Clay Guida confirms UFC exit (but not retirement) after 19 years with promotion

After nearly two decades, "The Carpenter" has split from the UFC.

Clay Guida's name was recently removed from the promotion's online roster (per @UFCRosterTracker) and Saturday he confirmed the parting of ways to be true in a lengthy, heartfelt Instagram post.

Guida (38-25 MMA, 18-19 UFC) was the longest-tenured fighter on the promotion's active roster. It's unclear if he was released or did not renew at the conclusion of a contract.

"There is nothing I enjoy more than stepping into the octagon and fighting for our fans," Guida wrote. "I am truly grateful to Dana White and his outstanding staff for giving a kid with average skills but above-average work ethic the opportunity to fulfill his dreams as a wrestler and mixed martial artist."

Guida, 43, said he's competed in sports for 38 years – including 19 years in the UFC. He thanked everyone from friends to family to training partners and coaches for helping him along a journey that's been rare in longevity.

From his promotional debut, a win over Justin James on Oct. 14, 2006 at UFC 64, through his submission loss to Chase Hooper in December at UFC 310, Guida competed a total of 37 times under the UFC banner. He faced a who's who of top-tier lightweight and featherweight talent including Nate Diaz, Benson Henderson, Kenny Florian, Brian Ortega, and Chad Mendes.

His "The Ultimate Fighter Finale 9" bout vs. Diego Sanchez landed in the UFC Hall of Fame fight wing, inducted in 2019.

Guida will likely be remembered not only for his longevity, but for his seemingly endless cardio tank, signature hair, and unorthodox pre-fight ritual with brother Jason Guida.

But the story might not be over yet. Guida indicated while he's parted ways with the promotion, the move does not mean he's retired.

"This is not my retirement," Guida wrote. "This is simply a thank-you for now and a passing of my UFC torch to the next generation of warriors and wrestlers. We were built to last. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The best is yet to come! Straight to the top, because wrestling is life! Now let's go fishing!"

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Clay Guida confirms UFC exit (but not retirement) after 19 years with promotion