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Continued
UF : According to you, why Hominick had so much difficulty with Hioki,? We often say that “matchup makes the fight”. Theses guys literally have two opposite fighting style. Do you think it was so difficult for Hominick to win because of fighting style matters?
ST : I think that this fight goes to prove how great a champion Hominick truly has been. Hioki is no joke and has beaten so many great fighters… international fighters. We are the ones who ask to fight him. I believe that he is a great well rounded fighter and everytime these guys would fight would be amazing.
UF : Mark Hominick recently signed with one of the UFC’s newest acquisition, the WEC, but Hominick won his two appearances in the UFC against pretty talented guys, Yves Edwards and Jorge Gurgel. Many thought he would have fulfilled his 3 fight deal with the UFC, but The Fight Network reported a few weeks ago that he forfeited the remainder of his UFC contact to fight at WEC. Why did he forfeit his contract – does this mean he won’t ever be fighting in UFC again? I mean, didn’t he had the choice to fight at WEC without necessary forfeiting his UFC contract?
ST : Since our inception into the UFC, we have known that Hominick's true fighting weight has been 145lbs. The fact that he went in and showed how talented he truly is, is a testiment to Mark Hominick. But it would not be smart for us to continue at that weight with guys like Sherk and many others cutting from much higher weights. The WEC is a great organization for Hominick to continue in and become the new champion of. We were given the choice and this is truly the best choice. The WEC is going to be treated like the UFC of 145lbers anyways.
UF : The Fight Network also reported that Hominick has been outspoken about facing WEC Featherweight Champion, Urijah Faber. But on UFC Junkie’s Website, Mark Hominick said that no names have been finalized as of yet for the June card. Is his opponent now officially confirmed?
ST : I believe Hominick's first opponent in the WEC will be a guy named Ronnie** from the K-1 Hero's show. He is a BJJ Black Belt and will be also competing in this year’s ADCC.
**Shawn Tompkins confirmed (April 26th 2007) that the opponent's complete name is RANI YAHIRA.
UF : Why Hominick chose to drop back at 145 pounds?
ST : Hominick is a 145lbs fighter, it is the best weight for him to fight at.
UF : Stephane Patry told us he received a call from the UFC to have Sam Stout fighting Spencer Fisher, maybe in June or July. Is the date confirmed and the contract signed yet? How are you anticipating this fight?
ST : Stephane Patry is not the manager of any fighter I have ever trained contrary to what he has said on this site. Stout will be facing Fisher however in a rematch in June's UFN. I am excited about this match up and look forward to Stout finishing Fisher. Stout has decided also to move to Temecula fulltime with me. This will make his career.
UF : Stout impressed the entire world by winning at his first UFC appearance against Fisher, who was the favourite. Why accepting a rematch against Spencer?
ST : We accepted the rematch because we were tired of Fisher and his fans crying that Fisher wasn't in shape for the last one. That he took it last minute. It’s a matter of Pride and Punishment.
UF : Nothing is officially confirmed yet, but it seemed you’re in negotiation for Chris Clements to fight Jonathan Goulet in replacement of Steve Vigneault for the vacant World TKO Welterweight belt. Can you comment this information?
ST : I am truly looking forward to Chris Clements fighting Jonathan Goulet. I really like Jonathan and I feel we are friends, but I think that they will make a very exciting fight. It won't happen however in June. The IFL is also June 1st and I have already that obligation.
UF : Yesterday afternoon, you told FCF Radio that you believe Chris Clemens already deserved the title shot at TKO 28 : Inevitable. Clements had a record of 4-1 and some people think he misses experience to justify a title shot. What are you answering to that statement? According to you, why Chris should deserve his title shot?
ST : I believe that Clements is the BEST Welterweight in the TKO, hands down. He will dominate that organization. I thought he should be offered the fight last show, but we graciously accepted what the organization put in front of us.
UF : TKO Major League MMA CEO made a statement concerning the fact you didn’t tell him the truth about Chris Horodecki and Krzyzstof Soszynski’s IFL situation. According to his version, you told him theses guys might be able to respect the remainder of their contract with TKO even if they sign with the IFL. Was it a misunderstanding?
ST : The TKO CEO has made claim at least twice a year that someone is a liar and a cheat and so on and so on.... It is never him always the other guy. His bully tactics will no longer work on me and that has to be frustrating. I have been loyal to that organization for every show since the first. I can't believe that he could ever point the finger at me. I'll let the fans be the true judge. I am much to busy for his games.
UF : During the past years, it appeared that Team Tompkins was pretty close and important to TKO. How did you react to Patry’s quote, which mean in a way that you lied to him? Are you shocked?
ST : Honestly, not really shocked. This happens with him every year, its drama. Not my cup of tea. Just like making a statement to the media and fans that there is a lawsuit, however there is no such thing. It makes no sense to me.
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