Clay Guida vs Leonardo Santos Odds, Preview and Prediction, December 4 (12/4): UFC

Credit: photo by Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Odds

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Preview

In the Lightweight division, we have a showdown between Clay ‘The Carpenter’ Guida and Leonardo Santos. A veteran in every sense of the word, Guida will make his thirty second appearance inside the octagon. Less than a week away from turning 40 years old and at the tail end of his career, Guida will fight for the third time this year. A true nod to Guida, who nearly was on a two-fight win streak, had the split decision in his most recent fight against Mark Madsen went in his favor. Meanwhile, Santos returns to the octagon after suffering his first loss in the UFC. In fact, the loss was Santos’ first since May of 2009, nearly a twelve year unbeaten streak. Due to injuries, Santos has only fought eight times inside the octagon.

Prediction

This is truly a clash of veterans and older gentleman, as both are a combined age of 80. While this fight means little in terms of pecking order in the Lightweight division, it’s good to see the UFC pair fighters still wanting to fight against someone in their lane. Clay Guida is a wrestler by trade, but one who isn’t afraid to brawl once in awhile. However, Guida often sticks to a game plan, whether it be a heavy wrestling approach or keeping the fight on the feet against a wrestler. As for Leonardo Santos, while he is a 4th degree BJJ Black Belt, the Brazilian fancies himself as a striker. With knockouts over Stevie Ray and Kevin Lee, Santos has proven that he is more than capable of putting opponents down on the feet. 

As for a prediction, I have Guida. Not only is he the more active fighter, but at this stage, he’s the only one capable of winning fights. I know that’s an odd thing to say about Santos considering he just suffered his first defeat in nearly twelve years, but it was only a matter of time before he lost. With next to no cardio anymore, Santos is fading earlier and earlier in fights. The same can’t be said about Guida, who is the energizer bunny. As long as Guida avoids getting cracked early, the later this fight goes, the more Guida will take over. So with that said, I predict that Guida wins via TKO.

PICK: Clay Guida (+155)

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