The UFC bid farewell to veteran fighter Clay Guida after 19 years of dedicated service to the promotion. Fighting in various promotions including Strikeforce and WEC, Guida eventually transitioned to the UFC banner with a 20-6 record. ‘The Carpenter’ never imagined he would have such a long career, but with continued support from Dana White, he emerged as one of the most game fighters in the promotion. Years after his debut, Guida has finally hung up his gloves. In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, he had a few words for his former boss.

With a career record of 38 victories and 22 defeats, Clay Guida’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He started his UFC career when he came face-to-face against Justin James at UFC 64, where ‘The Carpenter’ finished his opponent via second-round submission, earning him the now-defunct ‘Submission of the Night’ bonus. In his 19 years of shining career, the fighter has faced the likes of Nate Diaz, Rafael dos Anjos, Takanori Gomi, Anthony Pettis, B.J Penn, and many more.

After his recent three-fight losing streak, the UFC knew it was time for Guida to rest. In a lengthy tribute to the organization, the fighter took to his Instagram handle to thank everybody who was there for him. He wrote, “From a six-year-old kid at wrestling practice in the tiny village of Johnsburg to a mediocre high school wrestler, to a second-string junior college wrestler, to competing at the highest level in front of sold-out crowds all over the world in the UFC—I’ve had an incredible journey. I’ve been competing in sports for 38 years, and the UFC has made it possible for me to compete professionally for 19 of those years.”

He further thanked Dana White for the fighting opportunity, “There is nothing I enjoy more than stepping into the Octagon and fighting for our fans. I am truly grateful to Dana White and his outstanding staff for giving a kid with average skills but above-average work ethic the opportunity to fulfill his dreams as a wrestler and mixed martial artist.” Clay Guida is not the only fighter who was released from the promotion after UFC 310.

The moment when Dana White sealed the deal for three UFC veteran fighters

UFC 310 unfolded last year in December at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, delivering a tough night for Chris Weidman, Anthony Smith, and Clay Guida. Weidman fell to Eryk Anders via second-round TKO, Smith suffered a devastating loss to Dominick Reyes, and Guida was submitted by Chase Hooper in the opening round.

Following the event, UFC CEO Dana White suggested it was time for the seasoned fighters to consider retirement. The reporters asked about the fate of the veteran fighters, to which the UFC head honcho asserted that following their long career, it would be better for them to consider retirement, “They should all retire tonight.” said White.

Well, Weidman has signed a deal with GFL to fight under their banner for now, along with other veterans of the UFC. Will Guida follow the same path as well? State your thoughts in the comments below.