Clay Guida, is one of the most popular MMA lightweights in UFC history. A professional competitor since 2003, Guida also formerly competed for Strikeforce, the WEC, King of the Cage, and Shooto. He was the inaugural Strikeforce Lightweight Champion. Clay's nickname “The Carpenter” is all about his ability to outwork opponents in the Octagon! We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Clay for a little Q&A!
How long have you been doing mixed martial arts (MMA)?
I started fighting MMA before I started training in 2004.
What made you want to do what you are doing? What’s your story?
I started fighting by accident. I went to watch my big brother Jason make his professional debut, and I jumped in to replace an athlete that dropped out last minute. I fought on 1 hours notice and never looked back. Here we are almost 20 years later still having fun and competing.
What has been your favorite fight in UFC so far?
I have several favorite fights but I’ll give you two.
- My STRIKEFORCE LW Title fight was 25 minutes of wrestling and cardio against a highly touted opponent.
- My UFC debut which we won by submission of the Night!!!
Why ICON Meals? What makes us different?
ICON has set the bar in the meal prep world. Their team is professional and the products speak for themself. Fresh, healthy, delicious and always at your doorstep. They’ve been life savers during training camp and fight week!!! ICON MEALS 4LIFE!
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
- Be helpful and kind to others.
- In life, just like in sports, live everyday, and play every play like it’s your last, because you just never know.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
The sport of wrestling along with my parents and family inspire me to do great things! I came from a small village, while my parents worked 2 jobs to provide a better life for me. They got us in sports and being from a small town I forced myself to have bigger dreams of competing at the highest level in sports!!!
How do you balance your UFC career and life demands?
The balance is simple for me…I’m constantly traveling, fishing, and going to professional sporting events, and live music with family and friends so I can focus once I’m in training camp.
What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be known as the most exciting fighter, that gives the underdog hope! If you out-work everyone, you’ll always have a chance to be successful!!!
I want to be known as the athlete that leaves the crowd on their feet and wants to see me compete for 1 more round!!!
What is your current focus? Any plans for the future?
My current focus is to stay as active as possible in the UFC, and show the world we keep improving with age and experience.
Plans for the future are to continue building our fishing guide service “gillzandthrillzwithguida” and start another wrestling club in South Florida with my buddies and brother. FISHINGISLIFE WRESTLINGISLIFE
What are your favorite ICON Meals? Or favorite thing about ICON Meals?
Every single ICON Meal is my favorite!!! Haha
- Chopped Beef Brisket and Cheesy Cauliflower
- American Breakfast Bowl
- Salmon, Saffron Rice & Green Beans
- Beef Medallions, Saffron Rice & Green Beans
- Beefy Mac n Cheese with Broccoli
- Bison Burger
- Turkey and Sweet Potatoes
Stay connected with Clay on:
- Instagram @clayguida
- Instagram Fishing Channel @gillzandthrillzwithguida
- Facebook /ClayTheCarpenterGuida
- Twitter @clayguida
Want to be featured on ICON Meals? Submit your stories to info@iconmeals.com or send us a DM on IG or Facebook!