When the MMA enthusiast travels up and down the infamous Arizona highways there is a virtual treasure map of various MMA gyms which house some of the sport's top athletes and many of tomorrow's rising stars.

 

The list of Arizona mixed martial artists, both present day and future contenders is a long one without a doubt. The quick list includes guys like Benson Henderson of The Lab or Ryan Bader of Power MMA.

 

But to name them all and share their credentials could turn into a war and peace novel. Suffice to say MMA is alive and well in the Sonoran desert and it is thriving in the dry heat of Arizona.

 

One of The Grand Canyon State's most beloved scrappers is not the sexiest marquee name that casual fight fans may recognize. Even though first glances at his name may not ring a bell with the johnny come lately fight fan, anyone who has been paying attention for more than five minutes knows exactly who George Roop is.

 

A perennial scrapper who fights often and always fights Hard, Roop has built a reputation for coming to throw down bell to bell win lose or draw. He wins some, he loses some, but he always brings it when the cage doors close.

 

This reputation may not reflect the dominance of a St. Pierre or Anderson Silva, but his reputation is that of a man that both the UFC and fight fans can count on to entertain as he reaches for his own goals.

 

Through the ups and downs of his career in the WEC and now the UFC the ups were far greater than the downs. His ability to shine has far outweighed the duller moments of his recent career. For example many Roop fans will point to his stunning one kick knockout of revered warrior Chan Sung Jung; “The Korean Zombie”.

 

Or more recently they may reflect on the once again unfortunate display of judging incompetency when Roop was robbed blind after outworking UFC newcomer and top ranked featherweight Hatsu Hioki in a split decision loss at UFC 137.

 

Yet anyone who knows Roop knows you won't hear him complaining. Always an incredibly humble yet highly driven athlete, Roop turned his sights forward and focused on the next challenge; Cub Swanson.

 

Roop's propensity for scrapping at all costs has earned him a shot at Swanson on a huge UFC event that is meant to showcase the finest points MMA has to offer to a broad audience on FOX and its affiliates. Simply put, if Roop were not considered a top fighter capable of putting on a representative display of what this game is all about the UFC would not be featuring him on an event of this magnitude.

 

His opponent Swanson is another fighter who comes to fight win lose or draw. They both represent a crowd pleasing style of combat that features desire, drive, and a willingness to engage. Those are the ingredients for the greatest of MMA scraps.

 

Looking at the history of Roop and Swanson fight fans can expect an all hands on deck affair where there will be no lulls in action, no apprehension to engage no lay and pray tactics, no one on their bicycle.

 

These cats are coming to get into each other, and figure out who is moving up the ladder and who gets knocked back down a notch.

 

Training in the Arizona desert Roop spends his time breaking himself down then building himself back up with some of southern Arizona's finest. Perennial Bellator contender Ed West is one of Roop's closest friends and training partners. Also Apex MMA boss Joey Rivera among other Apex athletes help prepare Roop for battle. Also he spends plenty of time with the Boxing Inc. crew. Guys like Mike Cascia and George Castro help play their role in getting the UFC featherweight ready to do work.

 

It is also notable that Roop spent much of his career under the tutelage of the late legendary Shawn Tompkins. Tompkins played a vast role in the career of George Roop and surely “The Coach” will be in his corner this weekend in Chi Town.

 

Facing a hungry Cub Swanson Roop will have to pull all he can from all his sources and reflect their support inside the Octagon on Saturday night. Anyone who knows the reputation of the people Roop surrounds himself with knows he is more than prepared to assume this task and emerge victorious.

 

Look for Roop to use his vast reach to his advantage and keep the aggressive Swanson on the outside where Roop may very well put on a striking clinic. Once Swanson realizes his aggressive tendencies on the feet are digging him a hole, look for him to take it to the mats.

 

Once there the waters will get no more shallow than they were on the feet as Roop regularly rolls with one of the sickest ground wizards south of 155 in Ed “Wild” West. Swanson is a threat to submit but will not show Roop anything that he has not seen before.

 

On the feet Roop has a reach advantage which he will combine with a technical and crafty striking game. On the ground Roop's experience and pedigree should prove more than enough to fight off any Swanson threats, if not pose a few threats of his own.

 

This is a bout that is virtually Roop's to lose. That is not an oversight of the talent that a former champion like Cub Swanson brings to the table. Not at all. It is just a comparison of two featherweights at different places in their careers with different types of momentum behind them.

 

Quite simply on the fight game triple beam that momentum tips the scales in Roop's favor.

 

He is one of Arizona MMA's most beloved sons, and this Saturday night in Chi Town he represents his home and his fans on one of the biggest fight events in recent memory. Those fans expect him to shine so bright that they can see him glowing from across the county.

 

Look for George Roop to exceed those expectations and then humbly tell them all it's just another day at the office.

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