FOTY Candidate
Tyson Griffin vs. Clay Guida
R1 – Guida with quick single-leg after Griffin slips. Griffin to his feet, but Guida has the leg and completes the takedown on the fence. There’s some wiggle room and Guida is out. Scramble to its feet, Griffin has Guida’s back a moment, but “the Carpenter” reverse on its feet. They drift to center and Guida lands a good punch, but Griffin sprawls well and gets in a high kick combo. Nice scrambling by both as the round picks up steam to bell. It’s fairly even
R2 – Tie-in at fence. Both are fighting the takedowns explosively. Another trade ensues with Guida firing off a high kick at the tail-end. It hits the mats. Guida tries to work in an ankle lock, playing to the crowd. Up again and Griffin with a suplex, but Guida lands expertly. Guida returns the favor. Another scramble and Guida has a standing Griffin’s back, trying to lock in the rear-naked choke. The pair falls to the mat, Griffin halfway around to making a reversal as the bell sounds. This round was a non-stop battle for position.
R3 – The trading begins again with Griffin highlighting with a solid knee to Guida’s head. Guida shooting for the takedown. Griffin rebuffs. Another shoot and Griffin relents, but not without a fight. Guida working in Griffin’s guard, but Griffin is throwing up hammerfists and upkicks to try and fend him off. Guida now cross-face, almost taking Griffin’s back as he tries to escape. Guida with a flurry into Griffin’s guard at the end. Guida should take it two rounds to one.
Tyson Griffin def. Clay Guida – Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)  |