Former UFC Veteran Melvin Guillard Snaps 11-Fight Losing Streak, Retires After 59-Fight MMA Career

Melvin Guillard, a 42-year-old former UFC fighter known as "The Young Assassin," announced his retirement from mixed martial arts after snapping an 11-year and 11-fight losing streak with a 27-second TKO victory over Terry Wiggins at Ragin FC 3 in Louisiana. Guillard's career spanned over 200 fights, including a notable UFC run from 2006 to 2014, where he gained recognition for his striking power and highlight-reel knockouts but struggled with submission defense, temperament issues, and weight management. Despite a strong early UFC career and an eight-win streak from 2008 to 2011, Guillard's later years saw a decline, with only two wins in his last 14 MMA fights and a 2-6 record in bare-knuckle boxing. His post-UFC career included fights against notable names such as Justin Gaethje, Israel Adesanya, and Takanori Gomi across various promotions, but he ultimately ended his career with a 33-24-2 record. Reflecting on his retirement, Guillard expressed readiness to move on after a lengthy and eventful career, emphasizing no regrets and acknowledging a meaningful conclusion in his home state of Louisiana. He leaves behind a legacy as an action-oriented fan favorite with memorable performances and an enduring presence in combat sports.