Canadian heavyweight Tim Hague (12-4) is set to make his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship on Jan. 22nd against Matt Mitrione.
Hague hasn’t seen the inside of the octagon since he lost a unanimous decision to Joey Beltran last May as part of UFC 113. He was released from the promotion soon afterwords and has fought his way back in by earning two knockout victories with a local promotion in Canada.
He’s expecting sparks to fly and is ready to give the fans, what he is hoping will be, a “Fight of the Year” candidate when he meets Mitrione in the co-headliner of UFC Fight for the Troops 2 later this month.
“I’m just happy to be back in the UFC,” he said. “I’m in proper shape now and I hope everyone gets to see that and gets to see a great fight on January 22nd.”
“I think he’s gonna be the toughest opponent I’ve faced athletically,” said Hague of his opponent. “He’s just a big strong guy, he moves well, has great cardio, and he seems to learn quick so he’s probably got a couple tricks up his sleeve for me, but I’ve got a couple as well for him, so it will be an interesting fight to watch. I feel confident that I can beat him in all areas. I can beat him by decision, I can beat him by knockout, preferably, or by submission. If it does go the distance, I think we’re gonna be a front runner for Fight of the Year.”
“I know I’ve got to perform and I’ve gotta do exceptionally well in this fight, but I don’t feel too much pressure really,” he said. “I’m a lot more calm now. Throughout my training camp and throughout the fight, I’m not too anxious about anything. I’ve had the experiences of the highs and the lows, so I’m ready for whatever comes.”
HT: UFC.com