Melvin Guillard is a dangerous striker, but Jiu-Jitsu has proven to be his weakness. Photo: Josh Hedges
With strong striking and wrestling skills, the pebble in Melvin Guillard’s shoe is Jiu-Jitsu. Most of the losses suffered by the experienced fighter, with more than 50 fights on his record, have come by way of submission, like the guillotine Nate Diaz caught him in at UFC Fight Night 19.
The American’s adversary come February 6, at UFC 109 in Las Vegas, is black belt Ronys Torres. Guillard says he is ready for his opponent’s ground savvy. The fighter now trains with former rival Joe Stevenson and counts on the backing of renowned trainer Greg Jackson to get him in top shape.
“Joe is teaching me a lot now, especially guillotine defense. That’s my biggest weakness, and Joe is definitely the right guy for the job,” he says.
On his fight with Ronys, Guillard is more than confident:
“I’m not going to worry anymore, because I’m training with the best team in the world. It doesn’t matter if I fight Jiu-Jitsu guys or strikers. The good thing about Jiu-Jitsu guys is that they give me the chance to win the knockout of the night bonus. That’s how I’m going to go into my next fight. I’ll be explosive and I’ll unload everything on the guy,” he stated on the official UFC website.
UFC 109
Las Vegas, Nevada
February 6, 2010
Mark Coleman vs Randy Couture
Mike Swick vs Paulo Thiago
Demian Maia vs Dan Miller
Nate Marquardt vs Chael Sonnen
Matt Serra vs Frank Trigg
Preliminary fights
Justin Buchholz vs Mac Danzig
Melvin Guillard vs Ronnys Torres
Tim Hague vs Chris Tuchscherer
Phil Davis vs Brian Stann
Rob Emerson vs Phillipe Nover
Rolles Gracie vs Mostapha Al Turk
