LAS VEGAS -- Name this mixed martial artist: Young phenom out of Northwestern Canada who turned into a legitimate UFC welterweight. New-breed fighter, trained all disciplines at a young age, and is a potential future titleholder.
The popular answer would probably be Rory MacDonald. An equally correct response, however, would be Jordan Mein.
Mein (29-9) is poised for a breakout year in 2015, beginning with a main-card matchup against Thiago Alves (20-9) at UFC 183 on Saturday inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Mein, 25, is somewhat used to comparisons in the media between him and MacDonald (18-2). They are the exact same age and have followed a similar career arc.
By fate, Mein actually made his professional debut against MacDonald when they were both 16 years old, living about a nine-hour drive apart from each other. MacDonald won via submission.
"Oh yeah, lots," said Mein, on whether he's still asked about fighting MacDonald in 2006. "He was a rising young guy and so was I. My dad heard about him and said, 'Let's bring him to Lethbridge, [Alberta] to fight in Rumble in the Cage. It was at the Enmax Centre. I lost in front of all my family and friends and I was just crushed, but it was a good experience for me."
With MacDonald closing in on a potential UFC title shot early this year, one might think Mein would be eager to do the same. Same age, similar background -- an 'if-he-can-do-it-why-can't-I-do-it?' sort of feeling.
Such is not the case for Mein, however, who is coming off a 2-0 campaign in 2014 -- including a 72-second knockout over veteran Mike Pyle.
"I've never really been like I have to get a streak of five quick wins together," Mein said. "I really just want to hurt the guy I'm fighting. I really want those [UFC fight night] bonuses.
"I'd rather put it all on the table than sit back and play the points game, which gets you wins and that's important in certain parts of your career. But I think [Alves and I] are both coming off a win. Why not go out and put it all out there? In the past, I've thought about just winning and scoring points but after the fight, I wasn't satisfied. It's very relieving to let it all out there, win or lose."
Mein continues to train in Lethbridge, under the guidance of his father and longtime head trainer, Lee Mein. Lee opened the Canadian Martial Arts Centre in the basement of their family home when Jordan was six years old. He grew up on the mats, studying movement and training techniques.
From a very young age, fighting in the UFC felt like an attainable goal for Mein. He was constantly around fighters who had done it. It wasn't a pipe dream that felt light years away. It was a tangible thing that existed right in front of him. He fought his first kickboxing match at age 11, within the Rumble in the Cage promotions Lee founded.
Lee, 47, will be in his son's corner this weekend, after being absent during Jordan's last fight in August. Lee was arrested the day before the fight and charged with sexual battery. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor and Lee received a 90-day deferred sentence.
Saturday represents a major fight for the son-father duo, as Mein has set a goal to continue appearing in UFC co-main events or, at worst, main cards. An exciting win over a former title challenger in Alves would certainly help his chances in doing so.
"Like I said after my last fight, I want to stay in that co-main slot," Mein said. "I don't think a win over Alves does much for me in the rankings, but I think the UFC would look at me beating a name, and beating him impressively, as a reason to put me back in that co-main event slot. That's where I want to be."