Dana White: Guillard used to be the biggest waste of talent in the UFC

For a professional athlete, talent is the most disappointing thing you can waste. Just a few years ago, it appeared as though Melvin Guillard (Pictured) was well on his way towards flushing his abilities down the toilet. However, at the age of 28, the UFC lightweight appears to have finally come into his own.

Guillard owns an extensive 29-8-2 (1 NC) record. He’s won five straight scraps, including eight out of his last nine bouts. Prior to his torrid run, “The Young Assassin” sought treatment for cocaine abuse and found himself on the inside of a jail cell.

What a difference 36 months can make. One person who couldn’t be more pleased that Guillard was able to right the ship is UFC president Dana White.

“I like Melvin and I like how he’s training hard,” White recently expressed. “I always thought he was the biggest waste of talent and he really turned that around and I’m happy to see it.”

Guillard faces Joe Lauzon this Saturday at UFC 136. Although his opponent is more than formidable, posting a convincing win still doesn’t guarantee him next dibs at the lightweight title.

“There’s so many good guys in that 155 pound division, we’re trying to figure out who’s next,” White stated. “That division is so stacked and there’s so many good fights to make.

“I’m excited to see him in there with Lauzon. If he beats Lauzon, it’s gonna be interesting to see who we end up pitting together to fight for the title next.”

source:5thRound.