After nearly two decades, “The Carpenter” has parted ways with the UFC.
Clay Guida’s name was recently removed from the promotion’s online roster (by @ufcrostertracker) and on Saturday, he confirmed the split ways to be true in a lengthy, heartfelt Instagram post.
Guida (38-25 MMA, 18-19 UFC) was the longest-tenured fighter on the promotion’s active roster. It is unclear whether he was released or did not renew at the end of a contract.
“There is nothing I love more than stepping into the octagon and fighting for our fans,” Guida wrote. “I am truly grateful to Dana White and his outstanding staff for giving a kid with average skills but an above-average work ethic the opportunity to realize his dreams as a wrestler and mixed martial artist.”
Guida, 43, said he has been competing in the sport for 38 years – including 19 years in the UFC. He thanked everyone from friends and family to training partners and coaches for helping him along a journey that has been rare in longevity.
From his promotional debut, a victory over Justin James on October 14, 2006 at UFC 64, through his submission loss to Chase Hooper in December at UFC 310, Guida has competed a total of 37 times under the banner of the UFC. He faced a Who’s Who of top lightweight and featherweight talent, including Nate Diaz, Benson Henderson, Kenny Florian, Brian Ortega and Chad Mendes.
His “The Ultimate Fighter Finale 9” fight against Diego Sanchez landed in the UFC’s Fighting Hall of Fame wing, inducted in 2019.
Guida will likely be remembered not only for his longevity, but for his seemingly endless cardio tank, his signature hair and his unorthodox prefab ritual with brother Jason Guida.
But the story may not be over yet. Guida indicated that although he is parting ways with the promotion, the decision does not mean he has retired.
“This is not my retirement,” Guida wrote. “This is simply a thank you for now and a passing of my UFC torch to the next generation of warriors and wrestlers. We were built to last. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the best is Coming straight to the top, because struggle is life!
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Clay Guida Confirms UFC Exit (But Not Retirement) After 19 Years With Promotion