Clay Guida

ANALYSIS
Guida is in need of a victory after dropping three straight fights, two of them in the UFC. He was most recently bested by Joaquim Silva via unanimous decision back in December of 2023. There's a significant age and experience gap here as well, as Guida is 42 compared to Hooper's 25, and has competed in 36 UFC fights to Hooper's 9.

ANALYSIS
It was a reasonable performance from the veteran, although the end result was Guida's third defeat in his past four bouts. Clay's style of fighting has remained exactly the same over the years, meaning he relies on pressure and his wrestling game for success. He landed 2-of-11 takedowns on Silva, both of which came in Round 2, which was, oddly enough, the only frame he won. Silva remained upright in the first and third rounds and pulled away in both with solid work on the feet. Guida will be 42 years of age in less than a week. He keeps himself in stellar shape and still has some gas left in the tank, but the UFC will have to be exceedingly careful regarding who it matches him up against moving forward.

ANALYSIS
Guida is coming off a rough loss to Rafa Garcia via unanimous decision. The loss was his second in a row, and brought his overall UFC record to 18-17. The veteran will look to get things back on track when he takes on Silva, who is also coming off a loss. His came at the hands of Arman Tsarukyan via TKO.

ANALYSIS
It's common knowledge that it will be essentially impossible for Guida to win a fight at age 41 if he isn't able to get his wrestling game going, which makes the fact he only attempted -- and failed on -- three takedowns this entire bout all the more baffling. Clay continued to stand and trade with Garcia and got the worst of it. Over and over again. Guida faked everyone out prior to his post-fight interview by taking off his gloves, only to announce he has no plans to retire. The Illinois native has now alternated wins and losses in his past seven fights dating back to June 2020. The fact Guida hasn't lost two straight during that stretch is remarkable considering how limited his offensive arsenal is these days.

ANALYSIS
Guida, who most recently took down Scott Holtzman in December, will look to stay hot against Rafa Garcia. The 41-year-old American brings a lot of experience and a record of 18-16 in the UFC into his bout with Garcia.