During a recent interview, World Series of Fighting Lightweight contender Melvin Guillard spoke about his title fight with Justin Gaethje at this Saturday’s WSOF 15 event, referring to the promotion as the “B-league” of MMA.
“Gaethje is nowhere near my level — I’m an A-list fighter fighting in the B-league,” Guillard said.
During the WSOF 15 media conference call today, WSOF Vice President Ali Abdel-Aziz took exception to those comments.
“Melvin Guillard is an A-level fighter. Justin Gaethje is an A-level fighter. And I think this is the people’s main event,” Abdel-Aziz said. “It’s not the main event, but this is my main event. I’m going to be standing and watching this fight. Melvin knows he’s a professional. When he prepares for a B-level fighter, I don’t think it’s a good way to think about it.”
Abdel-Aziz continued, “Listen, Melvin, he’s man and he can talk and he can promote as much as he wants, it’s what Melvin do — and I love it, but if he thinks he’s fighting a B-level fighter, in a B-level league, he’s making A-level money …but everybody can win or lose. If he ends up losing, maybe he goes to the F-league. I hope he’s ready. I hope Justin’s ready. I think it’s going to be fight of the night and I’m looking forward to it.”
Later on during the call, Guillard elaborated on his controversial comments, all-the-while pointing out his belief that any WSOF fighter would jump at the opportunity to fight for the UFC.
“As far as me fighting for the title? I’m honored. I’m eager. This is my chance to put a gold belt around my waist to solidify my legacy,” said Guillard. “I never looked at the World Series like they were less than the UFC. I feel the World Series organization, as far as the organization goes, is right up there with the UFC. As far as some of the fighters that are in the World Series, and I’m talking fighters – they’re trying to get where I’ve been. And don’t let none of them fool you and think for one second that they’re never going to want to f*cking jump ship and go to the UFC. Because that’s what everybody does. Because they ain’t never going to have a name for themselves until they crossover, unless this organization will grow and prosper they way they should be. But it’s going to take time.”
Guillard concluded, “If not you’ve got guys going into the UFC fighting two fights and done, and then they are known as UFC fighters. That’s just not cool either. So I’m looking at this sport as a whole, bro. I’ve been around just as long as Mr. Randy Couture, and to see how I’ve ended up now? I’m trying to hold onto the last bit of respect of how fighters should be. That’s all I was saying in my interview.”
Headlined by Yushin Okami vs. David Branch, WSOF 15 takes place this Saturday, November 15th from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida, airing live on NBC SN.
Talk about this on our official FACEBOOK page, or on our official TWITTER page. You can also talk about it in our popular FORUMS.
