The UFC has officially removed Clay “The Carpenter” Guida from its roster, marking the end of an era for one of the sport’s most beloved and enduring figures. Guida’s departure comes after an impressive 18-year stint with the promotion, during which he became a fan favorite known for his relentless energy and never-say-die attitude.
❌ Fighter removed: Clay Guida
— UFC Roster Watch (@UFCRosterWatch) January 15, 2025
A Career Defined by Excitement
Guida’s UFC career began in 2006 when he made his promotional debut at UFC 64, securing a second-round rear-naked choke victory over Justin James. This performance set the tone for what would become a hallmark of Guida’s fighting style – exciting, all-action bouts that consistently thrilled fans.
Throughout his tenure, Guida amassed an impressive collection of accolades. He earned “Fight of the Night” honors six times, a testament to his ability to deliver crowd-pleasing performances consistently. Two of his bouts, against Roger Huerta and Diego Sanchez, were awarded “Fight of the Year” honors, with the Sanchez fight earning a place in the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing.
11 years ago today, Clay Guida and Diego Sanchez went to war in an all-time classic 👏
It’s one of only six fights in the UFC Hall of Fame 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cq71ED49ok
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) June 20, 2020
While Guida never captured UFC gold, he came close in 2011 when he faced Benson Henderson in a lightweight title eliminator. Despite falling short in that bout, Guida’s impact on the sport remained significant. His last Performance of the Night bonus came in 2021 with a victory over Leonardo Santos, showcasing his ability to produce memorable moments even in the latter stages of his career.
The End of an Era
At 43 years old, Guida’s removal from the UFC roster comes after a three-fight losing streak, with his final appearance resulting in a submission loss to Chase Hooper at UFC 310 in September 2024. This decision by the UFC marks the conclusion of a remarkable run that saw Guida compete in 37 fights for the promotion, a number that speaks volumes about his durability and consistent performance at the highest level of the sport.
Chase Hooper taps Clay Guida in the first pic.twitter.com/pkgFS4QUzU
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) December 7, 2024
Guida’s journey in MMA extends beyond his UFC tenure. Before joining the world’s premier MMA organization, he had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with, capturing the inaugural Strikeforce lightweight championship. He also competed in the WEC, securing a victory there before the promotion’s acquisition by the UFC.
While Guida’s future in competitive MMA remains uncertain, his legacy is secure. He will be remembered not just for his impressive record or his numerous bonuses, but for the heart, determination, and unbridled enthusiasm he brought to every fight. Clay Guida may no longer be on the UFC roster, but his impact on the sport and the memories he created will endure for years to come.
