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[TeddyDaBear]

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Melvin Guillard (20-7-2 MMA, 3-3 UFC), a cast member from “The Ultimate Fighter 2” who recently suffered back-to-back losses in high-profile UFC fights, is temporarily leaving the UFC to headline next month’s Rage in the Cage event against Eric Regan (9-7 MMA, 0-0 UFC).

The event, RITC 105, takes place March 7 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz.

Guillard’s departure from the UFC should come as little surprise. During an already-legendary interview with the Baltimore Sun last month, the 24-year-old fighter stated he planned to compete in smaller organizations — but only against opponents that he feels he has a high probability of beating. He said his primarily concern is to “protect what I have in the UFC.“

Unfortunately, what he actually has in the UFC isn’t worth much. Despite being one of the sport’s biggest, quickest and most-powerful lightweights, Guillard has struggled against anything but the UFC’s lower-level talent. After defeating a then-inexperienced Marcus Davis at The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale, Guillard has since gone 2-3 in the organization. His victories were over little-known Rick Davis and Gabe Ruediger, and he’s lost to Josh Neer, Joe Stevenson and Rich Clementi.

The two most recent losses, though, brought the most shame. After accusing Stevenson of using HGH (and then having to apologize and admit he had no proof), Guillard was submitted by “The Ultimate Fighter 2” winner in just 27 seconds in their UFC Fight Night 9 main-event bout. Even worse, he tested positive for cocaine after the fight and served an eight-month suspension. Then came the loss to bitter rival Clementi. And despite a first-round submission loss, he vowed Guillard would fight Clementi again anytime he saw him — whether it’s in the cage or not. Guillard had already instigated one such fight with Clementi last year.

Guillard will now take on Regan, a submission specialist and longtime RITC fighter. In fact, of his 16 professional fights, 14 have come in RITC. Regan has won four of his past six fights — and seven of his past 10.

RITC is one of the country’s longest-running and most successful regional promotions. The Arizona-based fight organization launched in 1999 and has put on well over 100 events to date. For more information, check out www.RAGEINTHECAGE.COM ~ Roland Sarria's presents Arizona's Xtreme cage fighting event.

(Touch of gloves: The Fight Network)

[breuter]

i will lmao if Guillard loses........he is just way too cocky for me..

[Ubermensch]

Well at least RITC is starting to get a stable.

[stusskilla]

Im jeff Horlacher, good to meet yall, sounds like a good fight, regan is a nice kid, I see him having a tough time in this one

[POINDEXTER]

I hope Regan pops his head like a cork.

[Quintessential Studmuffin]

I hope he gets fuckin mauled.

[Gurry]

i dun care about either fighter really, i dun think anybody likes guillard, i dun even think his mom duz after she found out hes a coke fiend... anyways i dun hope he comes back to the ufc so i hope he loses...

[AJL416AZ]

lol at RITC giving him another submission guy. if its up a weight class, i hope this kid lays on the beef, outmuscles Melvin and gets it to the mat, and taps him for 3 in a row.

[POINDEXTER]

Originally Posted by AJL416AZ

lol at RITC giving him another submission guy. if its up a weight class, i hope this kid lays on the beef, outmuscles Melvin and gets it to the mat, and taps him for 3 in a row.

That would really make my day.

[ArMnHC]

is this fight at 170?