Guillard Taking a 'Temporary' Leave from UFC

UFC lightweight Melvin Guillard has stated that he's taking a temporary leave from the UFC to take a few fights in smaller organizations. He made his statement in his usual brash style with foul language, death threats and a denial that he's ever been beaten. He also plans to fight up in weight and compete at 170 in these smaller venues.

While no one has ever denied the fact that Guillard is a great athlete, he's yet to demonstrate that he can win consistently in the UFC despite his claims that he's never been beaten. He was given the opportunity to contend in the lightweight division by headlining a UFC fight night against Joe Stevenson. Guillard was choked out with a guillotine in 27 seconds of the very first round. He continued his confident talk after and was certain that he would get back on the winning track at UFC 79 against Rich 'No Love' Clementi, a man he has no love for. After weeks of verbal jabs back and forth Clementi dominated the fight and choked out Guillard with 20 seconds left in the first round.

Guillard is still adamant that he'll fight Clementi again but doesn't plan to do it in the cage. He says Clementi has been ducking him in their native Louisiana, and every time he doesn't find Clementi it's a win for Guillard.

I'm not sure what exactly Melvin Guillard is smoking but I would love to have some. He has completely crossed the line of confidence and gone to delusional. Guillard has shown flashes of being a superstar but he will never be able to live up to his own billing. Sure, we may see Guillard in the UFC sometime in the future and he is still quite young but he needs to grow up before he can ever be a force in the lightweight division.

To read the entire interview with Guillard visit http://www.baltimoresun.com/