UFC 319 fight week has already produced numerous headlines, but none has generated as much online buzz as Clay Guida‘s surprising presence during Jon Anik‘s pre-bout Q&A in Chicago. After all, just months ago, ‘The Carpenter’ was removed from the UFC roster following a remarkable 19-year stint that included 37 fights inside the Octagon.

His poignant farewell on Instagram appeared to shut the chapter for good, so seeing him return to the UFC stage caught fans completely off guard. For some, it wasn’t a feel-good reunion; it was a corporate move they found hard to justify from an $11.3 billion promotion. So, as expected, the frustration came fast.

One user blasted the move in the YouTube video comment, saying, “Bringing on Clay after he got kicked from the roster is criminal work 😭.” Another echoed the confusion: “Wait, didn’t Clay get cut from the UFC? Like, wtf?” A third summed up the widespread confusion: “He was released earlier this year, but that’s weird.” For these fans, it wasn’t just Guida’s cameo; it was the UFC’s inconsistent handling of veterans, particularly after public farewells that seemed final.

However, not everyone shared the outrage, though. A vocal group of fans welcomed the 43-year-old’s return, regardless of the circumstances. “Seems like everyone except Clay are the villains who are always hated on,” one fan defended. To them, ‘The Carpenter’ was more than just another fighter; he was a genuine presence who had earned the right to appear at any UFC event without debate.

Some went even further, praising the guy behind the gloves. “Clay actually has his own fishing company; he’s a real fisherman—love that guy, such a good dude, man,” a fan said, referring to his “Gillz and Thrillz with Guida” fishing guide service. That side of Guida, blending life on the ocean with the grind of MMA, has long earned him a devoted fan base who see him as more than just a name on a fight card.

Others kept things basic and nostalgic. “Clay fights were always good,” one user said, referring to the constant cardio and chaotic scrambles that characterized his style. Another commented, “CLAY is my favorite,” proving that even after 63 professional fights and a rollercoaster career, Guida’s cult status hasn’t faded.

Whether his appearance at UFC 319 was a one-time cameo or a sign of something more, the split reaction highlights Clay Guida’s unique place in MMA history. For some, his appearance felt like a weird reversal from the Dana White-led promotion that had effectively closed his book.

Others saw it as a reminder that legends like Clay Guida don’t have to be on the roster to be a part of the UFC’s history; they’ve already engraved their names deep into its walls. Now, it’s the time for Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev to go for the legendary status as they gear up for their much-awaited clash at UFC 319. So, who will win the fight? Well, we have yet another legend answering that question.

Michael Bisping chooses his pick for the UFC 319 main event

The excitement surrounding UFC 319 is not limited to the fighters entering the cage; it also includes how past legends envision the fight playing out. Following Clay Guida’s polarizing cameo, which reminded fans of MMA’s living past, another former champion, Michael Bisping, is providing his thoughts on the middleweight title bout.

And unlike the nostalgia surrounding Guida, Bisping is focused on what is about to happen between Du Plessis and Chimaev. ‘The Count,’ who understands the grind of a championship bout better than anyone, feels the South African will experience turbulence before finding his groove. He sees Chimaev charging ahead early, picking up rounds with his signature pressure.

To many, that prediction seems familiar; the image of Khamzat Chimaev bulldozing his way past opponents has been the defining narrative of his UFC career thus far. But for Michael Bisping, this is just the beginning of the story. ‘The Count’ believes Du Plessis will turn the tide when it matters most.

Bisping feels the winner will thrive in the later rounds, when gas tanks get tested and discipline cracks. With Chimaev likely slowing down and Du Plessis surging forward, the UFC legend envisions the fight slipping from the challenger’s hands. In his opinion, the belt will remain with the South African, perhaps even by stoppage in the final rounds.