SAITAMA SUPER ARENA
SAITAMA, JAPAN
APRIL 13, 2019
PRE-SHOW
TENSLEY TAYLOR SINGS
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Follow Tensley Taylor on Twitter
[The opening montage finishes up and we transition into the landmark Saitama Super Arena. The place is jam packed with over thirty five thousand riled up fans awaiting for this monumental event. After the camera pans throughout the audience, we switch gears to cageside where we meet our very own Toussaint Harper and Patrick Carson.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Ladies and gentlemen we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network and we are here at the Saitama Super Arena for UGP 10! Standing next to me is the one and only Patrick Carson, and tonight we’ve got ten fights lined up for you all with three titles on the line!
PATRICK CARSON
It’s the biggest event to date for Union Grand Prix, and it’s sure to deliver! Before we begin, let’s quickly breakdown the card. In our opening bout, we have two debuting heavyweights set to make a name for themselves. Ivan Arlovski takes on Fra McCulloch and it’s a clash of styles. Arlovski brings a stellar ground game while McCulloch is a banger.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
After that we have another fighter set to make their Union Grand Prix debut as Natalie King takes on Aryeh Rothstein. The Hebrew Hammer is coming in tonight securing his first win at Boss Fight 6, and he’s looking to continue to add to the win column. Both he and King are exceptional strikers which will be a fun one to watch, no doubt.
PATRICK CARSON
After that we have another Heavyweight Bout with Donnie Calabrese taking on Damiko Conrad. The Dog Face has been showing much improvement in his last four fights. After starting his Union career going 0-3, he’s since gone 3-1, with his only loss coming from his title fight against Derrick La’Bell. Conrad is looking to rebound after losing to newcomer Alejandro Rivera at Boss Fight 7.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
A much needed with for both big men. Up next, we have the next chapter in Misty DeMeans’ Real Killa gauntlet as she is set to take on Xabier Belazco. DeMeans has built a reputation as arguably the strongest striker in the Lightweight Division, but Xabier Belazco is a well rounded fighter who would love nothing more than to ruin Misty’s undefeated streak.
PATRICK CARSON
An undefeated streak at the hands of his fellow teammates at Real Killas MMA. Next up, we have a highly anticipated Middleweight Bout between Aries Reed and Talon Clem. Both of these fighters have soared up the rankings and some have been saying that whoever wins this one could be next in line for a title fight. These guys are both very exciting and entertaining to watch and it could potentially steal the show.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
No doubt about it, Reed and Clem are deserving contenders and will not disappoint. After that we have a Cruiserweight Bout pitting Daniel Fisk against Alexander Irvine. A lot of people point out in this fight the age gap, as Irvine is nearly twenty years older. But he has held himself rather well so far, going 2-0 in his Union career. If he can topple the MMA icon, it will surely send shockwaves throughout all combat sports media. However, Fisk is a hungry competitor who is looking to rebound from his split decision loss to Nathan Lucas at UGP 9.
PATRICK CARSON
And justify that big new contract! From there, we have the trilogy fight between Byron McCall and Navorro Williams. This is one that I’ve been excited to see. Both of these guys are former MMA Champions with a ton of accolades and respect throughout the game. Another clash of styles here, McCall the striker and Williams the submission specialist, it all boils down to who can effectively develop their game plans.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
From here we move into the title fights. Our first Co-Main Event Championship Bout is the rematch between Robert Guilliman and Cristian Bonanno. Back at UGP 8, Guilliman shocked the world when he handed Bonanno his first loss in Union with an incredible first round knockout. Now we run it back to see if Guilliman got lucky or if his striking game is as deadly as advertised.
PATRICK CARSON
Our second Co-Main Event is another rematch, this time with the Cruiserweight Championship at stake. Roscoe Robinson looks to defend his title for a second time as he goes up against Nathan Lucas. Roscoe brings a killer striking game while Lucas is a suffocating technical wrestler. Roscoe took the first fight back at Boss Fight 4 in a second round TKO victory. Can Lucas continue his redemption story or will Roscoe retain and have the most successful title defenses to his name? It’s a big question we can’t wait to answer!
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And finally our main event of the evening. Takeshi Kato puts his Lightweight Championship on the line against Hanako Takeuchi. Two Japanese fighters headlining in their home country in one of the greatest venues on the planet. It simply writes itself right there! So now, let’s turn it over and get ready for the action!
FAN POLL: 62% Fra McCulloch
REFEREE: Jordan Ripley
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ROUND ONE
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[Ivan Arlovski and Fra McCulloch touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! McCulloch looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Arlovski's punches. Both fighters are wildly hitting the air. A right hand from Fra McCulloch gets deflected. Poorly executed technique and Ivan looks to counter! Arlovski fakes a punch and launches himself over Fra McCulloch. Great move by Arlovski who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch. McCulloch tries to take Ivan Arlovski down. Arlovski stumbles backwards and McCulloch launches a few punches. One swing lands hard on Arlovski's jaw!]
[The fighters continue in the clinch. McCulloch is launching some bone breaking punches to Arlovski's ribs while in the clinch but Arlovski is able to block them. McCulloch postures up and launches another series of punches! A lot of them are hitting Arlovski hard, who may be wondering how to escape from this! McCulloch struggles around a bit but then launches a few punches to Arlovski's head. He gets nothing from this and seems a bit frustrated. Fra goes back at it and some brutal punches land to Arlovski's face while in the clinch! Arlovski pushes McCulloch with all his might as tries to keep the fight in striking range.]
[McCulloch moves forward looking for some action but Arlovski doesn't want to engage and backpedals. McCulloch is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent. Arlovski launches a kick but McCulloch checks it and keeps distance. Arlovski fakes a move and launches a liver kick! That almost wrenches Fra McCulloch! I'm sure that his liver will be sore tomorrow. McCulloch charges at Arlovski throwing flurries left and right. Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Arlovski is rocked!]
[McCulloch moves forward and tries a Superman punch! That crushes Arlovski's face and maybe his hopes of winning this fight too! The two step in and exchange wildly as Arlovski connects with a few punches. McCulloch circles around and jabs at Arlovski to no visible effect. McCulloch fakes a move and launches a liver kick, but Arlovski blocks it and pushes his opponent back. Arlovski shoots for a single leg takedown and McCulloch loses balance and goes to the ground.]
[Arlovski is in side mount over McCulloch. Arlovski doesn't like the idea of just stalling on the ground so he works to get some offense going. McCulloch launches a few punches to Arlovski's cheek from the guard. Arlovski uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward. McCulloch fails here and it's time for Arlovski to fight back! Arlovski looks to mount McCulloch. He slides his knee across and gets to full mount. McCulloch works on the ground with his fingers over Arlovski's face. Arlovski shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.]
[McCulloch measures the resilience of Arlovski's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard. Arlovski blocks the hits as he works on the ground. Ivan is trying to counter now! Arlovski tries to keep his position while looking to maybe begin some ground and pound. Arlovski controls the situation despite McCulloch’s efforts for escaping from the full mount. Deep breaths from McCulloch who tries a hammer punch to Arlovski's ribs. That hit Arlovski who moves on the ground in order to protect himself better. McCulloch is cooling the fight on the ground now.]
[McCulloch tries to roll to his side and trap Arlovski in his guard but Arlovski keeps good control and remains in full mount. McCulloch looks like he’s gassing out. His performance may be going downhill from here. McCulloch tries to roll but Arlovski knows how to keep his advantage on the ground. McCulloch tries to roll to his side and trap Arlovski in his guard but Arlovski keeps good control and remains in full mount. Jordan Ripley has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The fans are cheering for the fighters as they make their way up.]
[A right hand from Fra McCulloch surprises Arlovski! The two step in and exchange wildly, both landing but without much steam behind the shots. A punch from Fra McCulloch whizzes past Arlovski. McCulloch has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent. McCulloch throws a punch that gets deflected. Arlovski is trying to counter now! Arlovski moves forward and launches a low kick and that hard blow to McCulloch's left thigh connects cleanly. McCulloch leans forwards and tries to grapple but Arlovski wants to maintain the distance and ducks under.]
[Terrible one sided match this far... Arlovski was not ready to fight a fighter of McCulloch’s caliber. McCulloch goes with a looping right hand while Arlovski jumps back and jabs. McCulloch only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless. The buzzer sounds and Jordan Ripley tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.]
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ROUND TWO
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[The second round begins and a bone shattering straight right hand from Fra McCulloch hits air as Arlovski ducks under. McCulloch fails here and it's time for Arlovski to fight back! Arlovski shoots a single leg and takes McCulloch to the mat. Arlovski is in side mount. McCulloch measures the resilience of Arlovski's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard. Arlovski blocks the hits as he works on the ground. McCulloch winds back again and launches a couple of big punches to Arlovski's ribs. Arlovski blocks the hits again as he works on the ground. Arlovski tries to move to full mount but McCulloch won't allow him to take this position easily. Arlovski is getting frustrated here. McCulloch attempts to trap Arlovski in his guard. McCulloch manages to switch to full guard. McCulloch now tries to close his guard around Arlovski but he is not able to do it. Arlovski doesn't like the idea of just stalling on the ground as he tries to fend off McCulloch.]
[Arlovski moves on the ground and gets to half guard. McCulloch attempts to move back to full guard but Arlovski keeps good control and remains in half guard. Jordan Ripley has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. A high kick from Fra McCulloch misses badly. McCulloch slips and falls! Arlovski is standing while McCulloch is on the ground on his back. McCulloch tries to stand up and he quickly gets back on his feet. McCulloch launches a stiff jab! Arlovski ducks that one. Arlovski is trying to counter now! Arlovski launches a furious low kick! McCulloch receives a hard blow on his left leg!]
[You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Arlovski follows McCulloch while McCulloch fakes a move. McCulloch looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Ivan Arlovski's punches. McCulloch is on the receiving end of a great combo by Arlovski. A right hand from Fra McCulloch misses its target. McCulloch follows up with a bone shattering straight right hand but Arlovski ducks under. Arlovski is trying to counter now! Arlovski tries to bring the fight to the ground with a quick double leg takedown and McCulloch goes down.]
[Arlovski is in open guard and McCulloch tries to close his guard around Arlovski but he’s not able to do it. McCulloch misses a step and Arlovski sees an opportunity to counter him! Arlovski is in open guard over McCulloch, he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar! Punishing hold! That Kneebar from Ivan Arlovski appears to be unbreakable! McCulloch struggles to free himself! Arlovski secures the lock while McCulloch refuses to tap! Jordan Ripley sees McCulloch has nowhere to go and jumps in to break the lock!]
Winner: Ivan Arlovski by Submission (Kneebar) at 2:55 Round 2
Statistics: Ivan Arlovski
Punches 15/17 (88%)
Kicks 3/3 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 3/3 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 198 s
Statistics: Fra McCulloch
Punches 7/28 (25%)
Kicks 0/2 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/21 (19%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 1/10 (10%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 205 s
FAN POLL: 52% Natalie King
REFEREE: Dusty Whittaker
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ROUND ONE
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[Rothstein and King move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight! Natalie King moves forward and launches a high kick! That vicious high kick connects! There is a small cut on Aryeh Rothstein's left cheek! Rothstein looks wobbly and King rushes in for more. King tries another high kick! Rothstein was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked his head off! Rothstein crashes to the canvas! Rothstein is out! Natalie King has ended this fight in highlight reel fashion!]
Winner: Natalie King by KO (High Kick) at 0:33 Round 1
Statistics: Aryeh Rothstein
Punches 0/0 (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 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Natalie King
Punches 0/0 (0%)
Kicks 2/2 (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
FAN POLL: 62% Donnie Calabrese
REFEREE: Jordan Ripley
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ROUND ONE
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[The bell announces the first round! The fighters touch gloves to get this one started. Donnie rushes in and he’s swinging for the fences! Conrad backpedals and creates space. Calabrese is asking him if he is going to fight or run! Conrad has a high cardio for a big man that helps him make great performances. Damiko Conrad connects with a bone shattering straight right hand! Donnie is going to have a big headache after that blow! Donnie wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch, but Conrad wants nothing of that and pushes Donnie away.]
[Donnie misses a step and Conrad sees an opportunity to counter him! Conrad showing excellent timing, blasting Calabrese with a right hand. Great hook by Damiko Conrad! Donnie Calabrese is caught off balance and slips to the ground! Conrad is standing while Donnie is on the ground on his back. Donnie Calabrese doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet but he cannot do it because of Conrad's movement. Eventually Donnie sees an opening and moves fast to get back on his feet again.]
[Donnie tries to grapple but Conrad moves aside keeping the fight a striking range. The two step in and exchange wildly, and Conrad is connecting with a few punches. Donnie's right cheek is beginning to swell. Calabrese tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple, but Damiko swings hard and Donnie has to retreat. Calabrese moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense. The two fighters engage in a wild exchange of punches! Donnie is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows. Calabrese catches Conrad's far ankle and trips him to the mat with a slick sweep single takedown.]
[Calabrese is in closed guard over Conrad. Conrad tries to move on the ground and shows Donnie a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow! Conrad uses his forearms to block the impact and then tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Calabrese! Donnie is moving on the ground and BOOM! That was a headbutt! Jordan Ripley saw it. Ripley takes away one point from Donnie Calabrese for the headbutt. Ripley halts the fight to give Conrad time to recover as Donnie argues that it was unintentional. Conrad seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
[Donnie Calabrese shoots for a double leg takedown but Conrad sprawls and manages to stay on his feet. Donnie follows up with a solid combination but it mostly hits air. Donnie presses on and finally connects with a nice one-two combination. Donnie continues to launch some tentative punches and he takes the best of a brief punching exchange. The two step into each other and exchange wildly but both fighters are missing terribly.]
[Donnie Calabrese catches Damiko Conrad's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick sweep single takedown by Donnie. Calabrese is in closed guard over Conrad. Donnie launches a barrage of elbows over Conrad's face! Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Conrad doesn't fight back! Donnie throws a few hammer fists to Conrad but he raises his arms up to block. Conrad winds back and unloads a couple of big punches to the midsection. Donnie blocks the hits as he works on the ground. Donnie looks to posture up and eventually forces Damiko to open his guard. Donnie delivers a few accurate elbows! Conrad is being hit hard and tries to escape! He has to give his back!]
[Donnie is in rear mount, Conrad tries to stand up and somehow manages to get back on his feet! Jordan Ripley halts the fight to stand up Calabrese. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The fans in the Saitama Super Arena are cheering for the fighters. Donnie tries to take the fight back to the ground with a single leg takedown. Conrad is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground. Donnie works on the ground with his fingers over Conrad's face. He seems to have encountered the eye! Jordan Ripley didn't see the foul!]
[Donnie is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Conrad's ribs. Conrad is feeling it and his face winces in pain. Donnie positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows! Conrad attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows. Conrad tries to get some advantage after his opponent missed opportunity. Conrad tries to close his guard around Donnie but he’s not able to do it. Conrad then measures the resilience of Donnie's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard. Donnie blocks the hits as he works on the ground.]
[Donnie looks to be gassing out. His performance may suffer from here. Donnie moves on the ground and gets to side mount. Donnie slides his knee across and gets to full mount. The buzzer sounds and Jordan Ripley separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.]
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ROUND TWO
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[The second round begins and Damiko Conrad launches a body shot. Donnie dodges and catches him with a hard cross! Conrad's right cheek is bruised after the punishment he received! Conrad looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Donnie Calabrese's punches. Conrad is on the receiving end of a great combo by Donnie here. You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Donnie Calabrese attempts a sweep single. He catches Conrad's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Donnie.]
[Donnie is in closed guard over Conrad. He tries to pass Conrad's guard. Donnie passes momentarily but Conrad regains full guard. Conrad tries to move on the ground and shows Donnie a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow! BANG! Conrad's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Jordan Ripley knows he may be calling off the fight soon! Donnie works on the ground with his fingers over Conrad's face, he seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move! Jordan Ripley didn't see the foul! Donnie tries to escape from the closed guard
Donnie succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe.]
[Donnie positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows! One, two, three! Conrad's being punished here! Conrad tries to move on the ground but shows Donnie a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow! BANG! Conrad's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Jordan Ripley knows he may be calling off the fight soon! Donnie continues to rain down elbows and Jordan Ripley has seen enough! The fight is over! Conrad was not intelligently defending himself!]
Winner: Donnie Calabrese by TKO (Elbows) at 1:48 Round 2
Statistics: Donnie Calabrese
Punches 11/23 (48%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/3 (100%)
Takedowns 4/5 (80%)
GnP strikes 14/26 (54%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 205 s
Statistics:Damiko Conrad
Punches 8/13 (62%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/4 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 187 s
IN THE CROWD
[After the fight, the crowd is buzzing and we pan around to Cosmo Cooper sitting with his current girlfriend Riley Savell. Cosmo takes the spotlight as soon as the camera is on him, Riley is content with a wave but Cosmo stands up and takes in the atmosphere. The former MMA fighter gets a solid round of applause and he only gets a louder cheer when he motions them to get louder and then points into the octagon as if to say keep the energy going.]
PATRICK CARSON
Cosmo Cooper is back in the house tonight. We’ve heard that Union has reached out to him more than once to come fight.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I'm sure it’ll be an attention grabber when he finally does. Talon Clem as well as Cosmo’s very best friend Nat King is on the card tonight. But gotta’ wonder if Cooper is keeping his face fresh around the the MMA world for a reason and…
[There’s a mutter that goes around the crowd and the camera pans in to see… SILK?! The Seattle Pro/Kings Road/Southside superstar and the current WTC Destiny Champion moves into frame, there’s a buzz as Cosmo and SILK squares off.]
PATRICK CARSON
I’m not entirely sure what this is about, we don’t have a microphone on these guys. This isn’t a wrestling ring though.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Security is on the way to break this up…
[Before security can get there, it’s unsure of who throws the first shove but suddenly the two are shoving and yelling back and forth at one another. Riley helps pull Cosmo in another direction as SILK smirks and waves playfully at Cosmo as he is pushed the other direction, briefly Cosmo motions for the cage before we cut away.]
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FAN POLL: 50% Tie
REFEREE: Dusty Whittaker
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ROUND ONE
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[Belazco and DeMeans move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight! DeMeans moves backwards and Xabier is asking her if she came today for fighting or running. DeMeans dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook that almost lifts Belazco from the ground! DeMeans decides to launch some tentative punches and she takes the best of a brief punching exchange. Belazco has a small cut on his right cheek. DeMeans continues to launch some tentative punches and once again she takes the best of a brief punching exchange. Belazco's right cheek is beginning to swell.]
[DeMeans wants to close the range and tries to grapple. Nice move. She shoves herself over her opponent and secures a single collar tie. Both fighters are tied in a clinch. DeMeans tries to shrug her way out of the clinch after not gaining any ground. She circles out and slips free of Belazco's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position. DeMeans goes with a looping right hand while Belazco jumps back and jabs. Belazco seems staggered and DeMeans runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses!]
[DeMeans avoids a dangerous strike from Belazco and counters with a solid straight! A furious flurry of punches from Misty DeMeans puts Belazco in a world of hurt! Belazco's forehead is beginning to swell! Incredible haymaker from Misty DeMeans! You can see Xabier Belazco's head being snapped backwards! DeMeans throws a hook that hits its mark. Belazco has a small cut under his right eye. DeMeans chases Belazco and launches a few perfect strikes. Here we go! Belazco steps backwards when those punches connect with his face but DeMeans continues to tag him uncontested! DeMeans backs him into the fence and continues to drop bombs and Dusty Whittaker has seen enough! The fight is over! Belazco was not intelligently defending himself!]
Winner: Misty DeMeans by TKO (Punches) at 2:03 Round 1
Statistics: Xabier Belazco
Punches 0/3 (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 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Misty DeMeans
Punches 21/28 (75%)
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
FAN POLL: 50% Tie
REFEREE: Herschel Warden
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ROUND ONE
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[The fight gets underway. Both fighter touch gloves to get this one started. A right hand from Talon Clem misses its target. Clem gets sloppy and Aries Reed tries to take advantage. Reed launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook! Clem blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Clem's cheek! Clem stumbles and the falls to the mat! Clem has a small cut under his left cheek. Reed is standing while Clem is on the ground on his back. Clem doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet but he can't do it because of Reed's movement. Reed opts to go after his opponent and jumps inside Clem's guard and Clem didn't see that coming. Reed is in open guard over Clem now.]
[Reed pushes Clem against the fence and then tries to improve his position. He jumps and tries to free his leg but Clem doesn't allow this but Reed is able to get half guard here. Clem is moving and Reed tries to counter Clem's moves on the ground. Clem measures the resilience of Reed's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard. Reed blocks the hits as he continues to work on the ground. Reed shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape. Reed tries to pass Talon Clem's guard, he manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.]
[Talon Clem launches a few punches to Reed's cheek from the guard but Aries Reed uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward. Talon Clem gets sloppy and Aries Reed tries to take advantage. Reed tries to move to full mount! Nice move. He is in full mount now. Talon Clem launches a few punches to Reed's cheek from the guard but Aries Reed uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward. Clem tries to roll to his side and trap Reed in his guard and moves to half guard. Clem attempts to move to full guard now but Reed keeps good control and remains in half guard.]
[Clem launches a few weak punches and Reed blocks them effectively. Reed tries to free his leg and jumps out of Clem's guard. He moves quickly to side mount! Reed looks to mount Clem. He slides his knee across and gets to full mount! Talon Clem tries to roll to his side and trap Aries Reed in his guard but Reed keeps good control and remains in full mount. Herschel Warden has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The fans in the Saitama Super Arena cheer them on!]
[Talon Clem goes with a looping right hand while Aries Reed jumps back and jabs. That one hits but Reed seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here! Clem launches a stiff jab but Reed ducks that one. Reed is trying to counter now! Incredible haymaker from Aries Reed! You can see Talon Clem's head being snapped backwards! Clem has a growing cut under his right eye that’s starting to bleed badly now. Clem jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple. Reed sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside.]
[Aries Reed put some serious power behind a superman punch! That's just incredible! That punch hits Talon Clem's face like a wrecking ball! A counter right hand from Talon Clem gets deflected. Reed is trying to counter now! Aries Reed has found an opening in the defense of Clem, launching a big hook. BANG! That could break Clem's ribs. Clem ribs are getting hammered, they look bad! Reed decides to launch some tentative punches and he takes the best of a brief punching exchange.]
[Clem shoots a single leg but Aries manages to sprawl back and free his leg. Clem looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Aries Reed's punches and Clem is on the receiving end of a great combo by Reed. Reed is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion! An overhand right from Aries Reed connects and that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall! BANG! Clem's stops that one with his face! How is Clem standing?! Clem has a small cut on the bridge of his nose now. Clem seems a bit groggy, his movements are not very coordinated now.]
[Talon Clem is a bloody mess! Reed feints and moves forward to hit with a hook, what a crushing shot! Clem's chin is bruised and cut after the punishment he's received! Talon Clem seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Aries Reed! The two step into each other and exchange wildly and Reed is connecting with a few punches. Aries Reed charges at Clem throwing flurries left and right. Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Clem is rocked! Clem crumples to the mat and Reed moves in to finish him. The referee jumps in and stops the fight!]
Winner: Aries Reed by KO (Punches) at 4:50 Round 1
Statistics: Aries Reed
Punches 18/25 (72%)
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 106 s
Statistics: Talon Clem
Punches 2/10 (20%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/2 (0%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/11 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 128 s
FAN POLL: 78% Daniel Fisk
REFEREE: Roy Rivers
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ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The fight gets underway. The two fighters waste no time and exchange wildly as Fisk connects with a few punches! Fisk grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground, great takedown by Daniel Fisk. Fisk tries to improve position and frees a leg. Irvine attempts to move to full guard and after a brief struggle, manages to switch to full guard. Irvine works on the ground with his fingers over Fisk's face He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move! Roy Rivers didn't see the foul!]
[Irvine is taking this opportunity to rest while Fisk tends to his eye. Fisk now tries to escape from the closed guard, he succeeds and he's in open guard and he takes a second to breathe. Fisk positions himself for some ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows! One, two, three! Irvine's being punished here! Irvine has a small cut on his left cheek. You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Daniel Fisk can end the fight with his ground and pound. Fisk pushes Irvine against the fence and then tries to improve his position. Fisk jumps and tries to free his leg! Irvine doesn't allow this but Daniel Fisk is able to get half guard here.]
[Daniel Fisk still tries to free his leg, he uses some of his skills by jumping out of Irvine's guard. He moves quickly to side mount! Fisk looks to go to full mount but Alexander Irvine takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard. Daniel Fisk is in closed guard now. Fisk tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard. Fisk fakes a few punches and then slips a leg to get the half mount. Fisk tries to pass Irvine's guard and manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount. Irvine tries to move on the ground and shows Daniel Fisk a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow! BANG! Irvine's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Roy Rivers knows he may be calling off the fight soon! Irvine's forehead is beginning to swell and there’s a small cut.]
[Fisk is still in side mount over Irvine and he is taking this opportunity to rest. Fisk is cooling the fight on the ground Roy Rivers stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity. Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision. Fisk tries some clinching in order to control the fight, but Irvine doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Daniel Fisk and tries to move away. Fisk still manages to lock in and pushes Irvine forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch. Irvine launches a few hard punches to Fisk's ribs and Fisk struggles to protect himself. Fisk launches some brutal punches to Irvine's face while in the clinch! Irvine can't take many more shots like those! Fisk continues the onslaught and landed the knockout blow that he wanted! Irvine is down! Irvine has been absolutely destroyed here! A great rebound victory for Daniel Fisk!]
Winner: Daniel Fisk by KO (Punches) at 2:53 Round 1
Statistics: Daniel Fisk
Punches 3/4 (75%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/5 (80%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 4/4 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 127 s
Statistics: Alexander Irvine
Punches 0/3 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/5 (20%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 127 s
COMMERCIAL BREAK
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FAN POLL: 77% Byron McCall
REFEREE: Jordan Ripley
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The bell announces the first round and this fight is underway! Williams and McCall close in and tie up in a clinch. Williams launches some brutal punches to McCall's face! McCall pushes Williams with all his might as tries to keep the fight in striking range. McCall moves forward looking for some grappling action. McCall has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch! Williams doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Byron McCall and tries to move away. McCall pushes Williams forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.]
[Williams launches a knee while holding McCall's in a double underhooks. McCall pushes Navorro Williams and that knee goes nowhere! McCall has found an opening in the defense of Williams, launching a big hook but Williams steps backwards and avoids the hook! The two exchange wildly and Williams is connecting with a few punches. Both fighters are now connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch!]
[Both fighters break from the clinch and Williams decides to launch some tentative punches and he takes the best of a brief punching exchange. McCall wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch again. He moves forward and Williams tries to shrug his way out of the clinch, but McCall is determined to keep the clinch. He pummels through and manages to retain his position. Williams decides to pull guard and brings McCall down to the ground. Williams reaches under and rolls for a kneebar! McCall blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard. McCall tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard. Byron McCall fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.]
[Williams winds back and unloads on McCall's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard. McCall tries to pass Williams' guard and manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount. Williams tries to work on the ground but McCall uses his strength to keep Williams at a disadvantage. Williams attempts to trap McCall in his guard but McCall keeps control and remains in side mount. Williams attempts to trap McCall in his guard again and this time manages to switch to full guard.]
[McCall is looking to pass Williams' guard. He gets his hips free and moves to half guard. Good looking punches from McCall on the ground but they’re deflected by Williams. Navorro goes for a triangle from bottom! McCall slips out. Williams quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him! McCall looks like he hyperextended his arm with that punishing hold!That Triangle to Armbar from Navorro Williams appears to be unbreakable! Byron McCall fights like hell and slips out and backs away to avoid danger. Jordan Ripley halts the fight to stand up Navorro Williams. The fight resumes with both fighters standing and the crowd goes wild!]
[Navorro Williams tries to take the fight back to the ground with a single leg takedown. McCall is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground. Williams is in open guard over McCall... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar! McCall rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes. Jordan Ripley halts the fight to stand up Navorro Williams. The fight resumes with both fighters standing. Williams moves forward looking for some action. He shows some wrestling skills as he puts his opponent in a double overhook! Williams is throwing a flurry of punches and Byron McCall just can't get away! McCall tries a knee to the midsection but catches Navorro Williams below the belt! Was that unintentional? Jordan Ripley saw it! Jordan Ripley takes away one point from Byron McCall for the knee to the groin. Ripley allows Williams time to recover and soon the fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
[McCall goes for a low kick and faster than a blinking eye, he follows up with a high kick! It just barely grazes Williams, who side steps out of danger. Byron McCall throws an uppercut that lands solidly. McCall fakes a punch and launches himself over Williams! Nice move by McCall who clinches and pushes Williams against the cage. McCall launches a knee! McCall hits Williams hard just below the ribs! Williams ribs are getting hammered, they look bad! The buzzer sounds and the ref stops the action.]
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[McCall looks to be in very good shape still as the second round begins. McCall moves forward looking for some grappling action and gets his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch! McCall pushes Navorro Williams against the fence and launches a few solid punches. A couple of unanswered uppercuts collide with Williams' chin! His legs are wobbling! Navorro Williams pushes McCall away trying to keep the fight at striking range, but McCall doesn't want to break the clinch as he holds on tight.]
[McCall pushes Navorro Williams against the fence and continues to land punches. A couple of unanswered uppercuts collide with Williams’ chin! His legs are wobbling! McCall pushes Navorro Williams against the fence and begins a relentless combination of punches. The crowd is on its feet! Williams cannot escape Byron McCall's clinch! Byron McCall is just brutalizing Williams with punches time and time again! Sick uppercut lands by Byron McCall and that one almost breaks Williams' chin! He is knocked down!]
[McCall is standing while Williams is on the ground on his back. McCall creates space and allows Navorro Williams to stand up. Navorro Williams is on his feet again. Byron McCall moves forward looking for some grappling action. McCall has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch! Williams doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Byron McCall and tries to move away but McCall pushes Williams forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch. Byron McCall launches a knee while holding Williams in a double underhooks. That knee hits Williams right in the gut.]
[Sick uppercut from the clinch by Byron McCall! He is knocked down again! McCall is standing while Williams is on the ground on his back. McCall launches a kick to Williams' thigh and connects with a loud pop! McCall creates space and allows Williams to stand up. Williams climbs to his feet and is standing again. McCall decides to launch some tentative punches and he takes the best of a brief punching exchange. The two step in and exchange wildly while McCall connects with a few punches. McCall looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Navorro Williams' punches. Williams is on the receiving end of a great combo by McCall. Byron McCall circles around to look for angles. He feints a middle kick before switching it up to a head kick that drops Williams! The ref pulls off Byron McCall and waves off the fight! Williams seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell signals the bout is over!]
Winner: Byron McCall by TKO (High Kick) at 2:40 Round 2
Statistics: Navorro Williams
Punches 9/17 (53%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/6 (50%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 2/2 (100%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 138 s
Statistics: Byron McCall
Punches 12/20 (60%)
Kicks 4/4 (100%)
Clinch strikes 13/15 (87%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/3 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 108 s
♫
WHEN THE LINE FROZE, WHAT DID I SEE
A BAD MOTHERFUCKER STANDING NEXT TO ME
WITH HIS EYES CLOSE, TOLD HE CAN’T SEE
TRYNA FOLLOWS ORDERS, JUST GONE AND BE FREE
♫
[As the opening guitar riff to "Bad Motherfucker" by Machine Gun Kelly rips over the speakers, Cristian Bonanno walks towards the ring with purpose blowing by extended hands reaching out for high fives. Dressed in his black and red walkout fight kit, he matches down to cageside with his corner crew behind. Once he makes it to the cage, the referee checks him to ensure he is fit to fight. Once he’s cleared, Bonanno races up the steps and shadow boxes while he heads to his corner.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Coming out now is the Throne MMA ambassador and Brooklyn native, Cristian Bonanno. Uccisore quickly became a pioneer for Union Grand Prix, making headlines every time he stepped foot in the cage. However, after a stunning loss to The Primarch, Bonanno is back in the hunt for Championship gold.
PATRICK CARSON
Bonanno was a perfect 6-0 before falling to Guilliman. In that first fight, Cristian looked to be on his usual A-game, but ate a monster head kick that saw the title change hands. Tonight he needs to suffocate Guilliman and take the kicking and striking game overall out of the equation to ensure a chance to reclaim glory.
♫
ANGELS OF DEATH BY DOYLE W. DONEHOO
BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[The arena lights die down for a brief moment as the chords of "Angels of Death by Doyle D. Donehoo blare throughout the P.A. system, then flicker between blue and white as "The Primarch" Robert Guilliman strides out of the entrance.]
[He marches down the hall decidedly, with a heavy air of concentration about him, then salutes solemnly to the audience and staff, before he enters the cage and starts a small warm-up routine.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now the champion has graced us with his presence! Robert Guilliman became a household name when he defeated the once unbeaten Cristian Bonanno. Guilliman is currently the oldest competitor to win a title in Union GP, but he is certainly in his prime.
PATRICK CARSON
Guilliman needs to continue doing what got him to this point. Develop the striking game, and avoid any sort of clinching or ground work with Bonanno. If Robert can manage to keep the fight standing, he has a great chance of walking out here #ANDSTILL.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for our first Co-Main Event of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, fighting out of the blue corner, a Wrestler with a Union GP record of 7-1. He stands 6’1” and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Brooklyn, New York, fighting out of Throne MMA, he is Cristian “Uccisore” Bonanno!
[Bonanno raises a closed fist high in the air as the arena explodes into cheers. Bonanno gives a ferocious stare down while Dusty Whittaker recites the rules to him.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer with a Union GP record of 4-1. He stands 6’1” and weighing in at 185 pounds. From Los Angeles, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion of the World, “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman!
[When Guilliman entered the cage just moments ago, this place seemed like it was about to burst! He bounces in place in his corner to stay loose while zeroing in on his opponent from across the octagon.]
PATRICK CARSON
The highly anticipated rematch between Guilliman and Bonanno is just seconds away, Harpy! This fight has really lit a fire under Bonanno, who was very vocal during the build up to this fight. Normally a quiet, reserved man, he wanted to let his opponent know that he’s ready for war! Let’s take a quick look before we begin what the fans are thinking. 56% of the fans that took our social media poll believe that Robert Guilliman seals the deal again and go 2-up on Cristian Bonanno.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
During these two fighter’s first encounter, Bonanno was on top of the world and some would say the face of the company. Guilliman shocked the world and took down the unstoppable Bonanno. We’re about to find out now whether Robert Guilliman is the real deal, or if luck was in his favor at UGP 8. The referee for this Championship bout is Dusty Whittaker. He checks off with each fighter one last time and calls for the bell! And here we go!
[The bell sounds and the fight gets underway. Both fighters slowly close the distance and immediately Cristian Bonanno launches a furious hook! Robert Guilliman ducks under and pushes Bonanno away, creating some space. Guilliman fires back with a furious flurry of punches, but they just miss Bonanno as he showcases some great dodging skills. Bonanno dodges another strike and counters with a crushing hook that misses by an inch!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Both men are going after it but nothing doing so far. Incredible display of focus from the both of them.
[Bonanno circles around a bit before changing levels for a single leg takedown. Guilliman is caught off guard and gets taken to the mat. Bonanno lands in side mount over Guilliman and quickly he starts dropping vicious elbows! Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Guilliman doesn't fight back! Guilliman attempts to trap Bonanno in his guard and manages to switch to full guard. Bonanno positions himself and continues to rain down elbows! Guilliman throws a hammer punch to Bonanno’s ribs to stop the punishment, and Bonanno moves on the ground in order to better protect himself.]
PATRICK CARSON
Cristian Bonanno laid into Robert Guilliman with those brutal elbows and for a moment there I thought the ref was looking to stop it.
[Bonanno and Guilliman continue to jockey for position, and Guilliman leaves himself wide open for Bonanno to deliver a few more accurate elbows! Guilliman is being hit hard and tries to escape! He has to give his back! There is a small cut under Guilliman's right eye now. Guilliman has Bonanno controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape. Showing some ground skills, Guilliman transitions to a side mount.]
[Bonanno delivers a few accurate elbows in side mount. Guilliman is getting rocked and tries to escape! He has to give his back again! Guilliman's chin is cut and bruised after the punishment he received! Guilliman has Bonanno controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape. Showing some solid ground skills, Guilliman manages to escape from that position and climb to his feet along with Bonanno. Both fighters continue the fight on their feet and you can hear the crowd cheer them on.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Back on their feet! Bonanno did a number on Guilliman on the ground. It’s a wonder he’s able to stand at all!
[Both men stagger around as they both look for any sort of openings. Guilliman launches a stiff right jab but Bonanno parry’s it. The Primarch sees the opening once Bonanno drops his hands for the block and presses forward. Guilliman launches a vicious head kick that connects clean! Bonanno crumples to the mat and Guilliman moves in to finish him! The referee jumps in and stops the fight!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And it’s all over! The Primarch finishes this one off with lethal precision after taking a brutal beating! Unbelievable!
[The crowd bursts into cheers as Robert Guilliman is rushed by his corner and celebrate the successful defense. Doctors tend to Bonanno for a few moments to check on his condition. Once he’s been cleared, Bonanno rises to his feet with an obvious look of confusion and disappointment on his face. The two men eventually meet back in the center of the octagon for the official ruling.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Dusty Whittaker has called for a stop in this fight at 2 minutes 20 seconds of the very first round, for your winner AND STILL Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion, “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman!
[The crowd explodes once more as Guilliman has his hand raised in victory and the strap tossed around his waist. Guilliman and Bonanno shake hands and say a few words before splitting off to their respective corner crews. A graphic pops up to highlight the fight while the commentators recap.]
Winner: Robert Guilliman by KO (High Kick) at 2:20 Round 1
Statistics: Robert Guilliman
Punches 0/7 (0%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 1/1 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 86 s
Statistics: Cristian Bonanno
Punches 0/2 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 15/23 (65%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 86 s
♫
IT’S AMAZING
I’M THE REASON
EVERYBODY FIRED UP THIS EVENING
♫
[“Amazing” by Kanye West thumps over the loudspeaker and Nathan Lucas emerges to the stage wearing his black and neon green walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Lucas has a stone cold look on his face as he slowly prowls down the aisle. He makes it to cageside where he is checked up 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.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Out now is one of the originals of HILITE FC, Nathan Lucas. This guy has been on the cusp of some great things since debuting in Union GP. Lucas made his debut at UGP 2, stunning the MMA world by KO’ing Viktor Volkov in just 27 seconds. He comes in tonight on a two fight win streak, the latest win avenging a loss from Daniel Fisk.
PATRICK CARSON
That was a big rematch between the two. Fisk took the first fight with a first round KO, and Lucas took the second fight in a split decision. Whatever the outcome is here tonight, you better believe we are all clamoring for that trilogy fight between the two. But right now, Lucas is trying to continue his redemption story and avenge his second loss, which was by the hands of Roscoe Robinson. Roscoe won their first fight at Boss Fight IV via a second round TKO haymaker. What a great story it would be for Lucas to avenge his only losses back-to-back en route to capturing the Cruiserweight Championship!
[The entire building goes dark.]
♫
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. His walkout fight kit is different tonight, mostly black with pink and blue highlighting the trim, unzipped to display the championship. On his back, the Real Killas MMA logo is centered, a skull with crossing AK-47’s behind it. On the sides of his shorts at the waist, pistols in holsters are printed on the fabric. 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.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now one of the most talked about fighters in all of MMA, the Cruiserweight Champion Roscoe Robinson is here and the crowd is on fire right now! Roscoe took the combat sports world by storm, showcasing an incredible striking game. The Shooter defeated his mentor and coach Daniel Fisk to win the title, and here tonight he is looking to become the only champion to successfully defend their title more than once.
PATRICK CARSON
It just goes to show how competitive the landscape is all across the board. We saw someone like Cristian Bonanno who looked to be unstoppable defeated for the second time here tonight, but Roscoe is a special being. He’s going to need to keep the fight standing where he show the world why he is considered as one of the best strikers in the world.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the second Co-Main Event of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, fighting out of the blue corner, a Wrestler with a Union GP record of 4-2. He stands a 6’2” and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of HILITE Fighting Club, he is Nathan Lucas!
[Lucas steps out from the corner and raises a fist in the air before going back to bouncing in place. He looks like he’s been waiting forever for this moment]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer with a Union GP record of 5-1. He stands at 6’1” and weighing in at 215 pounds. He is from 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 looks at the ground while he bounces around to keep loose. He knows this is a big night for him, with so much at stake. Roscoe raises his fists in the air and seems confident in himself.]
PATRICK CARSON
As we mentioned, Nathan Lucas is on a two fight win streak, while Roscoe Robinson is riding a four fight streak. The fans seem to have taken that into consideration for their predictions. 61% of the fans that took our social media poll believes that Roscoe Robinson makes more history tonight.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
He’s re-writing the record books and the check books, but Lucas doesn’t go down easy. And now, the referee for this title bout is Herschel Warden. He checks off with each man one last time and calls for the bell! And here we go!
[Roscoe Robinson and Nathan Lucas touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! Quick hook by Roscoe Robinson glances off Lucas' arms. Lucas is trying to counter now! Some nice shots from Nathan Lucas miss their mark. Shovel hook by Roscoe Robinson tags Lucas. Lucas' left eye is beginning to swell now. Lucas leads with a punch but Roscoe avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut! Roscoe fires an unorthodox punch to Lucas' torso that goes wide.]
[Nathan Lucas shoots for a double leg takedown! He hits it! Roscoe Robinson is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Lucas into his guard. Lucas is in closed guard and Robinson tries to roll on the ground, but Lucas uses his leg to keep his position on the ground. Roscoe gets sloppy and Lucas tries to take advantage. Lucas is looking to pass Robinson's guard. He gets his hips free and moves to half guard.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Nathan Lucas didn’t waste any time to try and get this fight to the ground. This is his area where he can take a lead in points and potentially finish the fight.
[Roscoe Robinson launches a few punches to Lucas' cheek from the guard. Lucas uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward. Roscoe launches a few punches to Lucas' cheek from the guard. Those punches sure are annoying because Lucas tries to cover his face. Roscoe works from the bottom and is able to close his guard. Robinson is moving on the ground while Lucas tries to counter Robinson's moves.]
[Robinson tries to roll on the ground but Nathan Lucas uses his leg to keep his position on the ground. Robinson misses a step and Lucas sees an opportunity to counter him! He positions himself and launches a barrage of punches but Robinson covers himself well. Robinson tries to roll on the ground again but Lucas stops him in his tracks. Nathan tries to open Robinson's guard. Great bombs from the top by Nathan Lucas! Robinson is unable to cover himself now!]
PATRICK CARSON
Lucas is unloading on Roscoe Robinson right now! Roscoe better be careful and defend himself or else Lucas can snatch this one away!
[Robinson launches a few weak punches but Lucas blocks them effectively. Robinson tries to roll on the ground but Nathan Lucas keeps control of the situation. Lucas throws a few hammer fists to the face of Roscoe Robinson that gets blocked. Robinson measures the resilience of Lucas' ribs with a couple of big punches from guard. Lucas blocks the hits as he works on the ground. Herschel Warden stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The fans in the Saitama Super Arena cheer them on.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Back on their feet, this is where Roscoe needs to take control of the fight. As of now I’d have to say Lucas had the edge in the opening frame.
[Robinson fires low kicks that fail to land. Nathan Lucas paws at Robinson to gauge his distance while Robinson swings ineffectively. Bone shattering straight right hand from Nathan Lucas! Robinson is going to have a big headache after that blow! Lucas is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion! Nathan Lucas goes with a looping right hand while Roscoe Robinson jumps back and jabs. Lucas only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless. Robinson spins around and tries a spinning back kick! Lucas ducks under and hesitates for a moment. Lucas is trying to counter now! Lucas tries to take the action to his favorite field as he tries to grapple. Great move by Nathan Lucas who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks. Roscoe circles out and slips free of Lucas’ grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.]
[Nathan Lucas launches a rapid series of punches, taking Robinson from one end of the cage to the other. That's awesome! Nathan Lucas circles around Robinson and launches a flurry of punches, but only manages to land a few glancing blows. Lucas looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Roscoe Robinson's punches. Lucas measures the resilience of Robinson's chin with an uppercut while Robinson lands some great crosses. Robinson launches a stiff jab but Lucas ducks that one. Robinson looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Nathan Lucas' punches. Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!]
[Inside leg kick from Robinson goes wide. Robinson launches a furious low kick! Lucas receives a hard blow on his right leg! Lucas looks to have hyperextended his knee! Robinson chases Lucas and launches a few perfect strikes! Here we go! Lucas steps backwards when those punches connect with his face. Lucas has a small cut on his right cheek now. Robinson launches a stiff jab! That barely hits Lucas' face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that? Herschel Warden didn't see it! Nathan Lucas blindly launches a body shot. Robinson dodges and catches him with a hard cross. The buzzer sounds and the ref stops the action. The round is over.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Pretty solid opening round by both fighters. Lucas took the early lead taking the fight to the ground, but once they stood back up, it looked like the Roscoe Show.
PATRICK CARSON
It’ll be interesting to see how the judges score it. Both fighters got some offense going. But for now, let’s see how these guys adjust in the second round.
[The second round opens up and the two exchange wildly. Both fighters are missing terribly. Crisp uppercut by Lucas followed by a hard jab but Robinson deflects the blows. Lucas misses a step and Roscoe Robinson sees an opportunity to counter him! Here comes Roscoe Robinson with a vicious middle kick! That lands hard on Lucas' ribs! Roscoe Robinson steps forward and fires a high kick! I can't believe that landed! Lucas hits the ground hard! That crushing blow from Roscoe Robinson has left Lucas unconscious! What a finish by Roscoe Robinson!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
That’s it! Roscoe Robinson finishes this one in under a minute in the second round with a textbook head kick! What a finish!
PATRICK CARSON
That’s why they call him The Shooter! Kill shot head kick, baby!
[The crowd bursts into cheers as Roscoe Robinson jumps up on top of the cage to celebrate the successful defense. Doctors tend to Lucas for a few moments to check on his condition. Once he’s been cleared, he rises to his feet with an obvious look of confusion and disappointment on his face. The two men eventually meet back in the center of the octagon for the official ruling.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at 2 minutes 20 seconds of the very first round, for your winner AND STILL Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion, “The Shooter” Roscoe Robinson!
[The crowd explodes once more as Robinson has his hand raised in victory and the strap tossed around his waist. Robinson and Lucas shake hands and say a few words before splitting off to their respective corner crews. A graphic pops up to highlight the fight while the commentators recap.]
Winner: Roscoe Robinson by KO (High Kick) at 0:50 Round 2
Statistics: Roscoe Robinson
Punches 11/25 (44%)
Kicks 3/8 (38%)
Clinch strikes 1/3 (33%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 2/11 (18%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 90 s
Statistics: Nathan Lucas
Punches 19/29 (66%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 4/14 (29%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 90 s
♫
DON’T NEED NO FALSE REASONS FOR WHY I’M OUT OF PLACE
I DON’T GOOSE STEP FOR THE MASQUERADE
I DON’T SCREAM AND TWIST JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT
I’VE POISONED BLOOD WHEN I’M PISSED
♫
["Babylonian Gorgon" by The Bags plays throughout the arena. The Black Rose steadily makes her way out and keeps right on trucking. She sporadically looks out to the crowd as she keeps her pace, mentally taking it all in.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Here comes The Black Rose! Hanako Takeuchi finally gets her second shot at the title after losing in the finals of the inaugural tournament. Since her defeat, she has gone on a two fight win streak, with the most recent being Jeremiah Ford.
PATRICK CARSON
Yeah she made Ford wish he never dropped down in weight to take that fight as she finished him off in just over a minute. Anyone who has seen her fights knows she has deadly kicks that is arguably the most lethal in the game. However, she has trouble with fighters who like to take it to the ground, and Kato is one of the best. She’ll need to keep the fight standing in order to give herself the best chance at capturing the title.
♫
ALRIGHT, GAMBINO IS A MASTERMIND
FUCK A BITCH TO PASS THE TIME
MASS APPEAL, ORANGE RIND
SMOKE YOUR GREEN, I’M SPENDIN' MINE
♫
[“Freaks and Geeks" by Childish Gambino thumps over the loudspeaker and Takeshi Kato emerges to the stage wearing his black and neon green walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Kato has a laser focused look on his face as he slowly prowls down the aisle. He makes it to cageside where he gets checked out 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.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now, the final walkout of the night. Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion Takeshi Kato has gone to new heights in record time. In just his third fight, Kato defeated the former champion Jordan Parker-Kane in a brilliant technical chess match back at UGP 7. He’s making his first title defense tonight in his home country, and I’m sure he’s prepared to come out still the champion.
PATRICK CARSON
It would be a remarkable feat for Kato. He’s a guy who has been instrumental in putting HILITE FC on the map and now looks to undoubtedly build his name as one of the best in the business. If he can secure the victory over Hanako Takeuchi, there’s no doubt that he will be regarded in that elite class.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the 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, the challenger, fighting out of the blue corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer disciplined in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a Union GP record of 4-1. She stands 5’11” and weighing in at 136 pounds. From Kamagasaki, Osaka, Japan fighting out of Real Killas MMA, she is “The Black Rose” Hanako Takeuchi!
[Hanako Takeuchi is beating herself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking herself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap, She looks ready for war.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, a Japanese Jiu Jitsu Grappler with a Union GP record of 3-0. He stands at 5’5” and weighing in at 142 pounds. He is from Osaka, Japan, fighting out of HILITE Fighting Club, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion of the World, “The Genetic Freak” Takeshi Kato!
[Takeshi Kato looks at the ground while he does his breathing exercises. He knows he can not fail this night.]
PATRICK CARSON
Listen to this crowd right now! Two beloved Japanese fighters in the main event in one of the most famous combat sports venues on the planet, it don’t get any better than this! Before we begin, let’s take one final look at our fan polls. 62% of the fans that took our social media poll believes that The Black Rose walks out of here with the title in hand!
TOUSSAINT HARPER
She’s got the slight edge over Kato in the polls, but we all know it all boils down to what happens inside the cage. And now our referee for this main event title fight is Roy Rivers. He checks off with each competitor one last time and calls for the bell! And this one is underway!
[The opening round begins and the two close the distance. Nice punches thrown from Hanako Takeuchi but Kato blocks them effectively. Kato is trying to counter now! Kato shoots for a double leg takedown! He hits it! Hanako is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull Kato into her guard. Kato is in closed guard and Hanako tries to roll on the ground! Kato uses his leg to keep his position on the ground. Hanako launches a few weak punches that tag Kato's ribs. Takeshi Kato is looking to pass Hanako Takeuchi's guard. Kato gets his hips free and moves to half guard.]
[Hanako launches a few weak punches but Kato blocks them effectively. Kato doesn't like the idea of just stalling as he continuously moves on the ground. Hanako attempts to move to full guard but Kato keeps good control and remains in half guard. Hanako continues to work to move to full guard and eventually manages to switch to full guard. Kato is in closed guard and Hanako tries to roll on the ground but Kato uses his leg to keep his position on the ground Hanako fails here and it's time for Takeshi Kato to fight back! Kato tries to escape from closed guard. Kato struggles to free his leg and jumps to half guard!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
This is not an ideal position for Hanako Takeuchi. Takeshi Kato thrives on the ground with his elite Jiu Jitsu background and may look to end this one early!
[Hanako Takeuchi tries to close the guard but gets nothing from this effort. Hanako attempts to move to full guard but Kato keeps good control and remains in half guard. Kato looks to be getting frustrated here as he cannot get any sort of offense going right now. The referee finally decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground. Both fighters continue the fight on their feet and you can hear how the people agree with that decision.]
[Middle kick from Hanako just misses. Takeuchi gets sloppy and Kato tries to take advantage. A punch from Takeshi Kato whizzes past Hanako. Hanako and Kato engage in a wild exchange of punches and both fighters are missing terribly. Surprise roundhouse punch by Hanako and it looks like Kato was hit by a bus! Hanako tries to show her boxing skills with a one-two combo but Kato knows what to do here and blocks them perfectly. Kato now leads with a punch and Hanako dodges it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!]
PATRICK CARSON
Solid striking here by Hanako. She’s warming up and effectively using her reach to take control of the fight.
[Hanako jumps over her opponent and tries to grapple. Kato sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside. Hanako dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook that just misses by an inch! Hanako misses a step and Kato sees an opportunity to counter! Kato changes levels and shoots a single leg, and Hanako is taken to the mat! Takeshi Kato lands in side mount on the ground. Hanako attempts to trap Kato in her guard and manages to switch to full guard.]
[Hanako launches a few punches to Kato's cheek from the guard. Kato uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward. Kato tries to pass Takeuchi's guard and manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard. Hanako attempts to move to full guard but Kato keeps good control and remains in half guard. Deep breaths from Hanako who tries some hammer punches but Kato blocks those punches. Hanako works from the bottom and puts Takeshi Kato in closed guard. Kato is now in closed guard, and Hanako tries to roll on the ground! Takeshi Kato uses his leg to keep his position on the ground.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Kato is able to control the fight on the ground, but he’s struggling to get anything going. Hanako is doing a good job of keeping him at bay.
[Hanako tries to roll on the ground again but Takeshi Kato uses his leg to keep his position on the ground. Hanako tries to roll on the ground again! Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Takeshi Kato! Hanako tries to open up Kato with a few strikes with her right elbow. Kato blocks a few elbows and now Hanako will have to look for another option here. Kato tries to get some advantage now. Kato tries to roll to his side and trap Hanako in his guard. Kato gets his hip out and moves to full guard but Hanako backs out and gets to her feet. Kato gets to his feet and they continue the fight standing as the crowd goes wild.]
[An overhand right from Hanako Takeuchi that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall! Kato stops that one with his face! How is he still standing?! Kato's nose is bruised after the punishment he received there! Takeuchi throws a looping left hand while Kato moves aside and dodges. The buzzer sounds and the ref stops the action.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Pretty even round here. Kato was able to control the tempo throughout most of the round, but Hanako was able to get a string of offense going right at the end.
PATRICK CARSON
Not sure how the judges saw it, but I would give the edge to Hanako. She was able to hold her own on the ground, which is a feat of its own given how well Kato thrives. Let’s see how these two adjust their game plans here in the second round.
[The second round opens up and both fighters square off. Hanako throws a right hook that hits its mark. A follow up left hook from Hanako falls short. Hanako misses a step and Takeshi Kato sees an opportunity to counter! Solid shot from Takeshi Kato to the body. You can see the determination in Hanako Takeuchi, she wants this win. She unleashes a brutal high kick to Kato that connects!]
[Hanako Takeuchi launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook! Kato blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Takeshi Kato's cheek! Kato stumbles and the falls to the mat! Hanako is standing while Kato is on the ground on his back. Hanako raises her leg and stomps Kato's face! Takeshi Kato launches an up-kick intended for Hanako Takeuchi's head. It lands flush with Hanako Takeuchi's head, snapping it backwards due to the impact!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Hanako delivered a brutal stomp to Kato and then ate a counter kick!
[Takeshi Kato kicks his legs trying to keep Hanako away and she takes a kick to the body. Hanako launches a kick to Kato's thigh that connects with a loud pop! Takeshi Kato kicks his legs again, trying to keep Hanako Takeuchi away. No damage done by those kicks. Hanako launches a kick to Kato's thigh that connects. Kato launches an up-kick intended for Takeuchi's head. It lands flush with Takeuchi's head, snapping it backwards due to the impact! Hanako raises her leg and Kato covers himself and blocks the stomp. Kato kicks his legs trying to keep Hanako away and she takes a kick to the body.]
[Kato launches an up-kick intended for Takeuchi's head. It lands flush with her head, snapping it backwards due to the impact! Hanako launches a kick to Kato's thigh but Kato checks the kick. Takeshi kicks his legs trying to keep Hanako away. No damage done by those kicks. Hanako launches a kick to Kato's thigh and Kato checks the kick again. Takeshi launches an up-kick intended for Hanako Takeuchi's head. It lands flush with Hanako’s head snapping, it backwards due to the impact! Hanako launches a kick to Kato's thigh and again Kato checks that kick!]
PATRICK CARSON
Interesting situation here with Kato on the ground. He’s holding up quite well and has been able to deliver some vicious kicks while defending himself. I’m not sure how Hanako will play this one out.
[Hanako Takeuchi holds Kato's head on the ground and prepares a soccer kick. That kick hits Kato's head hard and the crowd winces at the sight of it. Takeshi launches an up-kick intended for Hanako Takeuchi's head. It lands flush with Takeuchi's head snapping it backwards due to the impact! Hanako raises her leg and stomps Kato's face! Kato has a small cut on his nose now. Hanako launches a kick to Kato's thigh and it connects. She launches another one and connects. Hanako Takeuchi creates space and allows Takeshi Kato to stand up. Kato climbs to his feet and is standing now.]
[Hanako dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook that almost lifts Kato from the ground! Several good body shots land on Kato. Hanako decides to launch some tentative punches and she takes the best of a brief punching exchange. Hanako feints a jab and then launches a spinning wheel kick that rocks Kato! The ref pulls off Hanako Takeuchi! Kato seems confused and a bit dazed as the ref tends to him on the ground.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Oh my god! Hanako Takeuchi delivers one of her signature head kicks and this one is all over!
PATRICK CARSON
Incredible accuracy by The Black Rose! She has done it time and again, and now on the biggest stage of her MMA career, here in her home country! Unbelievable!
[The crowd bursts into cheers as Hanako is rushed by her corner crew. Doctors tend to Kato for a few moments to check on his condition. Once he’s been cleared, he rises to his feet with an obvious look of disappointment on his face. The two fighters eventually meet back in the center of the octagon for the official ruling.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Roy Rivers has called for a stop in this fight at 4 minutes 38 seconds of the second round, for your winner AND NEW Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion, “The Black Rose” Hanako Takeuchi!
[The crowd explodes once more as Hanako has her hand raised in victory and the strap tossed around her waist. Hanako and Takeshi shake hands and say a few words before splitting off to their respective corner crews. A graphic pops up to highlight the fight while the commentators recap.]
Winner: Hanako Takeuchi by TKO (High Kick) at 4:38 Round 2
Statistics: Takeshi Kato
Punches 4/6 (67%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 412 s
Statistics: Hanako Takeuchi
Punches 12/29 (41%)
Kicks 9/14 (64%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 2/14 (14%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 214 s
TOUSSAINT HARPER
What a night it’s been here at the Saitama Super Arena! Two successful title defenses and to cap it off, a new champion at hand in the Lightweight Division.
PATRICK CARSON
The landscape all throughout Union Grand Prix will certainly see a dramatic shift after tonight. Incredible performances from top to bottom here. My hats off to all of these warriors!
TOUSSAINT HARPER
That’s all we have here tonight ladies and gentlemen. Catch us again exclusively on the Battleground Network as we head back to the States for Boss Fight IX! For Patrick Carson, I’m Toussaint Harper, goodnight everybody!