UFC on FX Results: Key Takeaways from Melvin Guillard vs. Jim Miller

The UFC's IPO on FX tonight was capped with a contender-pretender type match between lightweights Melvin Guillard and Jim Miller. And Miller capped the action in the first round, surviving an early striking barrage to win by rear-naked choke at 1:58 of the opening stanza. 

Just a couple of months ago, both men were in the HOV lane to a title shot. But then a blue-hair veered into their path in the form of a pair of unexpected losses. You have to hate it when that happens. 

All right, I'm done torturing that metaphor. The upshot here is that only one man could get back on the upswing tonight, and it was Miller.

Here are some key takeaways from the bout.

What We'll Remember about This Fight 

For such a short fight, it was a pretty back-and-forth affair. Guillard landed crisp shots early on, staying mainly on the perimeter and thwarting Miller's attempts to tie him up. But perhaps one too many Guillard flying knees gave Miller the opening he needed; he scored the takedown, got Guillard's back, locked on the body triangle and sunk in the choke. Ballgame. 

What We Learned about Jim Miller

He may be one of the most rugged dudes at lightweight. A strong left hook from Guillard floored Miller and might have finished lesser guys. But Miller kept his head, worked his game plan and stayed persistent. A quintessentially veteran performance.

What We Learned about Melvin Guillard

Nothing. He's the same guy he's always been. He's a very talented fighter; it isn't easy to knock Miller down or control him in the clinch, even for just a few seconds. But as he is known to do, Guillard fell in love with the flash and threw too many flying knees, not unlike a point guard who wings a wrap-around pass out of bounds when a straight-on bounce pass would have finished the play. But Guillard is a smart guy, and he's still young and improving. His hand will be raised again.

What's Next for Miller?

I vote for Clay Guida, or perhaps the winner between Anthony Pettis and Joe Lauzon in February.

What's next for Guillard?

Guillard already beat him once, but BJJ ace Gleison Tibau is streaking and would be an interesting test.