UFC 150: 5 Fights for Melvin Guillard to Take Next

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

The tables have turned and Melvin Guillard's back is against the wall.

"The Young Assassin" was left a crumpled heap in the Octagon at UFC 150 on Saturday night after getting blasted with a straight right hand from former teammate Donald Cerrone.

Unfortunately for Guillard, losing is becoming all too common. The New Orleans native has lost three of his last four fights. To make matters worse, all of the losses came by first-round stoppages.

Guillard has the talent to be the best lightweight in the world, but he tends to fold when faced with adversity.

It's tough to pinpoint the root of the problems for Guillard's technical deficiencies. His chin has appeared shaky at times and he constantly finds himself limited by subpar submission defense.

Is Guillard struggling to get the most out of his training, or could there be some mental hurdle that no one knows about?

Considering Guillard's overwhelming potential, these are two incredibly fair questions.

Here are five fights he should take next.

Edson Barboza

Edson Barboza - Esther Lin/MMAFighting

Before UFC 146, Edson Barboza was considered the top prospect at 155 pounds.

Despite only having five fights in the UFC, Barboza has already earned three "Fight of the Night" bonuses and one "Knockout of the Night."

At UFC 146, the Brazilian saw his stock take a minor dip after a shocking first round TKO loss to Jamie Varner.

It doesn't get any better than receiving an opportunity to rebound against a fighter of Guillard's caliber.

Anthony Njokuani

Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Anthony Njokuani is easily one of the most exciting strikers at 155 pounds.

He has racked up on post-fight bonuses with three "Knockout of the Nights" in the WEC and a "Fight of the Night" in the UFC.

The thought of pairing Njokuani up with Guillard would be purely based on an entertaining style matchup to bolster a thin fight card.

Rafael Dos Anjos

Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Rafael Dos Anjos always seems to be a win away from breaking into the top-10 lightweight rankings.

The Brazilian is a talented striker with world class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. What gives?

Dos Anjos can't seem to get over the hump when it comes to defeating upper-echelon opposition.

A bout with Guillard would show whether or not Dos Anjos is a certified gatekeeper or a future contender.

Clay Guida

Joe Camporeale-US PRESSWIRE

Guillard has already fought one teammate. Why not another?

Clay Guida trained alongside him at Jackson's MMA. Both Guillard and Guida are coming off disappointing performances.

Guida lost a split decision to Gray Maynard in June.

Takanori Gomi

Takanori Gomi - Esther Lin/MMAFighting

MMA legend Takanori Gomi may be in the twilight of his career, but he is still an exciting lightweight and a welcome addition to any pay-per-view card.

A bout against Gomi would be a smart way to keep Guillard relevant in a stacked division slowly passing him by.

For Gomi, a win would go a long way in revitalizing his fallen career.