Roger Huerta at 18w- 1l-1d is fast becoming a poster boy for the UFC and their Lightweight division. He will be taking on a little known fighter in Alberto Crane. Crane’s record is a impressive one at8-0; until you see his opposition has a combined record of 39-43. Crane’s only notable win is over Javier Vasquez in a KOTC fight in 2003, and has not fought since January 2005.
This truly seems to be a tailor made fight for Huerta, and one designed for him to win. It makes you wonder how long it will be until Huerta steps it up a notch and starts fighting some of the bigger names in the division. When can we expect to see him vs Fisher, Stout or even a rematch with the very game Guillard ?
You expect to see a young, up and coming fighter to progressively fight better opposition as his career goes on, however, it appears Huerta isn’t moving forward but possibly backward. His opposition clearly needs to take a step forward, as his fans and fans in general will not want to see him protected any longer.
Now to the second fighter in this tale.
Clay Guida has had 3 fights in the UFC to date and has put up impressive and inspiring showings vs all three, and only came away with one victory vs. Justin James . The difference with Guida is who he has fought, he went the distance with Din Thomas, a very experienced and talented fighter, and Tyson Griffin another fast rising young stud fighter.
Guida was one half of two Fight of the Night winners, and is rewarded for his exciting fights by getting matched up against former Pride Lightweight Marcus Aurelio. Aurelio is a very talented BJJ fighter and has a good amount of top level experience fighting in a big organization and will no doubt be ready to take the fight to Guida.
At some point Guida has to get cut a break. With another impressive performance (and hopefully a win) vs. Aurelio , Guida should have earned the right to fight one of Huerta’s opponents. This will be his 3rd fight in a row vs a top 10-20 lightweight fighter, meanwhile, Huerta’s competition hasn’t been anywhere near the top 30.
It is obvious that Huerta is getting built up to be a mega star and Guida is being relegated to the mid-card against impressive opposition that he is not supposed to beat. While both fighters are exciting and put on a good show only one has proved he deserves to stand across the cage from the elite class of fighters in the UFC.
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