UFC 5 - SANCHEZ VS GUIDA

UFC 5 - SANCHEZ VS GUIDA

The highly anticipated lightweight bout between Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez and Clay "The Carpenter" Guida was set as the main event for The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009, at The Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Diego Sanchez entered the fight with an impressive 20-2 record and was riding high after his successful lightweight debut against Joe Stevenson at UFC 95. Known for his aggressive style and mental toughness, Sanchez was looking to cement his position as a top contender in the lightweight division.

Clay Guida, sporting a 25-9 record, had built a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. His relentless pace, incredible cardio, and wild fighting style had made him a fan favorite. Guida was coming into this fight with notable wins over Nate Diaz and other top competitors.

Both fighters were known for their preference to stand and trade blows, eschewing takedowns in favor of high-intensity striking exchanges. This matchup promised to be a thrilling battle, with both men having a history of earning Fight of the Night honors.

The stakes were high for this bout, as the winner would likely be positioned as the top contender for a lightweight title shot against the winner of the upcoming B.J. Penn vs. Kenny Florian fight at UFC 101.

Fans and analysts anticipated an all-out war between these two warriors, given their similar fighting styles and never-say-die attitudes. With Sanchez's powerful striking and Guida's relentless pressure, the fight was expected to be a potential Fight of the Year candidate.

As both fighters stepped into the Octagon, the atmosphere was electric, with spectators eagerly awaiting what promised to be an unforgettable clash between two of the lightweight division's most exciting competitors.