Small-town Gavin Tucker aims to make a name for himself at UFC Fight Night 105

HALIFAX – Several years ago when featherweight Gavin Tucker moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, he felt like a kid in the big city.

Halifax’s population is just more than 400,000. But when you’re from a town of “maybe” 60 people, you’re going to feel a little out of place.

Tucker (9-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), from Ship Cove, Newfoundland, has made a name for himself in the big city, and now he’s making his big-show debut in the UFC on Sunday. He meets veteran Sam Sicilia (15-7 MMA, 5-6 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 105, which takes place at Scotiabank Centre and airs on FS1.

Now that he’s made it to the UFC, everybody back home is rooting for him. So, too, are the folks in his adopted hometown.

“I’m from a real small town,” the undefeated Tucker told MMAjunkie. “I could throw a rock, and my neighbors at the furthest point of town can see it. So it’s interesting to see everyone in the city get behind me.

“There’s a lot of pressure, but pressure is good. I set the goal to be here, so I have to accept the responsibility of my goals.”

Obviously, Tucker’s goal is to earn his keep now that he’s fighting in the industry-leader.

“Right out of the Newfoundland fog on to the main card,” he said.

Check out the above video to get his thoughts on his debut.

And for more on UFC Fight Night 105, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.