UFC 129 Fight Card: What If Mark Hominick Beats Jose Aldo?

With UFC 129 only a few days away, coverage of the event has focused on the main event title bout between Georges St. Pierre and Jake Shields or Randy Couture’s farewell fight.

Lost in the fray is Jose Aldo’s first title defense as the UFC’s first featherweight champion. 

Known for his lightning-fast strikes and brutal leg kicks, Aldo dominated former champions Mike Brown and Urijah Faber during his reign in the WEC. As his UFC debut approaches, Canadian Mark Hominick, however, looks to steal the show.

“The Machine” has proven himself to be a top contender, riding a five-fight win streak en route to his first title shot. Many analysts are quick to point out Hominick’s high level of striking, which he displayed in January with an utter destruction of George Roop in the first round.

At WEC 49, Hominick showed off his striking prowess against Yves Jabouin, pummeling his way to a hard-fought TKO victory in the second round, which was awarded round of the year by Sherdog.

Thus far, Aldo has only faced fighters whose strengths are in grappling and wrestling, posing little threat in the stand-up department. Hominick will surely test the champion’s striking, looking to go toe to toe with the Brazilian. But if Hominick wants to steal the title, a more well-rounded approach is necessary.

“The Machine” has proven that he is much more than a striker with two of his last five wins coming via submissions. Overall, he has seven submission victories to his credit, with an impressive triangle-armbar win over Yves Edwards during his first tour of duty with the UFC in 2006.

Aldo has yet to be tested on the ground despite facing high-level wrestlers. If Hominick can weave his ground game with his proven striking ability, the current champion may have his hands full.

Hominick defeating Aldo would be a much bigger upset than Jake Shields over GSP. Shields has proven himself as a champion, winning in multiple organizations before signing with the UFC. Although a seasoned veteran and proven contender, Hominick has yet to face the level of competition that Aldo poses. But don’t count “The Machine” out, because as MMA has proven over and over again, anything can happen.