SAP CENTER
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
CLICK HERE FOR PRELIM RESULTS
PRE-SHOW
TENSLEY TAYLOR SINGS
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
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[After the opening montage promo comes to a completion, we transition inside the SAP Center in San Jose, California which is packed with over 18,000 fans in attendance. The crowd is on their feet cheering in anticipation for the night’s bouts. Camera angles pan around from one point to another, catching fans, athletes, and celebrities in attendance. We then transition to meet Patrick Carson and Warhead Williams standing cageside.]
PATRICK CARSON
Welcome ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the SAP Center in San Jose, California and this is Boss Fight XIII! I am Patrick Carson and alongside me is none other than Warhead Williams, and this is the final push to the 2019 Championship Grand Prix Tournaments! The remaining semifinals fights will be decided tonight, where three, count 'em, THREE Title Fights are scheduled tonight.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
The stakes continue to get bigger as we draw closer to the finals, and for this night, we will see who will be carrying the gold in every Grand Prix final. Our first title fight of the night has the soaring Roscoe Robinson taking on the very green Ardan Kelly.
PATRICK CARSON
Kelly has just one professional fight under his belt, and now draws the Champion. Anything can happen, but let's not ignore the fact that he's got a monumental hill to climb. Our second title fight is for the Lightweight Championship, where Jordan Parker-Kane looks to defend the title for a second successful time in this tournament as he squares off with the very lethal Natalie King.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Natalie King has made a very smooth transition from professional wrestling to mixed martial arts, and has accumulated a very impressive 4-0 record. All of those wins have come inside the first round, and three of those four have come in under a minute! A MINUTE! I know JPK has ice running through his veins, as he's taken down some of the top premier competitors, but man that's just something you cannot ignore.
PATRICK CARSON
And I don;t believe he will, either. Jordan has done very well against strikers who edge him in any standup category. I imagine he will use his speed to avoid any big damage while looking to take the fight to the mat. And finally our main event of the evening, Donnie Calabrese will put his Heavyweight Championship on the line as he takes on fellow Real Killa Mike Hunt in a true battle of the behemoths. Two guys with very similar fighting styles, very similar builds where they both have to cut to make the 265 pound limit, and both training in the same gym. These guys have shown each other a ton of respect leading into this fight, and have jokingly mentioned that loser buys the shots! But now, it's time to kick this night into gear, so let's turn things over to the action!
♫
SIEMPRE DIGO LO QUE PIENSO
SIEMPRE DIGO LO QUE PIENSO
SIEMPRE DIGO LO QUE PIENSO
SIEMPRE DIGO LO QUE PIENSO
SIEMPRE DIGO LO QUE PIENSO
♫
[Xabier Belazco comes out to the main stage and stops at the entrance. He closes his eyes and takes in the cheers of the audience and the feel of the moment. He opens his eyes to an intense stare at the cage, never letting his gaze stray as he walks down.]
PATRICK CARSON
Heading to the octagon right now is what some people call “The Zen Master”. Never one to get overly worked up, Xabier Belazco is a well respected fighter throughout the entire industry and has seen quite a resurgence during the Grand Prix Tournament.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
It’s like he’s gotten a second wind after having an up-and-down tenure in Union. He’s coming in on a two fight win streak and has a chance to avenge a loss and advance to the finals for a shot at the Lightweight Championship! There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s ready to leave it all out there.
[Belazco reaches cageside and begins to disrobe to get inspected by the fight official. Once he’s been cleared, he bows down before entering the cage, and places a fist on the mat before entering.]
♫
HER BREATH BEGAN TO SPEAK
AS SHE STOOD RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME
THE COLOUR OF HER EYES
WERE THE COLOUR OF INSANITY
CRUSHED BENEATH HER WAVE
LIKE A SHIP, I COULD NOT REACH THE SHORE
WE’RE ALL JUST DANCERS ON THE DEVIL’S DANCE FLOOR
♫
["Devil’s Dance Floor" by Flogging Molly blasts over the loudspeaker and Delaney Donovan emerges to the stage wearing his Irish flag inspired walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Donovan burrows his head down while slowly walking down the aisle.]
PATRICK CARSON
And now the number one ranked Lightweight contender, Delaney Donovan is just one fight away from getting back into title contention. We’ve seen him beat the current champion Jordan Parker-Kane in a unanimous decision a few months back, so you have to believe he’s feeling good coming into this semifinals bout.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Delaney is on a roll but he isn’t overlooking Belazco. This is the second time these two will square off, but this is a different Xabier and he knows it and spoke about it after his fight with Sheckler. He’s going to have to bring his “A” game to move on to the finals.
[Donovan makes it to cageside where he is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and calmly takes his place in his corner while shadow boxing along the way.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the SAP Center in San Jose, California for Boss Fight XIII! And now, this opening contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-5. He stands 5’7” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from San Diego, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is “The Black Knight” Xabier Belazco!
[Ferocious staredown by Belazco while Dusty Whittaker recites the rules..]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Fighter holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 6-1. He stands 5’9” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is “Double D” Delaney Donovan!
[Delaney Donovan is calm in his corner. He looks prepared for this fight..]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Big opportunity here to kick the night off. Winner moves into the Grand Prix finals and gets the next crack at the title!
PATRICK CARSON
The stakes are high all night long! And now we’re all set to kick this one off. The referee for this opening bout is Dusty Whittaker. He checks off with each man and calls for the bell! And here we go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Delaney Donovan and Xabier Belazco touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! Right off the bat Delaney connects with a front kick that stumbles Xabier backwards. Belazco catches his feet before falling and gives Donovan a nod of the head and quickly moves to re-engage. Instantly Donovan makes him pay for getting too close, firing off a low kick that lands flush as well. Again, Belazco pushes forward and is met with another hard kick this time to his thigh. Xabier responds with a looping right hand but Donovan jumps back and jabs, landing his blow solidly. It staggers Xabier and Double D pushes the actions quickly, moving to capitalize with a series of jabs and crosses. Smartly, however, Xabier backs off and avoids engaging, instead circling around the outskirts of the cage.]
PATRICK CARSON
Delaney Donovan with solid opening offense to begin this fight. He seems to be quite focused on the task at hand.
[Donovan manages to cut Xabier off and throws a big right hand of his own but Belazco mimics Delaney’s move from earlier, stepping back and then connecting with a jab of his own that snaps Donovan’s head back. Quickly, Belazco presses forward and the two exchange in a wild series of punches and both are connecting. Toe to toe in the center of the cage the two lightweights swing on each other, but neither quite managing to land the lucky shot that would have brought the fight to an end. It’s Donovan who shifts first, catching Belazco with double underhooks, tying him up in a clinch. Immediately he pushes Xabier’s head down and launches a heavy knee in an unorthodox maneuver. Boom! The knee connects and Xabier is stood straight up, rocking on wobbly legs.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
What a knee! He caught Xabier completely off guard with that!
[Donovan steps forward and fires a high kick but Belazco blocks it decisively. The two exchange wildly after the deflected high kick and both connect but without any major steam behind the shots. Both men seem to back off at the same time and circle the cage, sizing one another up. When they re-engage, Xabier launches a hook to the body which Donovan expertly side steps and responds with a low kick that Belazco checks. Things slow down a bit as the two seem to be showing each other a large amount of respect. It’s Donovan who is first to press the action again, moving and pushing his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch. Knowing that he doesn’t want to be in this position against Delaney, Xabier pushes him away to try and keep the fight at striking range. Delaney doesn’t give, though, keeping Xabier tied up and again he pushes the man's head down, bringing his knee upward once more and again he connects flush.]
PATRICK CARSON
That’s twice Delaney has rocked Xabier with a big knee from the clinch. Their first fight ended in a similar fashion and you know Xabier isn’t looking to see history repeat itself tonight.
[Maintaining the clinch, Donovan looks to follow up with a knee to the body but Xabier, on pure instinct, pushes Delaney away and breaks free from the thai clinch. As the separation happens he swings, trying to catch Delaney with a big hook, but Donovan manages to just move out of the way. Belazco putting the pressure on fires off a brilliant combination but Donovan shows off his tremendous dodging ability, avoiding those as well. There’s no pause in the action though as the two exchange wildly again, neither really putting much behind any of their strikes before separating and circling the cage again.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
While Xabier has managed to connect on a few strikes, this has been all Delaney so far. If I’m in Xabiers corner I’m begging him to take this fight to the ground and test the Irishman there. But so far he hasn’t even looked for a takedown.
PATRICK CARSON
And that could be a product of those early leg kicks that landed flush. It’s possible that those are what’s keeping Xabier at bay for now. But you have to imagine we’ll see him look to take this to the ground sooner rather than later.
[Meeting in the center of the cage once more, Xabier connects solidly on a one-two combination and Delaney quickly moves forward, catching Xabier with double underhooks again. Right away Belazco’s corner screams for him to get out of the clinch and Xabier tries but is unsuccessful. Getting a little flashy, Delaney relinquishes the clinch, takes a step back, and then launches a flying knee that just misses the mark. When Donovan lands, Xabier swings trying to catch him off guard but Delaney just dodges the strike and swings with a counter hook of his own. Belazco spots it and avoids it easily but is caught off guard by a low kick that catches him flush in the knee. A moment later the buzzer sounds and Dusty Whitaker directs both fighters back to their corners.]
PATRICK CARSON
Oh no! That kick hurt him bad. Looks like he might have hyper-extended his knee a little bit. We’ll see if Delaney noticed and focuses on that knee a little bit more from here on out.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
It’s certainly troublesome for the Real Killa’s fighter. More troubling, however, is the fact that Delaney seemed to completely control the round. If you’re in Donovan’s corner, what are you telling him heading into the second round, Patrick?
PATRICK CARSON
I imagine our esteemed colleague, Carrick Price, is probably telling him to continue to pick and choose his shots. Delaney has always been a bit of a counter puncher, and one willing to capitalize on his opponents mistakes. Belazco has to press the action, now, if he wants to avoid losing another round and that could leave Delaney with some openings to put this fight to bed.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
I agree completely. And we talked about it a bit already but if I’m in Xabier’s corner I’m telling him to take this fight to the mat and test Delaney there. He’s had some success against some talented wrestlers in the past, but the last thing I want to do is keep standing and letting Delaney pepper me with kicks from the standup, and knees from the clinch.
Xabier Belazco’s Corner Notes:
Work in some takedowns!
Stay patient out there!
Impose your will!
Delaney Donovan’s Corner Notes:
Keep him guessing!
Stay smart!
Keep the fight upright!
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[The second round kicks off and it’s all business from both fighters. Right away Xabier looks for a sweep single, but Donovan has it scouted and manages to shrug off the takedown attempt. Belazco backs off and circles the cage briefly, while Donovan keeps his eyes firmly focused on his opponent. Again, Xabier looks for a takedown, this time shooting in and managing to lock onto one of Delaney’s legs, driving forward. Donovan is unable to remain on his feet and goes to the ground. Xabier is only in open guard for a moment as Delaney quickly closes his guard down. Trying to make Xabier pay for taking the fight to the ground, Delaney launches a few weak punches but Xabier deals with them easily.]
PATRICK CARSON
Much better start to the second round for Xabier Belazco. Now lets see if he can capitalize and progress to a bit more effective position.
[As if on cue, Belazco tries to break free of Donovan’s closed guard but Delaney anticipated it well and before Xabier can react, Donovan tries to roll and reverses their position, quickly finding himself in half guard over Belazco. Looking to improve his position, he tries to get to sidemount and is successful in doing so. Shockingly, he is able to work to full mount without much resistance from Xabier. Belazco tries to escape from full mount but Delaney controls the situation well. Instinctively, Xabier rolls to try to get to half guard, but Delaney follows with him, rolling him to his stomach and taking his back. Quickly, Delaney works to get one hook in but Xabier smartly rolls once more, bringing them back to half guard.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Delaney Donovan is underrated on the ground, as Xabier Belazco is finding out right now. This is top level ground grappling from both men right here.
[Again, Delaney tries to pass Belazco’s guard and is successful in getting to side mount. From there he slides his knee across and once more gets to mount. Xabier quickly tries to escape but once more Delaney maintains control, moving to side mount to maintain his superior position. Right away he is able to slide his knee across and return to full mount again. When Xabier tries to move on the ground again, Delaney spots a crack in his guard and uses it for a big elbow. Bang! The elbow catches him across the forehead and rocks his head off the mat. Dusty Whitaker steps in and watches closely, knowing that he may have to call the fight soon.]
PATRICK CARSON
Huge elbow from the ScrapYard fighter and this one might be over. You can see Delaney looking for an opening to finish the fight right now.
[Xabier shifts, moving to try and get to a less dangerous position but once more Delaney finds an opening in his guard and unloads with a wicked elbow that catches him across the forehead once more. Desperately, Belazco rolls to his side to try and get to half guard but Delaney rolls him the rest of the way over onto his stomach and once again takes his back. Not wanting to be in this position either, Xabier continues to work and opens himself up to a big right hand from Delaney and Dusty Whitaker looks half a second away from waving things off. Before Delaney can finish the fight, though, Xabier manages to roll, looking for any way out. And he somehow manages to slip free from Delaney’s grasp and quickly scramble back to his feet.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Somehow, someway, Xabier manages to squirm his way out of that position and keep himself in this fight but he ate some massive blows on the ground from his opponent.
[Donovan quickly works back to his feet as well and the two fighters circle around the center of the cage. They step in toward each other but Delaney steps back, not liking what he saw, circling around his opponent again. When he steps back in once more he launches a furious low kick that snaps off Belazco’s right leg hard. Looking to tie Xabier up in a clinch, Delaney is forced to retreat when Xabier fires off a warning jab. Belazco presses the action and Delaney answers with a body kick, but Xabier blocks it. However, Donovan follows up with a hard right hand that snaps Xabiers head to the side. Immediately Delaney pushes forward, tying Xabier up in a single collar tie. Donovan manages to land several good body shots on his opponent but the buzzer sounds before he can do any further damage, with Dusty Whitaker sending both fighters back to their respective corners once more.]
PATRICK CARSON
Well, that’s two rounds to none in favor of Delaney Donovan on my scorecard. And if I’m Xabier Belazco I’m not sure where to go from here.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
I still think his best chance of success is to take Delaney down and look to take advantage of him there. But Donovan showed he’s quite capable of handling his business on the ground as well.
PATRICK CARSON
Still, Xabier has weathered the storm up to this point and all it takes is one good shot to bring a fight to its close. And that may be the best course of action for Xabier to look for right now. Test Delaney’s chin and try to knock him out.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Whatever he’s going to do, he needs to finish the fight because I don’t think there’s any question he’s down two rounds.
Xabier Belazco’s Corner Notes:
Protect yourself!
Leave it all out there!
You’re down two rounds, finish this to win!
Delaney Donovan’s Corner Notes:
Keep the tempo high!
Keep doing what you’re doing!
You’re up two rounds, don’t get cocky out there!
=========================================
ROUND THREE
=========================================
[As the third begins, Delaney patiently studies his opponent, looking for a hole in his defense. He decides to test Xabier with a few tentative punches and takes the best of a brief punching exchange before pressing forward to tie Xabier up in a clinch. Belazco responds with a few punches to Delaney’s ribs but they don’t seem to have any effect. As the action stalls, the referee separates the two fighters and they continue to test each other, looking for any opening the other might provide.]
PATRICK CARSON
Bit of a slow start to the third and you can see Delaney feels confident in how he’s fought this fight up to this point. He’s likely going to be even more defensive than he normally is, and only engage when absolutely necessary.
[Xabier fakes a punch and shows some good footwork to move inside and it’s there that he launches a solid shot to Delaney’s body. Pain wracks Donovan’s face and it’s clear that he didn’t like that one bit. Quickly, Donovan steps back and circles, much to the dismay and frustration of Xabier Belazco who throws his hands in the air and implores Donovan to come and fight him, much to the delight of the crowd. The easy going Donovan smiles and circles the center of the cage, with Xabier doing the same. It’s Delaney who moves forward looking to grapple but Xabier manages to shrug him off and then steps back himself. Playfully, Donovan mimicks the gesture that Xabier had made moments earlier and the crowd approves.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
A bit of gamesmanship between these two fighters and the smile on Delaney’s face says it all. He’s absolutely loving it.
[Delaney Donovan tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple. It’s a great move by Delaney as he pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks. Belazco and Delaney Donovan are cliched up against the cage. Belazco steps for a throw and Donovan gets thrown to the mat but gets right back up.]
PATRICK CARSON
That will wipe the smile off of Delaney’s face real quick. He’s never been one to take himself, or any opponent, too seriously but Xabier reminded him quickly that if he doesn’t keep his head in the fight he will make him pay for it dearly.
[Delaney quickly tries to tie Xabier back up but Belazco shrugs him off and shows some nice footwork to back off and put distance between them. When they meet back in the center of the cage they exchange with a wild series of punches, both missing pretty badly, but Xabier smartly follows it up by shooting in for Donovan’s right leg. Delaney is unable to maintain his balance and goes to the mat. From sidemount, Xabier hooks Delaney’s right leg and sits back for a knee bar.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Oh! I think Belazco might have it! He could put this fight away at the death with a beautifully timed submission.
[Furiously, Delaney manages to kick Belazco away and scrambles to get to top position. From open guard of Xabier he moves to half guard and throws some punches that are more an annoyance than anything that does damage. The distraction works, though, as Delaney is able to free his leg and jump out of Belazco’s guard and into sidemount. Once more looking to pass from side mount to mount, Donovan lets Belazo create enough space to scramble back to his feet and Delaney follows him back up. Once they are standing again, Donovan goes right to the thai clinch and though Xabier tries to escape, Donovan manages to pummel through and maintain his position. Similar to the first, Donovan shoves Belazco’s head down while rapidly bringing his knee upward. Wow! Big blow to Xabiers face again. Delaney looks for another knee but Xabier manages to block that one, and then counter with a flurry of punches but Donovan manages to avoid them and handles them expertly just as the buzzer sounds bringing the third and final round to a close.]
PATRICK CARSON
Tremendous fight. That third round was a little bit closer than the first two and I’m not sure who the judges will give it to. Perhaps fatigue began to set in. Or perhaps Delaney was just looking to make sure he didn’t allow Xabier the opening to end the fight with one swing.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Even if that’s the case, Xabier nearly found that opening with a beautifully executed kneebar but Delaney just managed to escape from it. At the end of the day I think this fight will go Delaney’s way but as we saw not too long ago in the Zion Momo’a and Travis Decker fight, you never want to let a fight go to the scorecards if you can avoid it.
PATRICK CARSON
Whatever the outcome, both fighters have a lot to be proud of. Now we just wait for the final decision.
[The crowd explodes as the final round comes to a close. Doctors tend to both fighters for a while before allowing them to exit their corners. After all work has been completed from both the medical personnel and corner crews, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds, we go to the judges’ cards. All three judges have scored it 30-27 for your winner by unanimous decision, “Double D” Delaney Donovan!
[The crowd cheers once again as Donovan has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
JUDGE MIRANDA FRANCO
Delaney Donovan 10 10 10: 30
Xabier Belazco 9 9 9: 27
JUDGE MAX CARVER
Delaney Donovan 10 10 10: 30
Xabier Belazco 9 9 9: 27
JUDGE OZZIE SEBASTIAN
Delaney Donovan 10 10 10: 30
Xabier Belazco 9 9 9: 27
Winner: Delaney Donovan by Unanimous Decision
Statistics: Delaney Donovan
Punches 25/37 (68%)
Kicks 8/13 (62%)
Clinch strikes 3/7 (43%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 3/13 (23%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 221 s
Statistics: Xabier Belazco
Punches 17/37 (46%)
Kicks 0/2 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/4 (0%)
Takedowns 2/3 (67%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 221 s
♫
DIAMONDS ON FLEEK
BITCH, I AIN'T TALKING ABOUT THE HEAT, OH
PUT IT ON, STREETS
WE STRAIGHT OUT THE STREETS
WE STRAIGHT OUT THE STREETS
STRAIGHT OUT THE STREETS TO A PENTHOUSE
♫
[As “Clout” by Offset begins to play over the PA system, Kennard Rozier slowly emerges from the main stage wearing his baby blue and grey walkout fight kit. Various members from the 9th World Performance Institute follow close behind him, most notably Head Coach Ray Delhommes.]
PATRICK CARSON
Coming out now is the 9th World Heavyweight phenom, Kennard Rozier. “Pluggz” has been on a tear, finishing all three of his fights in devastating fashion inside the first round. However, not a lot of people are talking about him, and to be honest, I think that’s a big mistake.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
It’s a bit baffling to think a guy who has risen up the ranks as quickly as Kennard has has gone relatively quietly, but tonight he goes up against the inaugural Heavyweight Champion and if he can keep doing what he does and score another victory here tonight, I don’t think people will be sleeping on him any longer.
[Rozier finally makes it to cageside, where he undresses down to his tights before getting inspected by the fight official. Once he's been cleared, Rozier bear crawls up the steps and lunges high into the air as he enters the cage. Rozier then calmly walks over to his corner, where he begins bouncing in place to stay loose.]
♫
YOUR REIGN ON THE TOP WAS SHORT LIKE LEPRECHAUNS
AS I CRUSH SO-CALLED WILLIES, THUGS, AND RAPPER-DONS
GET IN THAT ASS, QUICK FAST, LIKE RAMADAN
IT’S THAT RAP PHENOMENON DON-DADDA
♫
["Kick in the Door" by Notorious B.I.G. thumps over the loudspeaker and “Diao” Ferdinand Diao emerges to the stage wearing his gold and white walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Diao burrows his head down while slowly stalking down the aisle, never once losing focus.]
PATRICK CARSON
And now the former inaugural Heavyweight Champion, Ferdinand Diao looks ready for war! Diao is another one of those types of fighters that prefer to let his skillset do the talking. It was a shock to see his return after losing the title to Derrick La’Bell in their trilogy fight at UGP 5, but he looks refreshed and ready to get back in the title discussion.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Diao and La’Bell had a brutal trilogy of fights that really set the standard for this division. Like you said, we hadn’t seen him since he lost the title at UGP 5, and his return fight we saw him stumble against Donnie Calabrese. We know he’s not looking past Rozier here tonight, but you know he’s thinking about the possibility of advancing into the finals and having a shot at not just the title, but another trilogy fight, this time with Donnie Calabrese.
[Diao finally makes it to cageside where he is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and calmly takes his place in his corner, rolling his massive shoulders to keep loose.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 3-0. He stands 6’5” and weighing in at 255 pounds. He is from Kansas City, Missouri, fighting out of the 9th World Performance Institute, he is “Pluggz” Kennard Rozier!
[Kennard Rozier is calm in his corner. He looks confident in his abilities here tonight.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Brawler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-3. He stands 6’3” and weighing in at 263 pounds. He is from Dakar, Senegal, fighting out of Team Brutal, he is “The Lion” Ferdinand Diao!
[Ferdinand Diao glares at his opponent from the opposite corner..]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
And here we go! Two monster Heavyweights are about to unleash hell on each other and we’re all ready to sit back and watch. Kennard Rozier has the fans behind him as 57% of the people that took our social media poll believe he moves on to the Grand Prix Finals.
PATRICK CARSON
It’s a pretty even match-up between these two, and we’re about to settle the debate. Our referee for this bout is Willie Green and he’s calling for the bell!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The bell sounds and the fight gets underway. Ferdinand Diao is first to move forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense. Diao showing excellent timing, blasting Kennard Rozier with a big right hand. Rozier steps backwards and the punch just barely misses. Diao shoots in for a takedown, but Rozier read it perfectly and counters with a powerful kick to the head! Diao gets split on the chin and he looks dazed! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Rozier!]
[Rozier rushes in and launches a furious hook! That hits Diao's chin like a wrecking ball! Diao loses balance and goes to the mat! Rozier is standing while Diao is on the ground on his back. Rozier steps back and allows Diao to get back to his feet, which he quickly does so.]
PATRICK CARSON
Ferdinand Diao is on his feet again but man did he take a lot of damage with that kick to the head!
[Rozier and Diao engage in a wild exchange of punches but both fighters are missing terribly. Rozier paws at Diao to find his range while Diao swings ineffectively. A surprise roundhouse punch by Rozier connects and it looks like Diao was hit by a bus! That punishment by Kennard Rozier has left Diao staggered! Kennard Rozier should try push forward now and finish this! Rozier spins around and tries a spinning back kick! Ferdinand Diao was not expecting something like that and it lands square on his chin!]
[In a desperate daze, Diao attempts a takedown, but Rozier hops back and delivers another scorching kick to the head! The frightening power of Kennard Rozier has left Diao sleeping peacefully on the canvas! The referee rushes in and waves this one off and Rozier’s corner come pouring in to celebrate the victory!]
PATRICK CARSON
That is it! This one is all over! Kennard Rozier connects with another lethal head kick while Diao tried to shoot in for a takedown, and the 9th World Heavyweight is moving on to the finals!
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Unbelievable accuracy from Rozier and incredible timing. He definitely put his time in the film room and read those level changes perfectly. Big congrats to Pluggz here for his fourth first round victory!
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Rozier is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Diao for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Willie Green has called for a stop in this fight at one minute thirty-eight seconds in the very first round, for your winner by knockout, “Pluggz” Kennard Rozier!
[The crowd cheers once again as Rozier has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Kennard Rozier by KO (High Kick) at 1:38 Round 1
Statistics: Ferdinand Diao
Punches 3/9 (33%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 11 s
Statistics: Kennard Rozier
Punches 2/5 (40%)
Kicks 3/3 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
♫
YEAH, I'MA GO FUCK THAT BITCH
I'MA GO THRASH THAT BITCH
SHAWTY GON' SUCK THIS DICK
SHAWTY GON' SUCK THIS DICK
♫
[“R.I.P.” by Playboi Carti thumps over the loudspeaker and Asher Jrue emerges to the stage wearing his grey and yellow walkout fight kit with crew members from his 9th World camp following behind. Jrue has a relaxed look on his face as he sways back and forth down the aisle.]
PATRICK CARSON
Asher Jrue was one of the newest additions to Union GP when we came back from the break, and he’s quickly made a name for himself with his absolutely phenomenal knowledge that surpasses his age.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Jrue can’t even buy a drink here in the States yet, but barely old enough to vote, but he has two big wins and he did it in stunning fashion. He’s coming into this one beating a veteran and former champion, Navorro Williams. Can Asher do it again and take down another MMA icon en route to reaching the Grand Prix Finals?
[Jrue makes it to cageside where he is checked by the fight official. Once he’s cleared, he races up the steps and jogs around the cage a couple times before staying put in his corner.]
♫
NOW YOUR HEROES HAVE FALLEN.
CHAMPIONLESS,
THE SEAS ARE RISING.
SO TORCH EVERY BANNER.
♫
["Idols and Anchors" by Parkway Drive shreds over the PA System and the veteran Byron McCall emerges to the main stage wearing his walkout fight with his Real Killas MMA crew following behind. McCall never breaks stride with a stoic look across his face, a look of focus from the decorated fighter.]
PATRICK CARSON
As you mentioned, Warhead, here comes an icon of mixed martial arts, a former two-time MMA champion, Byron McCall! Throughout his tenure here in Union GP, McCall has an unblemished 4-0 record. He just recently secured a new contract that keeps him as an exclusive fighter and pays him a c-note per fight!
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
He’s more than earned it, Patrick. Byron McCall has been around for a long time and has accomplished so much. But the thing about him is, he’s not ready to hang it up! In fact, it looks like he’s just getting started in a new environment and really, a whole new demographic. When Byron first signed to Union GP, he wasn’t barking out about getting an immediate title shot, he actually wanted to climb up the ranks like everybody else. Tonight is his final hurdle to get that title fight, but he’s going to have to go through a kid who is absolutely on fire right now.
[McCall reaches cageside where he strips down to his trunks and gets inspected by the fight official. Once he’s cleared, McCall goes around one-by-one with his corner crew and gives each one a hug before racing up the steps. Once inside, McCall jogs a few laps around the octagon before posting up in his corner and begins rolling his neck to stay loose.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate practitioner holding a professional mixed martial arts record of two wins and zero losses. He stands 5’11” and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Miami, Florida, fighting out of 9th World Performance Institute, he is “Simba” Asher Jrue!
[Ferocious staredown by Jrue while Jordan Ripley recites the rules.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner holding a professional mixed martial arts record of Nineteen wins and Seven losses. He stands 6’1” and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Boston, Massachusetts, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is “The Last” Byron McCall!
[Byron McCall looks very relaxed.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
You can feel the energy in the building as these two men stand toe to toe for the stare down. This crowd is on their feet!
PATRICK CARSON
You aren’t kidding. The building is rocking right now. You can see the differences in personality here too Warhead. Jrue is super intense and Byron McCall? Stoic as ever. Shades of Niko Holst. I’m excited for this match-up. Our referee for this bout is the one and only Jordan Ripley. He checks off with each man and wastes no time calling for the bell! And here we go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The bell sounds to get the first round underway and both men forego a glove touch to come out swinging. Byron McCall starts the fireworks off by faking a right hand before following up right away with a nasty liver kick that lands solid. The kick nearly doubles Asher over in pain and he wears a grimace as he circles out quickly, trying to regroup. Jrue seems to shake the kick off pretty quickly, and he tosses out a jab as he uses his footwork to beautifully circle away from McCall’s power hand.]
[Asher continues plodding with his jab, looking to find his range, but McCall isn’t fazed and sways his head to avoid each shot. Jrue decides to mix it up a bit and follows his next jab with a quick right hook. The shot glances off the arms of McCall, who takes a step back to shake his head at Asher.]
[The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage, and Jrue studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense. Byron McCall fakes a punch and follows up quickly with a pinpoint one-two combination. Jrue avoids one of the punches but he gets clocked hard on the chin by the follow up straight left from McCall! Asher fires back immediately with a blinding fast combo of his own but Byron dodges each punch and Jrue hits nothing but air.]
PATRICK CARSON
Asher is missing big with these punches as he swings for the fences. McCall’s foot and head movement is flawless here.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Yeah, missing big like that will tire a fella out quick. Jrue needs to compose himself and slow down a bit. He seems to be a bit overzealous here and that might cost him big time with a guy like Byron McCall standing across from him.
[Byron McCall lets loose with another shot to the body of Jrue! Asher winces in pain, still feeling the kick from earlier in the fight, but fires off a looping right hand haymaker! Byron McCall jumps back to avoid the shot, causing Asher to hit nothing but air again. This seems to frustrate “Simba” and he plants himself in front of McCall to uncork some bombs. Byron doesn’t back down! Instead, he fires back with his own barrage of punches and the two have a wild exchange in the center of the cage.]
[McCall blocks the onslaught and connects cleanly with a few punches, before following up with another fluid kick to the body as he looks for the finish! Jrue isn’t going down without a fight though! He looks to counter McCall with a straight right but Byron feints and moves forward to connect with a crushing hook! Jrue steps away from Byron McCall with the impact and reaches up to gingerly touch his eye which is beginning to swell up from the punishment. Byron circles out and stalks Asher like a shark smelling blood in the water.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Asher is looking outclassed right now on the feet. Byron is picking him apart! He needs to do something here to change his plan of attack. Striking with McCall is clearly not working.
PATRICK CARSON
Indeed it is not! Asher needs to close the distance and get his hands on Byron and get him to the mat! Jrue is a prodigy when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu and that’s his best chance of turning this fight around right now.
[The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage again and Asher dips down for a level change, looking to connect with a hook to the body of McCall. It’s blocked with ease, and Byron takes a step back to maintain distance. Asher goes on the pursuit uncorking a quick flurry attempt but Byron continues making him miss. Jrue over extends on the final punch of the combo and McCall times it perfect to blast him with a solid right hand! Jrue seems a bit rocked here, and McCall tacos on another beautiful hook! “Simba” is caught off balance and the impact from the shot causes him to slip and hit the mat hard.]
[McCall moves to stand over Asher, looking to transition to a dominant position, but Jrue tosses out a few upkicks from his back causing Byron to back up and motioned for him to stand. This gets a pop from the crowd and Jrue kips himself back up to his feet!]
[Both fighters exchange wildly again, but neither can seem to connect flush on the exchange. Byron McCall closes the distance and secures a textbook thai plum, punishing his opponent with a few vicious knees to the body. Jrue looks like he’s in trouble here! He pummels for position but McCall switches up the knees to target the head! A few of the strikes land solid, causing the swelling to intensify as Byron backs Jrue up against the fence with incredible clinch control.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Bad bad position here for Asher Jrue! His face is a mess and Byron McCall is looking to knee a crater in his head and put this fight to bed in the first round! What a performance by “The Last” McCall so far.
PATRICK CARSON
Absolutely correct. Asher has to do something and fast. He needs to get his back off the fence and OH MY!!!!
[Inside the cage, Byron lands a leaping, powerful knee from the clinch and Jrue’s legs buckle a bit. Wasting no time, Byron dips down and lifts Asher up to slam him hard to the mat. The crowd erupts! Jrue shows tremendous heart by popping right back to his feet and leading with a big right hand. Byron McCall avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut that jolts Jrue’s head back violently, before tacking on another nasty liver kick. The kick is a little high and catches Jrue in the ribs but the damage from before causes Asher to double over in pain. Byron moves forward to go for the kill and Jrue shoots for a takedown out of desperation. Byron sees it coming from a mile away and counters with a beautiful knee strike that lands flush and busts Asher’s nose on impact! Jrue recoils in pain and Byron McCall goes on the pursuit with a looping right hand! Jrue is staggered and getson his bike to backpedal and avoid McCall!! Byron looks to capitalize with a flurry of jabs and crosses to put Asher away, but Jordan Ripley separates the fighters as the round comes to an end. The fighters shake hands and head back to their corners.]
PATRICK CARSON
Tough round for Asher Jrue. There’s no doubt that Byron won the first round. Hopefully he can get with his corner during this short break and make some adjustments heading into the second.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Well, he’s going to HAVE to Pat. There’s no way in hell that he can survive another round like that. McCall was closing in for the kill when he was saved by the bell last round. It’ll be interesting to see how he recovers and what adjustments are made moving forward.
Asher Jrue’s Corner Notes:
Time to abandon the striking game!
Take the fight to the ground!
You lost that round!
Byron McCall’s Corner Notes:
Keep the tempo high and stay moving!
Keep the fight standing, don’t let him take you to the mat!
You won that round!
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[ Both men come out and touch gloves at the start of round two to show respect. Jrue begins to look for angles as he throws a few jabs, but he’s countered as McCall uncorks a fluid combo. Asher tried to fire back with a combo of his own, but McCall ducks under and comes up with a huge counter uppercut! Jrue swings again wildly out of desperation only to get countered once more with a brutal left hook! Asher Jrue is bleeding badly from his nose now and his eye is swollen shut! He stumbles backward, clearly rocked, and Byron launches aggressively toward his opponent to throw a flurry of hard punches! Jrue crumples as a good number of the shots land flush! Asher hits hits the mat hard, blood pouring from a cut over his eye now! McCall charges in to look for the finish but narrowly avoids an upkick that surely would’ve rung his bell had it connected!]
[McCall backs up and Jrue moves back up to stand toe to toe on unsteady legs. What heart! Byron steps in and feints a left hook, before throwing a monster looping right overhand. It lands flush on Jrue's chin and the young prospect hits the mat hard for the second time in the round! ! McCall rushes in to swarm him with follow up punches for the finish! Jordan Ripley has seen enough and he steps in to pull McCall away to call an end to the fight.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
WHAT A DOMINANT PERFORMANCE BY BYRON MCCALL! WOW! That overhand was delivered with bad intentions.
PATRICK CARSON
Yeah, He hit him so hard that I felt it over here. Great showing for McCall and Real Killas here. Man, that guy is scary.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and McCall is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Jrue for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Jordan Ripley has called for a stop in this fight at one minute five seconds in the second round, for your winner by technical knockout, “The Last” Byron McCall!
[The crowd cheers once again as McCall has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Byron McCall by TKO (Punches) at 1:05 Round 2
Statistics: Byron McCall
Punches 27/36 (75%)
Kicks 3/4 (75%)
Clinch strikes 6/8 (75%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Asher Jrue
Punches 3/23 (13%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 32 s
[Kennard Rozier stands smiling with no interviewer. He smiles for a few more seconds before finally speaking.]
KENNARD ROZIER
There has been many steps but tonight won't be the last. From the very beginning I knew I could make my way here. Now it's that time to take more steps and go get what's been calling my name. Ferdinand, I mean… what can I say? Mans has been on top of the division before. But it's my time now. Nah matter fact it's gonna be a short one for all y'all brah and that's mondo facts.
[He points to his 'mondo facts' T-shirt grinning as we fade to that grin.]
♫
CAN’T YOU SEE I’M EASILY BOTHERED BY PERSISTENCE
ONE STEP FROM LASHING OUT AT YOU
YOU WANT IN TO GET UNDER MY SKIN
AND CALL YOURSELF A FRIEND
I’VE GOT MORE FRIENDS LIKE YOU
WHAT DO I DO?
♫
[“Walk” by Pantera shreds over the loudspeaker and “The Reaver” Jakko Wirman emerges to the stage wearing his blue and black walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Wirman has a focused stare in his eyes as he begins to make his way down the aisle.]
PATRICK CARSON
Two dominating victories to reach the semifinals of the 2019 Championship Grand Prix Tournament, Jakko Wirman has got some good momentum heading into this fight here tonight.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Wirman has seen the highs and lows in the MMA game as he won his first two fights, then lost the next two, and now is riding on another two-fight win streak. He’s done a great job in this tournament adjusting and working his strengths against his opponents, but man does he have a big test here tonight against fellow campmate Daniel Fisk. If he can pull off a victory, he’ll have all the momentum in the world behind him heading into the finals.
[Wirman makes it to cageside where he is inspected by the fight official to ensure he is fit to fight and legal for action. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and calmly takes his place in his corner.]
♫
I’M A GOD IN THE HOOD, NIGGA
I’M A GOD IN THE HOOD, NIGGA
I’M A GOD IN THE HOOD, NIGGA
I’M A GOD IN THE HOOD, NIGGA
♫
[The crowd goes in cheering wildly in the midst of nodding their heads to the beat. Ladies get to screaming at one of the best looking fighters out. Daniel Fisk Jr walks out with his Real Killas team behind him the hood of his robe staying over his head while he gives that grim face to the camera right in front of him. 4 Cuban link chains hanging from his neck. That's the only showman part Fisk's plays though as he walks to the cage keeping his focus on the cage and only the cage as fans reach out to touch him. He nods his head slightly keeping his business like demeanor while all the power he's looking to unleash is moments away from opening.]
PATRICK CARSON
And now the Godfather of Real Killas MMA, Daniel Fisk is here and the crowd is going wild! This guy is someone who doesn't talk a whole lot of trash, as he says he just calls it like he sees it. Whenever he does speak, everyone listens.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
He's been one of the most formidable competitors in MMA for quite some time, and with him building the Real Killas empire in his vision, he's one of, if not, the biggest names in the game. Fisk captured championship gold for the first time in his career, becoming the inaugural Cruiserweight Champion, but lost it in his first defense. It's no secret that's something that has eaten away at him ever since, and he's made it his goal to get back in that discussion and do what he set out to do.
[Reaching the pad, his expression never changes as he takes off the fight robe and house mortgage on his neck. After getting checked in he slowly walks the stairs until he reaches the entrance. He stands there and slaps both sides of the cage before walking in calm and easy. Fisk stares at his opponent while walking to his corner and nods in approval. Reaching his corner he rotates his wrists and warms up wanting every bit of the action.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Sambo Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-2. He stands 6’4” and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from Helsinki, Finland, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is ”The Reaver” Jakko Wirman!
[Jakko Wirman is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for this fight.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 18-4. He stands 6’5” and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from Los Angeles, California by way of Newark, New Jersey, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is ”.44” Daniel Fisk!
[A laser focused staredown given by Fisk while Herschel Warden recites the rules to him.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
The Killa Party is about to go down! One thing everybody loves about the fighters coming out of that gym, is that they are not afraid of who they square up against, even if it’s one of their own.
PATRICK CARSON
They compete and grind in the gym, so why not do it on the big stage and make bank? I can say with certainty that Fisk and Wirman are not about to go easy on each other out there and we’re all chomping at the bit to see these two throw down. The referee for this bout is Herschel Warden. He checks off with each man one last time and calls for the bell! And here we go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The bell sounds and the fight gets underway. Both men close the distance and touch gloves. Fisk and Wirman circle around to find an opening. Fisk paws at Wirman to find his range before unloading a wicked hook that rocks Wirman! The Reaver stumbles back and his left cheek is instantly starting to swell. That punishing blow by Daniel Fisk has left Wirman staggered! Fisk should try push forward now and finish this!]
[Jakko regains his footing and the two step into each other and then exchange wildly. Both are landing shots but without much steam behind them. Wirman gets tagged again and he seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target now! Fisk keeps the pressure on as he throws a few jabs but they get countered by Jakko Wirman's wild punches.]
PATRICK CARSON
Jakko Wirman is in serious trouble here!
[The two continue to exchange wildly and Fisk is connecting with a few tremendous punches. Fisk is unrelenting in his strikes and Wirman is in trouble as his legs look wobbly! Fisk follows him to the mat and the ref decides to pull him off! Wirman seems dazed and a bit confused as the bell sounds, ending the bout.]
PATRICK CARSON
Daniel Fisk literally just punched his ticket for the Grand Prix finals! What a brutal combo set up by Fisk.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
There’s no plan for madness! Daniel Fisk saw the opportunity and never gave Wirman a chance to recover! Incredible awareness and tenacity by .44!
[The crowd roars with cheers and Fisk immediately blankets Jakko on the ground with a hug in a true show of respect. Doctors tend to Wirman for a while before helping him to his feet. After the medical staff finishes their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at forty-eight seconds in the very first round, for your winner by technical knockout, “.44” Daniel Fisk!
[The crowd cheers once again as Fisk has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s corner. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Daniel Fisk by TKO (Punches) at 0:48 Round 1
Statistics: Daniel Fisk
Punches 10/13 (77%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Jakko Wirman
Punches 3/7 (43%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
COMMERCIAL BREAK
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[The lights in the arena dim down and a single spotlight shines at the main stage. The soft intro of “Remember This” by NF begins to play as the crowd begins to grow louder. Just as the first verse kicks in, Ardan Kelly bursts onto the main stage.]
♫
YEAH, HANDOUTS CREATE LAZY PEOPLE I'M NOT IMPRESSED WITH
YOU WANT SOMETHING IN LIFE, THEN WHY DON'T YOU GO AND GET IT?
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS DO, IT'S PRETTY QUIET, ISN'T IT?
LOOK AT THE WORLD WE LIVE IN, DEFINED BY COMMENT SECTIONS
♫
[The crowd pops for Kelly who is decked out in his Irish themed fight kit with ScrapYard crew members flanking him from either side. Kelly bobs his head to the song while keeping a stern focus as he begins to make his way toward the octagon.]
PATRICK CARSON
A product of the Ireland based ScrapYard MMA camp, Ardan Kelly has a chance tonight to completely disrupt the system. With one professional fight under his belt, he now draws the champion Roscoe Robinson in the semifinals.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
An unbelievably tall order for Kelly. Robinson hasn’t lost in seven straight, with four successful title defenses mixed in with some of the best that’s ever done it in the game. This is the setup of a cliche Hollywood movie; the inconceivable underdog facing off the indomitable champion. Can Kelly make some Silver screen magic and pull off the upset?
[Just as Kelly reaches cageside, he strips down to his trunks and hands them off to one coach while another coach hands him a bottled water. Kelly takes a quick swig before getting checked out by the fight official. Once he’s been cleared, he goes around each corner member and gives them each a quick hug before ascending the stairs and entering the cage. Kelly stays calm and takes in the aura while bouncing around to stay loose and warm.]
♫
I WON’T DENY IT, I’M A STRAIGHT RIDAH
YOU DON’T WANNA FUCK WITH ME
GOT THE POLICE BUSTIN' AT ME
BUT THEY CAN’T DO NOTHING TO A G
♫
[The beat of “Ambitionz Az A Ridah” by 2Pac bumps over the PA system as the piano tones can be heard through the bass. A spotlight shines down onto the entrance where “The Shooter” Roscoe Robinson emerges to the main stage, the Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Championship around his waist. Followed by an entourage of coaches and security guards, Robinson proceeds down the aisle, his eyes focused on the cage, calm in the midst of battle.]
PATRICK CARSON
And here he is, The Shooter! Roscoe Robinson is in the house, and this crowd is going wild! As I just mentioned, Robinson comes in tonight riding a sevin-fight win streak with four successful title defenses. The man has improved leaps and bounds with every fight and there shows no signs of him slowing down anytime soon.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Roscoe has become a household name without relying on talking too much. The guy lets his work speak for himself and it’s resonated throughout the industry. Everyone came to see if he makes tonight title defense number five and move on to the Grand Prix finals, and the odds are completely in his favor.
[Roscoe makes it to cageside, where he strips down to his trunks and walks over to have the fight official do his inspections. Once he’s been cleared, he races up the steps and pounds his chest as the crowd continue to roar with cheers.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! It’s time for the Co-Main Event of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it’s for the Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger fighting out of the blue corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-0. He stands 6’2” and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from Dublin, Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is Ardan “The Angel” Kelly!
[Ardan Kelly looks very relaxed in his corner as he sways back and forth.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 8-1. He stands 6’1” and weighing in at 215 pounds. He is from Long Beach, California by way of Atlanta, Georgia, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion of the World, “The Shooter” Roscoe Robinson!
[Roscoe Robinson glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Ardan Kelly comes in tonight as the bigger man physically, but he is David in this David versus Goliath tilt. Pat, can he do it?
PATRICK CARSON
The beautiful thing about this sport is that anything can happen, and upsets happen all the time. Are we about to witness such a thing, or will logic and experience prevail? We are all about to find out right now as our referee for this contest, Dusty Whittaker, checks off with each man and wastes no time calling for the bell! And this fight is underway!
[Both fighters move to the center of the cage as the championship bout begins. Roscoe fires off a low kick to kick things off. Instinctively Ardan backs off and circles the cage with the Shooter pursuing him right away. The champion throws a quick jab that grazes the challengers cheek. In response, Kelly turns away cheekily and rolls for a kneebar on Roscoe’s left leg. It goes nowhere, as Roscoe pulls his leg out of the way just in the knick of time. On his back, Kelly shifts to keep the champion at bay and takes a hard kick to the thigh as he does so. Two more connect solidly before Kelly finally checks the fourth. Ardan fires off a kick from the ground that connects but doesn’t seem to trouble the champion at all.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Well you can see where both men want to take this fight in the early portions of the first round. The champion wants to keep it standing, and the challenger desperately wants this fight on the ground.
[Backing off momentarily, Roscoe allows Ardan room to stand up and he does so quickly. As they circle the cage and then close, Roscoe measures Ardan with his jab but it doesn’t faze the challenger. A quick exchange follows but neither fighter is able to land anything significant. The champ then throws a big looping right hand that lands as Kelly is stepping back, but it doesn’t seem to faze the challenger who instantly answers with a few counter punches of his own. Aggressive as always, Roscoe fires off two consecutive low kicks that Ardan checks well but the set up is in place and Robinson fires a third kick, this aimed high and at Kelly’s head but the challenger seems to have scouted the champion well and ducks under it. After the missed kick, Ardan grapples with Roscoe and pushes him forward, cinching in double underhooks.]
PATRICK CARSON
The moment doesn’t seem to big for Ardan Kelly so far. He’s effectively neutralized Roscoe’s standup game up to this point. Of course, that can all change in a moment but so far the challenger has done his part.
[The two don’t stay in the clinch for long as Roscoe is able to muscle his way out of it before throwing a body kick but again, it’s blocked by the challenger and for just a moment there seems to be a flash of frustration that crosses Robinsons expression. Following up the kick, Roscoe times a right hand well but Ardan again steps out of the way and the punch misses wildly. Steadying himself, Roscoe throws a high kick but he seemed to have done so out of frustration and misses terribly, slipping and falling to the mat. Simultaneously you hear Roscoe’s entire corner scream and as Kelly looks prepared to pounce, Roscoe acts quickly and scrambles back up to his feet.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
That was the moment Ardan Kelly was waiting for and he hesitated just a second too long.
[After a brief exchange where both fighters miss with their striking attempts, Roscoe takes advantage of an out of position Ardan Kelly and finally connects with a low kick that nearly buckles Kelly’s knee. Sensing an opening, Roscoe follows up the low kick with a body kick that lands hard as well. Pain flashes across Ardan’s face but he manages to check the third kick that comes and Roscoe takes a step back to reposition. Moments later when the two reengage, Roscoe throws some tentative punches but Ardan catches him off guard with a quick one two jab combo but they don’t seem to do much damage. Robinson responds with another punishing low kick. As Ardan tries to back away and disengage, Roscoe cuts him off with a few punches of his own that land clean. Another wild exchange comes and Shooter continues to get the better of the Irishman, and the challenger is reeling. Looking to finish the fight, the champ throws a flying knee but Ardan blocks it with his arms and moves laterally. Just as he starts to look to get inside the buzzer sounds and the fighters are sent to their corners.]
PATRICK CARSON
Well through the first four minutes of the round I thought that Ardan Kelly had done a nice job of frustrating the champion and as you said, Warhead, the challenger had an opportunity to take the fight where he wants it and just hesitated.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
And against a fighter of Roscoe’s caliber you have to take every opportunity you have and make the most of it. Instead, Roscoe got back to his feet and in the closing moments of the round punished Ardan for his hesitation.
PATRICK CARSON
Completely agree. And while the round was close, Roscoe was clearly the aggressor throughout and his ability to take control of the round in the final minute will have the judges scoring this one in his favor, I think.
Ardan Kelly’s Corner Notes:
Don’t back down and stay aggressive!
Continue to work in the clinch!
Take him to the ground and smash him!
Roscoe Robinson’s Corner Notes:
Stay patient out there!
Keep the fight standing!
You lost that round!
[It’s all business as the second round begins and after the two quickly touch gloves, Roscoe fires a solid low kick that clearly pains Ardan Kelly as it lands. Roscoe throws a superman punch but Kelly manages to step back and just narrowly avoided it. But before he can do anything more, Roscoe lands another solid leg kick that looks to have hyper extended Kelly’s left leg. A left hook then grazes Kelly’s chin and is quickly followed up by a nasty body shot and then a front kick from the champion. The challenger stumbles backward and Roscoe swarms, connecting on another nasty body shot. Dusty Whittaker tells the challenger he needs to do more to defend himself with another crushing body blow comes in. At that point the referee has seen enough and jumps in between the two fighters bringing the fight to an end.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Wow! And just like that the champion swarms the Irishman and earns another title defense. Is he the best champion that Union has, Patrick?
PATRICK CARSON
I certainly think he’s at the top of the list, though I think Ardan will be lamenting Dusty Whittaker’s decision to bring the fight to a close as quickly into the second as he did. But the simple fact of the matter was Roscoe came out guns blazing in the second and he didn’t give the challenger a moment to breathe.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Roscoe is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Kelly for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Dusty Whittaker has called for a stop in this fight at one minute seven seconds in the second round, for your winner by technical knockout, AND STILL the undisputed Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion of the World, “The Shooter” Roscoe Robinson!
[The crowd cheers once again as Robinson has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Roscoe Robinson by TKO (Front Kick) at 1:07 Round 2
Statistics: Roscoe Robinson
Punches 14/28 (50%)
Kicks 14/25 (56%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 7 s
Statistics: Ardan Kelly
Punches 8/13 (62%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 60 s
♫
BRACE, SHIFTING AGAIN
I SHOULDN'T KNOW BUT I DO
STAB, A HAND IN THE DARK
SEEDS THE KILLING FIELD
♫
["Shira" by Glassjaw begins playing over the PA system, and the crowd grows loud with cheers. Soon, the dual-sport competitor, Natalie King, emerges on to the main stage. Her sights are clearly focused on the octagon ahead of her, as she doesn’t waste any time drawing closer with her corner crew following close behind her.]
PATRICK CARSON
Natalie King isn't big on the trash-talking aspect that has become so prevalent in this industry, she just prefers to let her body of work speaks for herself. And her run here in Union GP has been making a ton of noise throughout this Grand Prix Tournament, and it's led her to this moment — a shot at Championship gold.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
She's old school when it comes to things like that, and I think the hardcore fans love her for it. However, she's not one to shy away from a verbal beatdown, but she's not normally one who will initiate it either. But everyone is talking about her and how she has laid waste to her opposition coming into tonight. Four wins, all first round finishes, and all but her most recent fight ended in under a minute. I'm eager to see if she can continue to shock the world and bring home the gold.
[King finally reaches cageside, where she strips down to her gear and gets checked on by the fight official. Once she has been cleared, she turns around to give a quick hug to everyone of her corner mates, then dashed up the steps, skipping every other level with her crazy long stride. King enters the cage and immediately throws a spinning heel kick, which fires the crowd up even more. She then calmly heads to her corner, where she awaits her opponent.]
♫
ARE YOU READY
ARE YOU READY
ARE YOU READY
ARE YOU READY
LET’S GO!
♫
[As “One for the Money” by Escape the Fate plays throughout the arena, Jordan Parker-Kane slowly makes his way out while bouncing to keep warm in his blue and silver walkout fight kit and the Union GP Lightweight Championship around his waist. Just behind him, security guards and his corner crew follow his lead towards the octagon.]
PATRICK CARSON
The two-time Union GP Lightweight Champion Jordan Parker-Kane has really hit his stride during this Grand Prix Tournament. In the opening round, he stunned the masses, beating Hanako Takeuchi for the second time to capture the title, then in the quarterfinals put on a clinic in a four-round banger against August Pope. Tonight is another big test for the young man against a very dangerous striker.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Jordan has done exceptionally well against towering strikers. He's been able to use his lightning speed to constantly stay moving and stay close to his opponents to take them out of their striking range. Natalie has a lot in common with Takeuchi, so we'll see how JPK handles this one tonight.
[JPK doesn’t show much emotion as he makes it to cageside and gets examined by the official. Once cleared, he marches up the steps and heads straight to his corner, bobbing and weaving along the way. Willie Green makes his way over and takes the title off of JPK and holds it up to a thunderous roar from the crowd.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! It’s time for the Co-Main Event of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Dutch Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-0. She stands 6” even and weighing in at 147 pounds. She is from Newark, New Jersey, fighting out of RAW Graps Gym, she is Natalie “The Bandit” King!
[Natalie King raises her fists in her corner. She seems confident.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 10-6-1. He stands 5’7” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Houston, Texas, fighting out of The Lair, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion of the World, ”Spidey” Jordan Parker-Kane!
[Jordan Parker-Kane looks focused as he acknowledges the crowd.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
JPK has the slight edge based on the social media fan poll, with 59% believing he retains here tonight. For me it's hard to confidently say who takes this one, but JPK has a proven record of performing well under pressure.
PATRICK CARSON
We're just moments away from putting all the speculation to rest and find out who advances to the Grand Prix finals as the Lightweight Champion. Our referee for this contest is Willie Green. He checks off with each competitor one last time and quickly calls for the bell! And here we go!
[The fight gets underway and Jordan Parker-Kane wastes no time in trying to take the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown, and King is unable to remain on her feet and falls to the ground. Jordan Parker-Kane is in open guard over King, but before Jordan can make any real progress on the ground, Natalie manages to close guard around him. Jordan Parker-Kane is in closed guard over King, and she immediately tries to roll on the ground, but Jordan uses his leg to keep his position. JPK tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard, but King leans and gets Jordan Parker-Kane's arms as she brings him to the ground again. As soon as she does, King throws her legs up and attempts a triangle from bottom! Jordan Parker-Kane slips out. King quickly turns her hips over and switches to the armbar! Jordan slips out and backs away on his feet to avoid any damage. Willie Green halts the fight to stand up Natalie, and the fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
PATRICK CARSON
JPK wanted to cut Nat’s range by taking the fight to the ground, but I don't think he was ready for her to be so aggressive.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
We really haven't seen what she is capable of on the ground, but judging right there, she's not afraid to roll!
[JPK stays on the offense and tries to clinch, successfully moving forward and holding King. Both fighters are tied in a clinch. King tries to get some distance as she ducks under Jordan Parker-Kane and tries to move away, but Jordan pushes King forward and doesn't allow her to break the clinch. Both fighters are tied in a clinch as JPK has Natalie up against the cage. JPK hammers King’s face and hooks her leg, taking her down with a trip.]
PATRICK CARSON
Solid setup by Jordan. He's done really well lately working in the clinch to setup the takedowns.
[Jordan Parker-Kane is once again in closed guard over King. Natalie again tries to roll on the ground but Jordan uses his leg to block it. JPK tries to escape from the closed guard, but King picks that exact moment to roll on the ground again, this time reversing Jordan and ending up in half guard! Natalie King is in half guard over JPK, throwing some punches down but none seeming to phase him. JPK catches an arm on the way down and tries for an armbar from the bottom, but Natalie manages to break the lock and move into side control. King is on a roll on the ground and she tries to continue it as she looks to pass to mount, but JPK manages to create space and scramble back to his feet. King quickly gets up herself and now both fighters are back on the feet.]
PATRICK CARSON
I gotta say in extremely impressed with King’s ability on the ground. She doesn't appear to be afraid of what JPK can do.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
You cannot fight scared or hesitant, especially against a guy like Jordan. All he needs is one small opening and it could be all over in an instant.
[King rushes over to her opponent and tries to grapple, pushing JPK against the fence in a plum position. JPK doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Natalie King and tries to move away, but she pushes JPK forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch. King is controlling the clinch and launches a vicious knee that connects solidly with Jordan’s face! His right eye is beginning to swell as a small laceration on it can also be seen. After that JPK really doesn't want to be in the clinch as he tries to break it again, this time managing to and putting some distance between them.]
PATRICK CARSON
Jordan Parker-Kane gets busted open with that knee and I can't tell where exactly yet, but that could pose some problems for the champ.
[King looks to connect with an inside leg kick, but Jordan Parker-Kane moves his leg out of the way before countering with a sweep single, catching Natalie King's far ankle and tripping her to the mat! Slick takedown by JPK. Jordan Parker-Kane is in closed guard over King. King tries to roll again which Jordan initially blocks, but she eventually manages to get the reversal, Natalie King now in full mount over Jordan Parker-Kane! Natalie King launches a few punches to JPK, but he covers himself well and then rolls on the ground to avoid the damage. JPK tries to capitalize and roll to his side and trap Natalie King in his guard, but she manages to keep the full mount. She postures up and launches a flurry of punches, but JPK covers himself well. Other than that, King has trouble getting any offense on the ground, and Willie Green has seen enough passivity and stands up the fighters.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
I gotta say, Pat, I'm surprised how well Natalie had held herself on the ground. She's been the aggressor while Jordan hasn't gotten anything going.
[Jordan goes for yet another takedown but this time King has it scouted, landing a solid head kick which stuns him. Natalie King then moves forward and connects with another vicious head kick, sending Jordan stumbling back! King keeps her distance as she is breathing heavily, starting to gas out as she tries to control her breathing. Jordan regains his footing and steps forward as the two exchange wildly, both landing but without much steam behind the shots. Jordan breaks and delivers some good leg kicks, but Natalie King defends with ease. JPK launches a body shot but King dodges and catches him with a hard cross to the jaw, then follows it up with a solid middle kick that wrenches JPK! She smells blood and strikes with another high kick, connecting with his jaw! There is a small laceration on Jordan Parker-Kane's Chin visible as he backs away.]
PATRICK CARSON
JPK is in serious trouble here!
[King rushes her battered opponent and tries to grapple, pushing her opponent against the fence in a plum position. They both struggle in the clinch, neither able to get the advantage over the other before the buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
And round one is in the books! Jordan Parker-Kane has done what nobody else has been able to don't this point, but he took a ton of damage in the process.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
He's gotta be smarter out there and be more aggressive. Natalie imposed her will on him in every phase and didn't allow him an inch to breathe. I'm interested to see how he adapts after that lashing.
Natalie King’s Corner Notes:
Keep the fight on the feet, you gotta watch those takedowns!
Keep the pressure on him!
Finish the fight!
Jordan Parker-Kane’s Corner Notes:
Keep going for those takedowns!
Apply more pressure on the ground!
Watch those head shots!
[The round starts with both fighters briefly touching gloves before Natalie King closes the distance with her opponent wanting some action. Natalie and JPK engage in a wild exchange of punches, with King getting the best of the exchange as she lands a few blows. JPK fires off a high kick of his own but it falls short of the mark. Jordan Parker-Kane gets sloppy and Natalie King tries to take advantage, connecting with a quick hook. Parker-Kane has had enough on the feet and shoots for a double leg takedown! He hits it! Natalie King is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull JPK into her guard.]
PATRICK CARSON
JPK brings the fight back to the mat, now let’s see what he can do from here.
[Jordan Parker-Kane is in closed guard over King, as she works on the ground with her fingers over JPK's face, but he shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground. Jordan tries to improve his position but again King grabs his arms and brings him back down. She throws her legs up in a triangle attempt! Jordan Parker-Kane realizes the danger and once again stands up to avoid the attack. King uses the added space to throw some up kicks to keep the distance between her and JPK, before Willie Green halts the fight to stand her up. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Natalie King continues to use her long legs to try and wrap JPK and it’s enough for him to continuously back out. I think she’s got inside his head now.
[The fighters circle before JPK engages as he throws a low kick, but King is smart enough to block it. Natalie closes the distance and tries to grapple, pushing herself over her opponent and securing a single collar tie. The fighters are clinching, and Natalie immediately gets to work. One, two, three! King doesn't stop launching those knees in the clinch! Devastating shots that land on JPK's chin! Jordan Parker-Kane tries to shrug his way out of the clinch, but King is determined to work that position. She pummels through and manages to retain it. Natalie King is controlling the clinch and launches a vicious knee that connects, a crushing blow to JPK's face! The shot seems to open up that cut further on his right eye, blood constantly trickling down. Natalie is picking him apart as she delivers another three knee strikes to the jaw, each one being heard throughout the arena! JPK finally manages to break from the clinch as he ducks under Natalie’s embrace and creates some distance. JPK attempts a shot to take it back to the ground but Natalie King hops back and delivers a powerful kick to the head, knocking him flat on his back! Natalie immediately follows up by diving on him and raining bombs down on his face until Willie Green has seen enough! The fight is over! JPK was not intelligently defending himself!]
PATRICK CARSON
And this fight is all over! We have a new Lightweight Champion!
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Natalie King came prepared tonight and dominated in every situation of the fight to secure a championship performance!
[The crowd explodes into cheers and King is swarmed by her corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to JPK for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Willie Green has called for a stop in this fight at one minute fifty-five seconds in the second round, for your winner by technical knockout, AND NEW undisputed Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion of the World, Natalie “The Bandit” King!
[The crowd cheers once again as King has her hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around her waist. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Natalie King by TKO (High Kick) at 1:55 Round 2
Statistics: Jordan Parker-Kane
Punches 3/5 (60%)
Kicks 0/5 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 5/5 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 158 s
Statistics: Natalie King
Punches 8/13 (62%)
Kicks 5/6 (83%)
Clinch strikes 4/9 (44%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/11 (0%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 158 s
♫
ATTENTION PLEASE, ATTENTION PLEASE
THIS SHIT HERE FEELS LIKE A WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD COLLAPSED
MOTHERFUCKER!
♫
[“Ante Up” by M.O.P. ft. Busta Rhymes, Teflon, and Remy Martin thumps over the loudspeaker and Mike Hunt emerges to the main stage wearing his walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Hunt has a stone cold look on his face as he never breaks stride and slowly prowls down the aisle.]
PATRICK CARSON
One of the newest competitors to enter hot only Union Grand Prix, but in mixed martial arts as a whole, Mike Hunt has quickly made a make for himself. We alluded to the fact that in his professional debut, he took down the extremely lethal Hanako Takeuchi to win the IJPW Shoot Crown Championship, and tonight he had a chance to become champ-champ.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Hunt shocked the world when he dethroned Takeuchi, but can he make history again and take the crown from a rolling Donnie Calabrese? I would say it's very unlikely, but he's seen these odds already before, and with an unblemished MMA record, who could argue that he won't be able to do it again?
[Hunt makes it to cageside where he is checked by the fight official. Once he’s cleared, he races up the steps and jogs around the cage a couple times before staying put in his corner.]
♫
I DON’T TALK I LEAD BY EXAMPLE
PUNCH HIM DOWN WHEN HE FALL GET TRAMPLED
I’M A BANDO COMMANDO SLASH RAMBO SLASH
WILL GET ON YOUR ASS FOR A BAG THOUGH
♫
[“Bando Commando” by Yavid plays throughout the arena and the crowd is on their feet. After a moment, “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese emerges onto the main stage and the fans are going wild! Calabrese pauses for a moment to take it all in and show-off the Heavyweight strap that's tossed over his shoulder. Donnie begins to calmly walk down the ramp with a swagger that’s infectious while his corner crew hypes up the crowd even more.]
PATRICK CARSON
And for the final walk out of the night, the fan-favorite, the people’s underdog, THE ”Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese is in the house and this crowd in San Jose is showering the man with love tonight. Donnie has been here with Union GP since the beginning, and he's had one helluva hard road to get where he's at right now. It's well documented his struggles early on, but the man stayed persistent and kept fighting his way up the ranks to eventually become the Heavyweight Champion of the world.
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
And don't think for one second that he's about to take opponents lightly now. As you said Pat, we've seen his struggles, but we've also seen him slowly improve and become a true student of the game. His skill set in all facets of the game have had insurmountable improvements and there's no doubt in my mind he wants nothing more than to come out of this Championship Grand Prix AND STILL Heavyweight Champion.
[Donnie appears stoic with concentration, just bobbing his head to the beat of his music as he makes it to cageside and gets inspected by the bout official. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and heads straight to his corner, flexing for the cameras along the way. Jordan Ripley makes his way over and takes the title off of Donnie and holds it up to a boisterous roar from the crowd.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! It’s time for the Main Event of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it's for the Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 3-0. He stands 6’1” and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from Queens, New York, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is ”Bam Bam Jigglow” Mike Hunt!
[Mike Hunt looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever as he raises a fist in the air to a roaring crowd.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 6-4. He stands 6’1” and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion of the World, ”Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese!
[Donnie Calabrese looks very calm and focused as he was back and forth, never taking his eyes off his opponent.]
WARHEAD WILLIAMS
Alright folks, this is it! Two of the biggest men to step inside a Union GP cage are ready to drop bombs! The crowd here is amped up ready to see this one unfold!
PATRICK CARSON
This will be the first title defense for Donnie Calabrese since capturing the strap at UGP 13, and both men look ready to walk out of here as the champ. This looks to be a pretty even matchup on paper. I can't say who will be the one who will be raising their hand at the end of this one, but our social media poll reveals that the fanbase is 56% in favor of the reigning champ. Our referee for this main event contest is Jordan Ripley. He's checking off with each man one last time and now calls for the bell! And this fight is underway!
[Donnie Calabrese and Mike Hunt touch gloves in the center to get this fight started. Donnie and Hunt circle around to find their range before stepping in and engage in a wild exchange of punches! Donnie is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows. Mike Hunt fakes a punch and launches himself over Calabrese to slow the pace in the clinch. Nice move by Hunt who clinches and pushes Calabrese up against the cage.]
[Calabrese doesn't want to stay in the clinch as he ducks under and tries to move away. Good move from Calabrese who put some distance between them. Donnie shows off some solid footwork and timing as he blasts Mike Hunt with a stiff right hand. Great hook by Donnie Calabrese! Mike Hunt is caught off balance and slips to the ground!]
PATRICK CARSON
Dog Face Donnie times a perfect right hook and puts Hunt to the mat and he's an easy target for Donnie now!
[Calabrese is standing while Hunt is on the ground on his back. Donnie steps back and allows Hunt to get back to his feet. Hunt climbs to his feet and the crowd cheers them on. Donnie shows some great footwork circling around to look for angles. He sees an opening and unloads a tremendous combination of punches! Mike Hunt is getting tagged hard and he looks to be in serious trouble! Donnie continues to walk him down into the fence and Hunt drops to the mat! The ref has seen enough and pulls Donnie Calabrese off!]
PATRICK CARSON
And it's all over! Donnie Calabrese saw the opening and capitalized on it! Those heavy hands are not to be underestimated! What an incredible victory for Donnie!
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Calabrese climbs up the fence and flexes to the crowd in celebration. Hunt looks foggy as the referee tries to explain the finish. Doctors now step in to check on Hunt for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Jordan Ripley has called for a stop in this fight at one minute seven seconds in the very first round, for your winner by technical knockout, AND STILL the undisputed Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion of the World, “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese!
[The crowd cheers once again as Calabrese has his hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around his waist. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Donnie Calabrese by TKO (Punches) at 1:07 Round 1
Statistics: Donnie Calabrese
Punches 7/8 (88%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Mike Hunt
Punches 0/2 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 14 s