Midnight Mania: ‘The Carpenter’ Released After 18 Years

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

According to UFC Roster Watch, Hall of Fame UFC Lightweight Clay Guida has been released from the roster.

Clay Guida has called the Octagon his place of business for an awful long time. “The Carpenter” was already a former Strikeforce Lightweight champion when he made his promotional debut all the way back at UFC 64 in August 2006 with a submission win over Justin James. In the 18 years since, Guida has fought a who’s who of Lightweight competition.

Perhaps most notable is Guida’s legendary bout versus Diego Sanchez in 2009. Blasted by a head kick early, Guida showed insane heart and durability in rallying his way back into the fight, though he ultimately lost the split-decision. That “Fight of the Year” performance ultimately introduced him into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019.

There were plenty of other highlights throughout Guida’s UFC career. Perhaps his best win streak came around 2011, when he consecutively defeated a trio of Lightweight champions in Rafael dos Anjos, Takanori Gomi, and Anthony Pettis. Guida also spent a brief portion of his career at Featherweight, where he climbed into the rankings as well.

All told, the 43-year-old wrestler ends his UFC career with a 38-25 professional record and 18-19 UFC record. He lost his final three bouts to Rafa Garcia, Joaquim Silva, and Chase Hooper.

At the moment, it’s unclear if Guida will retire following his release or pursue competition in another promotion (like GFL?). One way or another, I’m quite confident “The Carpenter” would still be quick to assure anyone curious that “The best is yet to come!” if asked.

@HelenYeeSports) pic.twitter.com/19kMHCIhWh

— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) January 15, 2025