- George Chung
- Dec 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Chase Hooper via ufc.com
At UFC 310: Pantoja vs. Asakura, an electrifying generational clash will unfold inside the Octagon as 25-year-old Chase Hooper takes on 42-year-old UFC veteran Clay Guida. This bout betwen Chase Hooper vs Clay Guida not only marks the second-largest age gap in UFC history but also pits youthful ambition against seasoned resilience in a matchup that promises fireworks.
A 17-Year Age Gap That Tells a Story
When Clay Guida made his UFC debut in 2006, Chase Hooper was a seven-year-old dreaming of his future. Fast forward to 2024, and Hooper, now a promising lightweight contender, faces the grizzled Hall of Famer in a fight that showcases both the evolution of MMA and the timeless appeal of the sport’s legends.
This fight is a rare spectacle. Only 10 times in UFC history has a 16-year-or-greater age gap graced the Octagon. With 17 years between them, Hooper vs. Guida becomes an instant piece of history, offering fans a glimpse of the past and future colliding in real-time.
Clay Guida: The Energizer Bunny of the UFC
Known as one of the most durable and entertaining fighters in UFC history, Guida’s accolades are endless:
36 UFC fights since 2006.
A Hall of Fame inductee for his legendary bout with Diego Sanchez.
A who's-who resume, including battles with Charles Oliveira, BJ Penn, Nate Diaz, and Brian Ortega.
With a 59-fight professional career, Guida’s relentless cardio, unorthodox striking, and indomitable spirit have made him a fan favorite. His ability to withstand punishment—having been finished by strikes only twice—adds another layer of intrigue to this bout.
Chase Hooper: The New Generation’s Submission Specialist
Nicknamed "The Dream," Hooper brings a vastly different skill set. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, he thrives on taking opponents to the ground, where his submission game shines. After a rocky start to his UFC career, Hooper has found his groove:
Riding a three-fight win streak at lightweight.
Back-to-back submissions over Jordan Leavitt and Viacheslav Borshchev.
For Hooper, this fight represents an opportunity to prove that the new generation can hang with—and perhaps surpass—the old guard.
Styles Make Fights
The beauty of this matchup lies in the stylistic clash. Guida’s high-pressure, chaotic striking contrasts sharply with Hooper’s methodical grappling. While Guida is known for barnburners like his Diego Sanchez classic, Hooper will look to control the pace, drag the fight to the mat, and secure a finish.
Will Guida’s experience and grit overwhelm Hooper, or will the young submission ace outmaneuver the veteran?
A Clash of Eras You Can’t Miss
This isn’t just a fight; it’s a battle of philosophies. Guida represents the old-school warrior spirit, a never-say-die fighter whose longevity is a testament to his skill and heart. Hooper, on the other hand, embodies the future of MMA, blending grappling mastery with youthful adaptability.
Don’t miss this generational showdown live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, December 7, 2024:
Prelims: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT
Main Card: 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT
Available live on PPV, this is a fight that will have fans buzzing for years to come.
