Scott Hudson can hardly contain his excitement for the opportunity to step back into the cage on home soil.
Hudson (12-5-1), based in Hamilton, Ontario (originally from Mississauga), is preparing for his first outing in more than twelve months as the headliner of Tarps Off Fight Club's debut card this Saturday evening, where he'll clash with Dominic Clark (15-11).
At 34, Hudson acknowledges the wait has stretched longer than desired, but returning to Canadian fans is something he's genuinely looking forward to.
"It's been two years since I last competed in Canada and my previous fight on home soil was at the very same arena and also served as a main event. It feels great to be back," Hudson told MMA Empire.
"The past couple years have been incredibly frustrating, trying to secure fights in the U.S. or overseas, and even bringing opponents into Canada has been a real hurdle. I literally live just 45 minutes from the venue so I'm stoked and fully locked in."
On his comeback bout, Hudson will compete for the newly minted lightweight championship against Clark in what promises to be a compelling contest.
Despite Clark's less-than-stellar win-loss tally, Hudson recognizes this bout could prove tricky. He also feels a victory might not move the needle much for his career, describing it as a high-risk, low-reward scenario.
"He's seen plenty of action and mirrors the profile of the last opponent I faced. He's a well-rounded competitor who's faced fighters at all levels—some elite, some not—and has results against both sides. I've studied his footage and I'm convinced I can handle him, particularly at lightweight where my size gives me an edge," Hudson explained.
"He's been somewhat unpredictable lately. The reality is Dominic is what you'd call a journeyman but he's exceptionally tough to beat. I'd honestly prefer facing a 9-0 fighter with comparable skill and grit—it just reads better on paper. For me, this feels like a lose-lose situation because everyone's anticipating an easy win on my end. High risk, minimal upside."
Even though Hudson views this matchup as potentially perilous, he walks into the cage certain he'll be the one celebrating on Saturday night.
The Canadian fighter anticipates the early going will be tight, but as the rounds progress he plans to assert dominance and ultimately secure the stoppage.
"My game plan involves trading strikes with him and tilting those exchanges in my favor, forcing him into grappling situations he won't be able to navigate, and then grinding him down over the course of the fight before finishing him in either the third or fourth round," Hudson outlined.
A decisive victory would mark Hudson's sixth consecutive finish, a streak he hopes will catch the attention of major organizations.
"I've proven across Canada that I'm ready to step up against anyone and take on quality competition. My hope is a win here opens the door to a contract with a top promotion. I'm 34 years old and this is my window—if I'm going to make a serious push, it needs to happen now," Hudson wrapped up.
