UFC ‘Fight for the Troops 2’ Preview: The Main Card

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Featherweights
Mark Hominick vs. George Roop

The Matchup: There are fights that seem designed to produce a desired result, largely to fill in existing promotional needs. This is one of them. The UFC’s newly minted 145-pound division is in desperate need of recognizable contenders for uber-champion Jose Aldo, and Hominick would be an easy sell in that role.

The 6-foot-1 Roop scored the most significant win of his career with a knockout of Chan Sung Jung at WEC 51 in September, turning around a string of disappointing performances at the big-show level. He will fight till he’s turned into hamburger, and Hominick will oblige him, as the Canadian does not have to worry about takedowns and has a long target on which to unload.

While the division has some decent talent, the moderately stocked cupboard took two major hits at UFC 125, with two of the top 145-pounders losing via upset. With Mike Thomas Brown and Josh Grispi dropping decisions to Diego Nunes and Dustin Poirier, and the talented Chad Mendes still perhaps a win or more away from getting Aldo, this represents a monumental opportunity for Hominick. If he wins impressively here, he figures to get the next shot at Aldo, allowing the UFC to keep the champion busy while lining up another viable contender.

The Pick: Look for Hominick to showcase his far superior technique, mixing in kicks with combinations and putting some real hurt on a game but limited opponent. Roop’s options are pretty limited here. He’s a true plugger who will soldier forth even if he gets hammered. Hominick will answer en route to a second-round KO.

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