“Time to Close That Chapter”: Cristian Guzman Looks to Finish Trilogy with Randy Baker

HOUSTON – Cristian Guzman’s journey into jiu-jitsu started like many others—watching legends on TV and dreaming of one day reaching their level.

“I started training ‘cause growing up I was watching the Diaz brothers,” says Guzman, who fights out of Houston, Texas, and holds a black belt while training at Gracie Barra. “I kind of liked what they had going on. They were black belts in jiu-jitsu. I thought I’d join jiu-jitsu, maybe become a black belt one day—and here we are.”

Guzman’s dedication has paid off in titles and opportunities on major stages. “I was actually the 145 brown belt NoGi champion and I was also the 155 brown belt NoGi champion,” he says. “It’s amazing the opportunities they present for me and where they have taken my career. I couldn’t have got here without them, so I’m super appreciative for them.”

One of those opportunities was making history as part of UFC Fight Pass. “Competing for SubHunter got me at the Fight Pass Invitational,” Guzman explains. “I was actually the first ever match at Fight Pass against Jerry Shapiro—which is a match that I won.”

Now, Guzman faces a familiar rival: fellow black belt Randy Baker. “This is a trilogy against Randy Baker,” he says. “He beat me the first time, I beat him the second time—so it’s time to close that chapter.”

With years of experience and a passion rooted in his earliest days as a fan, Guzman is determined to make this third fight the definitive end to their rivalry.

Fury Challenger Series 14 will take place on Sunday, July 27th, 2025, and can be viewed on UFC Fight Pass, or in-person at Imagen Venues in Houston, Texas. Get your tickets at https://www.furyfc.tv/tickets/