Clay Guida: 5 Fights for Him to Take at Featherweight

Joe Camporeale-US PRESSWIRE

The news came last Friday that current UFC lightweight Clay Guida will drop to the featherweight division.

There's no corresponding news just yet on who Guida's first opponent might be at 145 pounds. So why don't I jump in and fill the void with some wild speculation? Here are five possibilities. 

5. Frankie Edgar

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Along with Guida, Frankie Edgar's recent addition to the division injected some new intrigue. With champion Jose Aldo injured, it's a division that needed such things.

A fight between these two well-liked names could headline a TV card, if not a pay-per-view. Would it be the first time that two guys from another weight class fought each other in their debuts for a new weight class? 

4. Dennis Siver/Eddie Yagin Winner

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

In particular, I think Dennis Siver could, If he gets past Eddie Yagin, offer a great opponent for Guida. It would be a good battle of distance between Guida and the German kickboxing cube.  

3. Dustin Poirier

Rafael Suanes-US PRESSWIRE

"The Diamond" has stalled out since losing to Chan Sung Jung in May. But the still-promising and well-rounded 23-year-old would offer a great welcome to the 30-year-old lightweight veteran.

2. Cub Swanson

Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

You best warm up the ol' checkbook for this one.

Methinks this fight might contain some striking exchanges. First you've got Cub Swanson, fresh off his Knockout of the Night win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 152. Then you've got Guida, of Guida/Sanchez.  

1. Chad Mendes

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At its core, it's a matchup of two live-fisted wrestlers that would surely give the winner a big lift toward the title shot. This would seem especially favorable for Mendes, who probably needs at least another win before challenging Aldo again.