After two imposing wins in Aggression MMA in Edmonton, Boyle native Tim Hague is getting his third shot in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
“This is my fifth fight in 11 months,” said Hague, who now resides and has been training in Edmonton for his battle on Jan. 22 against Ultimate Fighter Season 10 contestant Matt Mitrione.
After Hague’s second departure from the UFC, he fought and defeated both Zak Jensen and Travis Wiuff in impressive fashion, winning each bout by a first-round knockout.
Since his last UFC showing, a three-round loss by decision to Joey Beltran in Montreal on May 8, Hague said something “changed over the summer,” and that change has been evident in the results he has seen in the cage.
“I’m doing this for my friends and family who believe in me,” expressed Hague.
As for Mitrione, Hague is under no illusions as to what he can expect from the fighter.
“I need to look out for those 2x4’s he calls shins,” he quipped.
Very aware that Mitrione will be utilizing his legs, Hague’s goal is to get his opponent on the ground and look for the submission.
“My preference would be a north-south choke,” Hague said of the various submission holds he hopes to land on Mitrione.
Both fighters have oddly similar, yet distinct fighting styles. Hague – ‘The Thrashing Machine’ – holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is trained as a stand-up boxer, while Mitrione – ‘Meathead’ – is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter, but by contrast is trained in kickboxing.
Hague’s training schedule over the past few months has been a grueling venture. With two sessions per day – morning and afternoon – he has undoubtedly prepared for the road ahead.
“I’m giving it my all,” explained Hague, who said he feels comfortable in the cage, whether on his feet or on the ground.
Hague’s skills were also significantly improved upon during a training session in Las Vegas just over a year ago with fellow UFC combatant Todd Duffee, where Hague helped the fighter prepare for his UFC 114 fight, while at the same time honing his own abilities for his then-upcoming The Fight Club (TFC) match in Edmonton against Jensen.
Hague’s melee with Mitrione will take place on UFC’s Fight for the Troops 2 in Fort Hood, Texas. His first UFC victory was also in the U.S,; an impressive, first-round submission win over Pat Barry at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
While stressing, “I don’t want to look past Mitrione,” Hague admitted that for his next step, he would love the opportunity to get into the cage with the likes of former heavyweight champion Frank Mir.
Depending on the outcome of his upcoming fight, anything could be possible.
