The UFC is close to finalizing a lightweight bout between two veteran crowd favorites in Jim Miller and Clay Guida, according to multiple sources.
Bout agreements have not yet been signed, but the 155-pound fight is expected to be made official shortly. It will take place during the UFC Fight Night event Aug. 3 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and air on ESPN.
As hard as it is to believe, Miller and Guida have never shared the Octagon. Miller has made 32 UFC appearances, dating to 2008. Guida has made 27 appearances in a UFC career that dates back all the way to 2006.
Fighting out of Whippany, New Jersey, Miller (30-13) has won two of his past three -- but at this point in his career, the results almost come secondary to the longevity he's displayed. He's fought the likes of Anthony Pettis, Dustin Poirier, Thiago Alves, Diego Sanchez, Donald Cerrone, Nate Diaz and Benson Henderson.
Similarly, Guida (35-18) seems content to hold out for meaningful fights, rather than focus on the 155-pound rankings. The Illinois native is coming off a decision win against BJ Penn in May. Other opponents on his résumé include Brian Ortega, Chad Mendes, Gray Maynard, Henderson, Pettis, Rafael dos Anjos, Diaz and Gilbert Melendez.
The UFC has not yet announced a main event for the UFC Fight Night event Aug. 3.