UFC Vegas 34 Odds: Clay Guida vs. Mark Madsen Fight Night Prediction
The co-main event of UFC Vegas 34 features a lightweight bout between Mark Madsen and Clay Guida. Madsen has been nothing but perfect in his MMA career, but in just his third career UFC fight, the two-time Olympian has drawn an extremely experienced MMA and UFC veteran in Clay Guida. Neither fighter is ranked in the stacked lightweight division, but this fight promises to be one of the most entertaining of the night. One of the best wrestlers in the world is taking on one of the most experienced fighters in UFC history.
Madsen is a -180 favourite to win on the MMA odds, while Guida comes in as a +135 underdog.
Clay Guida UFC Vegas 34 Odds
The 39-year-old Guida (36-17 MMA record) is one of the most experienced fighters in UFC history. Guida has put up a 16-14 record in 30 career UFC fights. The UFC Hall of Famer put himself back in the win column in his last fight in February, beating Michael Johnson by unanimous decision. Guida made his professional MMA debut in 2003 and his UFC debut in 2006. He’s obviously not the fighter he used to be, but he wouldn’t have lasted this long in the UFC if he didn’t still have something to give. For as long of a career as he’s had, Gastelum has been remarkably consistent, never losing more than two fights in a row. That says a lot about a fighter with over 50 fights on his resume.
“The Carpenter” has an endless gas tank and he is one of the best grinders in UFC history. Despite his age he loves to push the pace of the fight and he’s not afraid to get into an ugly brawl. Guida’s wrestling experience has helped him in the past and he’ll need every bit of that experience against Madsen. It seems pretty straightforward that Guida will want to keep this fight standing up. He’s never been known as a heavy striker, averaging 2.54 significant strikes per minute, but he’ll still have the advantage on his feet over Madsen. I don’t see Guida going for a knockout in this fight, but he’s not going to be eager to take it to the ground. Guida’s best strategy is to patiently land strikes and try to win by decision.
Mark Madsen UFC Vegas 34 Odds
Everyone will focus on Madsen’s (10-0 MMA record) Olympic wrestling appearances in 2012 (5th) and 2016 (silver medal), and they should, but keep in mind he made his professional MMA debut almost 10 years ago and has a perfect record. The 36-year-old only had two professional MMA fights between 2013 and 2018, but since then he’s fought and won eight times. Madsen can do more than wrestle too, as he’s won three times each by knockout and submission and four times by decision. This will be his third UFC fight after debuting in September 2019 with a first-round TKO win over Danilo Belluardo. Madsen’s last fight was a unanimous decision win against Austin Hubbard at UFC 248 in March 2020, although he did break his jaw in the bout.
“The Olympian” (no points on creativity for the nickname) doesn’t have a lot of experience in the UFC, but through his first two fights he’s been able to completely ruin his opponents’ game plans. Madsen’s Olympic-level wrestling background gives him a high calibre motor that can outlast almost anyone. He’s one of the physically strongest fighters in the division and he’s probably the best at using his leverage. Madsen’s striking is improving, but it would be a mistake to try to go toe-to-toe with Guida standing up. I see Madsen taking this fight to the ground quickly.
UFC Vegas 34 Prediction: Guida vs. Madsen
There should be a very high level pace in this fight and there could be a lot of scrambling. Guida has more experience and he’s a better striker, but he’s lacking legitimate knockout power at this point in his career. Madsen will get this fight to ground as quick as possible and win by first or second-round submission.
