HOUSTON - Everything was lined up perfectly for Melvin Guillard on Saturday. But in just 47 seconds, two-plus years of hard work in the Octagon went down the drain.
Coming in with five straight dominating wins, Guillard needed one more to potentially line up a UFC lightweight title shot. Just like several guys in same position earlier in 2011, though, Guillard lost. He was upset by Joe Lauzon, who used a rear-naked choke to pull off the upset.
Guillard, just like Anthony Pettis, George Sotiropoulos and Jim Miller did in big spots in this year, falls with a possible No. 1 contender slot on the line.
"I blew my dream. I don't deserve to be the champ. I have holes in my game," Guillard said. "I have to get back on the ladder and win some fights. I'm sorry to the fans for the loss and it's back to the drawing board."
This outcome moves the winner of the Ben Henderson-Clay Guida fight in November into prime position. Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez is also being considered for an immediate title shot upon a move over to the UFC. They'll all be watching tonight's main event as UFC lightweight champ Frank Edgar defends against Gray Maynard.
Lauzon went off as a 6-to-1 underdog. He's a very good fighter, but his specialty is on the ground. The 27-year-old has a so-so striking game, but that's exactly what helped him notch the victory.
Guillard, who guaranteed a KO finish before the fight, came out swinging for fences. When he tried a left hook, Lauzon beat Guillard to the punch. J-Lau's left rocked Guillard. He backed up and couldn't get his footing. Guillard (29-9-2, 11-5 UFC) hit the ground on his knees and from there he was dead meat against Lauzon's vicious ground game (17-of-21 wins by submission).
"This is the biggest win in my career. I didn't know I had the hook even when I dropped it in. I'm really proud of myself," said Lauzon.
The Bostonian (21-6, 8-3 UFC) quickly transitioned to get Guillard's back and then rolled it over. He got his right arm under Guillard's chin and that's the when the stunned fighter decided to roll to his knees. It was an awful move. Lauzon had even more leverage and cranked back. Guillard could hold out no longer and tapped several times on the mat to end it.
Guillard has lost nine times in his career. Eight have come by submission.
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