record but his reputation does not faze 31-year-old Howard, who insisted his superior power could inflict a first loss on his emerging rival.
“He’s a good fighter and hasn’t been beaten yet," said Howard. "He can strike well, but I think I can strike better. I will try to expose him just as I know he’s going to expose me. It’s going to be a back-and-fourth fight and it’s not going to be easy.
“I’m in full confidence right now. Ryan LaFlare is undefeated and he has some threats but I am capable of overcoming him. It’s going to be a difficult fight, and one you have to watch and enjoy.”
