By Kelsey Mowatt

If Mark Hominick has it his way, the veteran’s 2011 season will feature two bouts in Toronto, Ontario, as now that the UFC has announced it will return to the Canadian city in December, the featherweight has begun campaigning for a spot on the card. Since Hominick failed to unseat reigning champion Jose Aldo at the UFC’s Toronto debut in April, losing by unanimous decision to the renowned fighter, there’s been no official word as to when and where the contender will fight again.

“I am really excited about the news that UFC140 will be in Toronto, so I am focused on getting on that card,” Hominick told FCF. “To tell you the honest truth, I want to fight whoever is next in line and puts me closer to a rematch with Jose Aldo.”

“The fans, as well as myself, seem very interested in the match up with “The Zorean Zombie”,” Hominick added while referring to Chan Sung Jung, who is coming off a highlight reel, “Twister” submission win over Leonard Garcia in March. “I would love to face him in front of a sold out crowd in Toronto for sure.”

The memorable loss to Aldo, which left an extremely game Hominick ‘s head badly bruised and swollen, was the first loss for the 29 year-old-veteran since 2008 and put an end to his five fight winning streak. Hominick was awarded the title shot after he stopped George Roop in short order at the UFC’s second “Fight for the Troops” event in January.

“Watching the fight and hearing the feedback after the fight really gave me a lot of confidence and reinforcement with the fight and my performance which has helped,” said Hominick, when asked if he’s had time to reflect on the UFC 129 bout. “Now looking forward, I am changing the things I did wrong and using the whole experience as a learning opportunity to feel what it likes to be at the highest peak of the mountain and now I have to aim at standing on top of it.”

Despite the visual impact of the injuries Hominick incurred at UFC 129, the fighter told FCF shortly after the loss that they were largely superficial and that they produced no long term side effects. One of the main reasons Hominick will likely go several months without competing, rather, is due to the birth of his baby girl.

“Life completely did a 180 on me, but it has been an amazing change and experience,” Hominick said while discussing life as a new father. “You truly learn that you are no longer on your own schedule and there are things in life that take precedence over wants that surround us.”

While Hominick mentioned his desire to get a rematch with Aldo, the Brazilian will look to defend his belt next against Kenny Florian on October 8^th. Florian is coming off a successful debut at featherweight in June, when he defeated the rising Diego Nunes by unanimous decision at UFC 131.

“I really think this is a great matchup and will be watching with tremendous interest,” Hominick said when asked for his thoughts on the upcoming UFC 136 title fight. “I believe that Aldo is going to come out aggressively to prove himself as the number one in the division.”

Photo courtesy Adrenaline Training Center