A fresh challenger, but the goal remains unchanged for Scott Hudson.
BTC 14 hits Saturday night at RBC Place in London, Ontario, and while Hamilton's Hudson (12-5-1) knows all too well how fights can collapse, this time around he gets a replacement opponent in the shape of Xavier Nash (6-4) for a welterweight clash.
This sets up a rematch from a hard-fought split decision victory for Hudson, originally fought just over three years ago. Both men have gone unbeaten since their previous encounter.
Hudson and Nash headline as the co-main event, with Nash filling in on short notice for Joel dos Santos, who was unable to compete because of visa complications. Hudson, now 34, is thrilled to return to fighting in his home province following the cancellation of his previous booked bout just before Christmas.
"It feels great to be back," Hudson told MMA Empire in an interview.
"Having a crowd behind me is always special. London's a few hours from home, but I've got plenty of people coming out. I'll have lots of support. Opportunities to fight in my home province don't come often, so it's awesome."
Saturday night isn't just about collecting another victory for Hudson—he wants to do it with flair and make absolutely certain nobody can question the outcome.
A sixth consecutive win would make it far tougher for bigger promotions to overlook his track record.
"There aren't exactly a ton of lightweights or welterweights in Canada eager to face me, so I want to step in there and make it look effortless. I think that matters," Hudson said.
"I want to show that I sit a tier above everyone who hasn't signed with a major organization. I want to make it impossible to ignore for anyone invested in my career. No room for doubt—I don't even want it to be close."
After an unimpressive 5-4-1 start to his career, Hudson has been on a tear.
Now sitting on a five-bout winning streak, the Aegis MMA fighter feels ready to challenge anyone in his division and believes he's prepared to move up to the next level.
"I've learned through experience over the years," Hudson said.
"I've been producing my best work for the last three or four years. I've settled into a rhythm and positioned myself to take the best available fights. I'm not really focused on who's across from me anymore—I just want to go out and dominate."
Hudson has proven capable of succeeding regardless of where the fight goes, though fans and analysts alike tend to highlight his striking first.
"I coach too, so whenever you can blend smart footwork, effective feints, and solid defense, it creates such a layered striking attack," Hudson explained.
"Plenty of guys have knockout power, and if you don't respect them they'll definitely drop you. But I feel like I'm usually a step ahead technically and mentally. I make opponents miss badly, and I do that with my movement and my feints."
Hudson's shoutouts
"Aegis MMA, Niagara Top Team, all my sponsors and everyone who supports me." Follow Hudson on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
