Melvin Guillard

About Melvin Guillard

Melvin Paul Guillard, Jr. (born March 30, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist (MMA) currently fighting at lightweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He debuted with the company on The Ultimate Fighter 2 television series, losing in the first welterweight elimination bout to Josh Burkman. Guillard recently received his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricco Rodriguez.[citation needed]

Although eliminated from the competition, Guillard returned at the season finale, defeating Marcus Davis by technical knockout. Fighting again at welterweight, Guillard lost his next fight, against Josh Neer, by triangle choke submission – which surprised many in attendance. Guillard seemed to control the fight until then, opening a large cut on Neer's forehead in the process.

When the lightweight division was reinstated at UFC 58, Guillard began to transition to the lighter weight class. He made his lightweight debut in the UFC at UFC 60, defeating Rick Davis by first round knockout. On September 23, 2006 Guillard fought former WEC lightweight champion Gabe Ruediger, at UFC 63. Guillard won the fight via KO with a body blow.