Chase Hooper is thrilled to have the chance to fight the legendary Clay Guida.
After a convincing win over Slava Borschev, Hooper was unsure about his next opponent. But being offered to fight Guida has energized him, as he is keen to test his skills against a seasoned competitor.
“I was definitely taken aback,” Hooper revealed in an interview on Just Scrap Radio. “Slava brought a lot of intensity, so I saw that as a tougher fight. Clay, on the other hand, is more focused on technique, and his vast experience is appealing to me. The UFC was really enthusiastic about putting this fight together, and so am I. It’s an honor to face someone like him; chances to battle a Hall of Famer are rare.”
This bout also serves as a rematch from their previous grappling encounter, where Hooper secured a victory with a calf slicer in the first round. Despite this, he understands that MMA grappling presents a different challenge.
“I think the key is not to get too confident. He’s still a fierce competitor and very much in the game,” Hooper admitted. “He has great endurance and pressure, so there are many aspects I need to be mindful of. While I feel my jiu-jitsu has improved, I know he excels in wrestling and striking. This fight is intriguing, and I see why the UFC was eager to make it happen. Whether it’s a stand-up battle or ground game, it’s sure to be an exciting matchup.”
