Clay Guida has always been one to appreciate the journey more than where it ultimately leads, which makes moving in a new direction a critical step in any endeavor – including in his chase for a Ultimate Fighting Championship title.

For Guida, dropping down into the UFC’s featherweight division provides the Round Lake native and the Johnsburg graduate a clean slate. It’s a move that allows him to move past back-to-back losses, the second which left UFC fans booing, his fellow fighters seething and UFC President Dana White questioning the “goof” that came up with the strategy for Guida’s main event appearance.

But for now, that’s all in the past.