Mark Hominick is just over a day away from the second biggest fight of his life. If he downs George Roop at Fight for the Troops 2, Hominick gets a shot at the biggest fight of his career, a title shot against Jose Aldo, the UFC featherweight champ. Roop's situation is different. Even with a win, there is no title shot. Essentially this is just another fight ... for now.
MMA fans have grown accustomed to title eliminators, so why switch the approach? Roop is the guy who could be complaining, but he's not. He understands the reality of the 145-pound division.
"I don't take it too much as disrespect," Roop told MMAjunkie radio. "I understand he's the No. 1 contender, and if he can get past me – (and that's) a big 'can' with a question mark on it – I do think he deserves it."
Hominick, 28, has been long regarded as a possible title contender. His striking is top notch and he's shored up most of his weaknesses on the ground. The Canadian has won four straight, but you could make the argument that Roop's recent opponents have actually been more impressive that the guy line for a title shot.
"But if you look at the caliber of fighters I've been fighting – (former champ) Eddie Wineland, (Leonard) Garcia on a week-and-a-half's notice, and Chan Sung Jung, who (supposedly) couldn't be knocked out – I fought top-caliber guys, and I step up and take fights."
Roop knows he can't talk himself into a title shot before the fight, but he does control his own destiny tomorrow night. A devastating win on Spike TV may force the promotion's hand. If offered Aldo, he won't shy away from the fight.
"It's a big deal, and I think Mark deserves it if he gets past me. But that's a big if," Roop said. "I don't plan on losing this fight. It'd be nice for me to fight Jose Aldo, as well. We'll see how Jan. 22 plays out."
This is actually a return to the UFC for Hominick (19-8). A relatively small 145 pounder, he actually fought twice for the promotion as a lightweight back in 2006. He went 2-0 against Jorge Gurgel and Yves Edwards.
Roop has an example to follow. Josh Grispi was the last guy fighting for his shot at Aldo. The 23-year-old was beaten soundly by Dustin Poirier at UFC 125. He's also accustomed to being the underdog. Roop knocked off Internet sensation and T-shirt maven, Chan Sung Jung, "The Korean Zombie" in his last fight.
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