UFC 148: What We Learned from Melvin Guillard vs. Fabricio Camoes

Melvin Guillard and Fabricio Camoes battled the distance in a competitive fight that capped the preliminary card on FX. Guillard walked away with the unanimous decision victory.

Guillard came out much more reserved than in his previous two bouts that saw him come out on the losing end. Camoes repeatedly tried to get the fight to the mat, and when he was successful, he was unable to keep it there.

Guillard’s solid ground-and-pound at the end of Rounds 1 and 2 put a feather in each for the lightweight. Camoes had opportunities to steal each round but could not capitalize on good positions on the mat.

Guillard picked up a much-needed victory after the two losses to Joe Lauzon and Jim Miller.

Here's what we learned from the fight:

What we'll remember about this fight

Guillard's fighting is more reserved.

The cautious and calculative side of Guillard is rarely seen.

For three rounds, Camoes pressed forward trying to put the fight on the ground, and Guillard was up to the task for most of the fight. And when placed on his back, Guillard quickly fought to avoid being placed in a bad position.

A calculated Guillard is a dangerous fighter. When he can fight to his strengths instead of making a dumb mistake, he's one of the lightweight division’s most exciting fighters.

What we learned about fighter Melvin Guillard

He can avoid the big mistake.

In his last two outings, Guillard played right into his opponents' hands, and they made quick work of him. But when Guillard is not hyperactive and picks his shots, he's able to put himself in the best position to win a fight.

What we learned about fighter Fabricio Camoes

Even with the loss, it was a solid performance from the Brazilian.

After being cut from the UFC, Camoes picked up two wins outside of the promotion and returned with a win over Tommy Hayden. The time away seems to have helped his progress.

He never took too much damage from Guillard and was able to get the fight to the mat. Unfortunately, he was not able to keep it there and submit the former contender.

The fight showed Camoes has made improvements in his game and is able to be competitive against anyone in the lightweight division.

What's next for fighter Melvin Guillard

After picking up the much-needed victory, Guillard may get pitted against a lightweight in the rankings. However, after two quick submission victories, it may be more prudent to give Guillard another mid-tier lightweight.

It’s important to ease Guillard back up the ladder to prove he's ready to be deemed a contender.

What's next for fighter Fabricio Camoes

Camoes showed he's able to compete against top talent, but after the loss, it may be time to put him against another lightweight coming off a loss.

Gleison Tibau may be a solid choice. It would test both men and send the loser packing.