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Melvin Guillard
Melvinguillard.jpg
Born Melvin Paul Guillard, Jr.
(1983-03-30) March 30, 1983 (age 41)
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Other names The Young Assassin
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
Division Middleweight
Welterweight
Lightweight
Reach 71 in (180 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Denver, Colorado, United States
Team Jackson-Wink MMA (2009-2011)
Blackzilians (2012-2013)
Grudge Training Center (2013, 2016-present)
American Top Team (2013-2016)
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 59
Wins 32
By knockout 21
By submission 2
By decision 9
Losses 22
By knockout 6
By submission 9
By decision 7
Draws 2
No contests 3

Melvin Paul Guillard, Jr. (born March 30, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Middleweight division. Guillard most notably competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator MMA and World Series of Fighting. 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. Guillard was talented, becoming a State Champion (152 lbs) 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 Community College in Kansas and graduated with a degree in criminal law. 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.

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 and earning a Knockout of the Night bonus. 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.

On February 6, 2010, Guillard faced Ronys Torres at UFC 109. He joined coach Greg Jackson's camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico to prepare for the fight. 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, but Tavares was forced off the card with an elbow injury. Guillard instead fought and knocked out UFC newcomer Waylon Lowe in the first round.

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

Guillard was expected to face Yves Edwards on January 22, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 23. However, headliner Kenny Florian pulled out of his fight with Evan Dunham due to injury and Guillard replaced him. 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.

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

Guillard next faced Jim Miller in the main event of UFC on FX 1 on January 20, 2012. 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. 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. 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. 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. Guillard was taken down by Varner several times in their bout, losing a split decision.

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

Guillard faced Ross Pearson on October 26, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 30. 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. As a result of the controversial result, a rematch was booked for UFC Fight Night 37 at March 8, 2014 in London. However, Pearson pulled out of the fight due to injury and was replaced by Michael Johnson. Guillard lost the lackluster fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.

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.

Guillard made his debut at WSOF 11 on July 5, 2014 against Gesias Cavalcante. 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. However, Guillard missed weight for the bout and it was changed to a catchweight affair. 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".

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."

In his debut fight for the promotion, Guillard was given the chance to face a hand picked opponent and chose Brandon Girtz, who he fought at Bellator 141 on August 28, 2015. His decision to face Girtz ended up backfiring on him as he lost the fight via split decision.

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

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. After agreeing to enter rehab and completing the program, Guillard's suspension was subsequently reduced to six months.

Guillard faced Chidi Njokuani in the main event at Bellator 171 on January 27, 2017. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Rizin FF

In July 2018, Guillard faced Takanori Gomi at Rizin 11. He missed weight for the fight and lost by knockout at 2:33 in the first round. Guillard alleges that Rizin officials altered the rules of his match before the fight, telling him that for his match he would not be allowed to use either soccer kicks or knees to the head of a grounded opponent, forcing to him to change his planned strategy and his attire, putting on wrestling shoes. Guillard suspects that individuals were trying to possibly 'protect' Gomi.

Regional promotions

After the lone bout in Rizin, Guillard faced Terry House Jr. at United Combat League 32 on October 18, 2019. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Guillard was next expected to face Erick Lozano at Lights Out 7 on February 8, 2020. However, the bout never materialized due to unknown reasons.

Bare-knuckle boxing

BKB

On April 22, 2017, Guillard took part in a bare knuckle boxing event for Bare Knuckle Boxing in England. He faced Dan Breeze at BKB 5 and won the fight via KO after Dan Breeze failed to respond in time to the 10 count. He expressed before the fight he wanted to fight BKB's undefeated, and biggest star, Middleweight Champion Jimmy "Celtic Warrior" Sweeney, and after the fight on 2 separate occasions nearly got into a fight with Sweeney and his entourage, even grabbing a butter knife at one point, with fellow former UFC fighters Shonie Carter, who recorded the altercation, and Wes Sims present at the scene.

At BKB 6 on July 1, 2017 Guillard faced the "Undisputed King of Bare Knuckle" and its #1 star, Jimmy "Celtic Warrior" Sweeney. The fight was held at 12 stone (168 lbs). Guillard lost the bout by unanimous decision.

Guillard had a rematch with Sweeney on September 9, 2017 at BKB 7. He again lost the bout by unanimous decision.

Guillard fought again on November 4, 2017 against Leighton Brady, who stepped in on four days notice after Guillard's original opponent dropped out. Although dropped almost immediately at the beginning of the fight, Guillard came back and dropped his opponent several times, finally dropping Brady a final time in the third round, winning by TKO after Brady failed to get up in time for the 10 count. Guillard expressed in the post-fight interview he wanted a title shot in BKB at Lightweight.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

After the four-fight stint in BKB, Guillard made his promotional debut in BKFC against Isaac Vallie-Flagg at Bare Knuckle FC 7 on August 10, 2019. He lost the fight via technical knockout due to a hand injury that rendered him unable to continue after the third round.

In his sophomore bout he faced Scott O'Shaughnessy at Bare Knuckle FC 16 on March 16, 2021. He lost the fight via first-minute knockout.

He then faced Harris Stephenson at Bare Knuckle FC 20 on August 20, 2021. He lost the fight via disqualification in the second round due to an illegal blow that was ruled an intentional foul.

Guillard faced Joe Riggs at BKFC Fight Night: Montana on October 9, 2021. He lost the fight via first-minute knockout, incurring significant facial fractures.

On January 27, 2020, The Association of Boxing Commissions issued a news release concerning Guillard's expected fight at the BKFC: Knucklemania 2 event to take place on Feb 19 2020. In the release they stated that Florida Athletic Commission Executive Director Patrick Cunningham had announced that the FAC had denied BKFC’s bout proposal for a matchup between Guillard and Ulysses Diaz due to “serious health concern" with respect to Melvin Guillard.

Personal life

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

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
59 matches 32 wins 22 losses
By knockout 21 6
By submission 2 9
By decision 9 7
Draws 2
No contests 3
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 32–22–2 (3) Terry House, Jr. Decision (unanimous) United Combat League 32 October 18, 2019 3 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 32–21–2 (3) Takanori Gomi KO (punches) Rizin 11 July 29, 2018 1 2:33 Saitama, Japan Catchweight (74 kg) bout; Guillard missed weight.
Loss 32–20–2 (3) Maurice Jackson TKO (punches) SCL 65: Destination February 10, 2018 2 1:50 Denver, Colorado, United States
Loss 32–19–2 (3) Israel Adesanya TKO (punches) Australian Fighting Championship 20 July 28, 2017 1 4:48 Melbourne, Australia For the Interim AFC Middleweight Championship.
Loss 32–18–2 (3) Muslim Salikhov KO (spinning hook kick) Kunlun Fight MMA 12 June 1, 2017 1 1:33 Yantai, China Guillard missed weight.
Loss 32–17–2 (3) Chidi Njokuani Decision (unanimous) Bellator 171 January 27, 2017 3 5:00 Mulvane, Kansas, United States Catchweight (179 lb) bout.
NC 32–16–2 (3) David Rickels NC (overturned) Bellator 159 July 22, 2016 1 2:14 Mulvane, Kansas, United States Catchweight (158 lb) bout; Guillard missed weight. Originally a KO win, overturned after Guillard tested 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 Catchweight (158 lbs) bout; Guillard missed weight.
Loss 32–15–2 (2) Brandon Girtz Decision (split) Bellator 141 August 28, 2015 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States
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 (159 lbs).
Win 32–13–2 (2) Gesias Cavalcante TKO (punches and elbows) WSOF 11 July 5, 2014 2 2:36 Daytona Beach, Florida, United States Catchweight (157 lbs) bout; 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 Catchweight (157.5 lb) bout; 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 3:04 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.
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 Return to Lightweight.
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 Welterweight debut.
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

Bare-knuckle boxing record

Professional record breakdown
8 matches 2 wins 6 losses
By knockout 2 3
By decision 0 2
By disqualification 0 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 2–6 Joe Riggs KO (punch) BKFC Fight Night: Montana October 9, 2021 1 0:59 Billings, Montana, United States
Loss 2–5 Harris Stephenson DQ (intentional foul) Bare Knuckle FC 20 August 20, 2021 2 0:15 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Loss 2–4 Scott O’Shaughnessy TKO (punches) Bare Knuckle FC 16 March 16, 2021 1 0:46 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Loss 2–3 Isaac Vallie-Flagg TKO (hand injury) Bare Knuckle FC 7 August 10, 2019 3 2:00 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States Broken hand rendered Guillard unable to continue.
Win 2–2 Leighton Brady KO (unable to answer count) BKB 8 November 4, 2017 3 0:40 Coventry, England, United Kingdom
Loss 1–2 Jimmy Sweeney Decision (unanimous) BKB 7 September 9, 2017 5 2:00 Liverpool, England, United Kingdom For the BKB World Middleweight Championship.
Loss 1–1 Jimmy Sweeney Decision (unanimous) BKB 6 July 1, 2017 5 2:00 London, England, United Kingdom Guillard missed weight (168 lbs). Still remained a title fight for the BKB World Middleweight Championship.
Win 1–0 Dan Breeze KO (Unable to Answer Count) BKB 5 April 22, 2017 2 N/A Coventry, England, United Kingdom

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Melvin Guillard para niños

  • List of Bellator MMA alumni
  • List of mixed martial artists with professional boxing records
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