Popular UFC featherweight Mark Hominick surprised many in the mixed martial arts community when he announced his retirement late Tuesday.
After a fourth consecutive loss, the Thamesford, Ont., said after dedicating his life the sport he felt he was no longer able to compete at the level he needed to.
“For me personally I’ve set out to be the best in the world, to fight at the highest level, to compete against world champions and to become world champion,” Hominick told Sportsnet.ca in a phone interview Wednesday.
“I was feeling that if there was a (top level) guy I wasn’t competing with then I think it was the time for me to walk away because I’ve been to the top of that mountain, I think that’s where I belong, and the sacrifices I made to get to that point I don’t think that I could make those same sacrifices.
“This lifestyle and the commitments that it takes to compete at the level I believe I should be competing, I don’t think I can make those same sacrifices to do that and also be there the way I want to be there for my family.”
Hominick’s most recent loss was a unanimous decision to Pablo Garza at UFC 154 in Montreal last month and the 30-year-old said although he was focused on the fight and being in a must-win situation, the thought of retirement was in the back of his mind.
“There was times (leading up to UFC 154) where I was thinking ‘this is it,’ but as an athlete you never want to have that mindset going in, like the what ifs and negative energy, but I think it was there,” Hominick explained.
“After the (Garza) fight, that was when I really sat down and thought out what my next step and what my next phase is and I think with where I’m at moving forward this was the decision I was ready to make.”
In November, fellow Canadian Nick Denis announced his retirement at the age of 29. The Ottawa native said he was worried about his long-term health and that was the reason he ended his career. Hominick, however, said that concerns about his health never played a factor, nor did he consult with any fighters or former fighters about his decision.
“This is a decision you have to know on your own. You have to believe in your heart that you’re making the right decision and that’s where I’m at,” Hominick said. “My decision was made on my goals moving forward and what’s in front of me. Right now that’s family and the next chapter of my life.”
Hominick has a one-year-old daughter Raeya who was born shortly after his UFC 129 title fight with Jose Aldo and he and his wife Ashley are expecting their second child in January.
Although it’s common for fighters to come out of retirement, don’t expect that from the former TKO Major League MMA featherweight champion.
“I think if you look at my career, the way I approached the fight game, in fighting and training I’ve been a fighter that’s been all in, 100 per cent. So when I make a decision in life it’s the same way. I think it’s time to give that same type of effort I gave to my career to the next stage in my career.”
The next stage of his career could include some work with the UFC, as Hominick is a big part of the company in Canada, often helping promote the sport, events and working with communities across the country.
“I’m always going to be involved with the sport of mixed martial arts and that’s definitely an option I’d like to pursue. I’m just weighing out where I want to be with my lifestyle, with my life, but I’m always going to be involved with this sport. The UFC is like family to me and I’d definitely like to move forward with them.”
For now, Hominick said his day-to-day routine will not change too drastically, as he will still help run his gym, the Adrenaline Training Center in London, Ont., and assist his teammates with their fight preparation.
Not only was he known for his exciting style of fighting, technical striking skills and cardio, but he was regarded by fans, media and peers as one of the nicest, most respected athletes in the sport.
When he made the announcement many fighters showed their support and respect for “The Machine” and it didn’t go unnoticed.
“I think the biggest thing in your career is if you can be respected by your colleagues and that just really means a lot to me. In any career you have, any job, if you have the respect of the colleagues around you I think that’s something you can really cherish and that’s where I am right now.”
Hominick retires with an MMA record of 20-12, holds notable wins over Yves Edwards, Yves Jabouin, Leonard Garcia and Jorge Gurgel, and won three Fight of the Night awards during his time in the UFC and WEC.
