UNITED CENTER
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 3, 2019
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PRESHOW
TENSLEY TAYLOR SINGS
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
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[The opening montage comes to a close and like a lucid dream, the feed transitions inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 23,000 plus pack the building, where many have succumbed to the pandemonium and are bursting out in chants. With the uncertainty of victory or defeat looming, the aura is both intoxicating and tense.]
[The main stage, where the fighters scheduled tonight dawn their presence, is littered with carnage and destruction. A heavy fog sits stale, scaffolding strung in multiple directions, and the overall structure glowing red with fire, ash, and embers; something no fighter will soon forget.]
[The toll on both fan and fighter is enormous. The stage of a bloody war is set. The conquerors envision nothing but execution towards success, while the meek is flooded with doubt.]
[Down in the trenches, our very own Toussaint Harper and the broadcast debuting MMA icon Carrick Price stand at attention to officially kick off the night.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Welcome ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois and this is UGP 13! I am Toussaint Harper and alongside me is the cage fighting icon, I'm talking about Belfast’s very own, Carrick Price! It's great to have you on board!
CARRICK PRICE
It's great to be here on a night filled with such a stacked card. I hope you all were able to catch the prelims on YouTube Live. If not, you can, of course, check it on the Network any time, anywhere, on basically any device!
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Nice plug there, Carrick. Looks like you're already in prime form for the gig! Tonight, we have six bouts scheduled on the main card, with two five-round title fights headlining the night.
CARRICK PRICE
A lot is at stake with each fight, as we continue the 2019 Championship Grand Prix tournaments. Every winner will move closer to becoming the ultimate king or queen of their divisions. We have several fighters making their debuts, a handful of hometown heroes, contenders looking to break through, and champions looking to stay on top.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
All of that is just moments away. So, how about we just stop wasting everybody's time with the small talk and get this night of fights rolling?
CARRICK PRICE
I thought you'd never ask, Harpy!
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Well then, let's toss it over to our hype man, Mike Dempsey, standing inside the octagon.
♫
I'M A SAILOR PEG
AND I'VE LOST MY LEG
CLIMBING UP THE TOP SAILS
I'VE LOST MY LEG!
♫
[“I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by The Dropkick Murphys blares over the loudspeaker and Arnie Dawe races on to the stage wearing his black and white walkout fight kit with his crew following behind. Arnie looks upbeat and confident as he makes his way down to the octagon.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Our very first walkout of the night is a man making his professional MMA debut. From what the scouting reports say, Arnie Dawe is a guy who has a lot of heart and focus, but the guy cannot take a punch… hence the name “Glassjaw” Dawe!
CARRICK PRICE
Ugh. Does every American think this is the national anthem of Ireland? Christ sake. Hopefully Arnie’s skill in the cage is better than his taste in music. Maybe you could help him out with that, Harpy.
[Dawe finally makes it to cageside, where he strips down to his trunks and has the fight official look him over, to ensure he’s fit to fight. Once he’s been cleared, he gives a quick fist bump to his corner crew and races up the steps. Once he steps inside the cage, he jogs a few laps around before finally settling into his corner.]
♫
IT BURNS INTO YOUR HEART, THE DARKNESS THAT YOU FEAR
YOU WERE NEVER FREE, AND YOU NEVER REALIZED
AND LOVE, IS A WORD YOU'VE NEVER HEARD
YOUR HEART IS COLD CAUSE IT BURNS, THE DESIRE TO LEAVE THE MIND
♫
[As "And We Run" by Within Temptation ft. Xzibit begins to build, Megan Reed emerges to the main stage. Her hometown Chicago crowd give her a resounding applause and she can’t help but to acknowledge the crowd with a wave and a bow. Reed begins to make her way to the octagon, with several members of her camp following behind.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now, the hometown hero, making her professional MMA debut as well, the one and only Megan Reed! I’m excited to finally see her step inside the octagon after watching her husband, the main eventing Aries Reed, accomplish so much in the game. Both agree that she is the engine to his success, so if that’s any indication of her skill set, this one should be a fun one to watch.
CARRICK PRICE
Looking forward to seeing Megan Reed perform tonight as well. Word coming out of the Imperial Senate Gym in Vegas is that she’s a gifted kickboxer and talented BJJ specialist. Fun fact, her husband was the second fight of my career in the cage. Think she talked shite to me before I beat him in Macto Legion. But that’s all in the past. I’m ready to see her Union debut and it sounds like her hometown crowd is as well.
[Megan makes it to cageside where she strips down to her gear and has the fight official inspect her to ensure she is fit to fight. Once she’s been cleared, she climbs up the steps and enters the octagon with the roar of the crowd hyping her up. She calmly walks over to her corner, and begins shadowboxing to loosen up and stay warm.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois for UGP 13! And now, this opening bout is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer with a professional mixed martial arts record of 0-0. He stands at 5’8” and weighing in at 135 pounds. He is from Boston, Massachusetts, fighting out of The Sym Gym, he is "Glass Jaw” Arnie Dawe!
[Arnie Dawe glares at his opponent from the opposite corner. He looks focused and ready to fight.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer with a professional mixed martial arts record of 0-0. She stands 5’2” and weighing in at 120 pounds. She is from The Second City — Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of the Imperial Senate Gym, Las Vegas, she is ”Firecracker” Megan Reed!
[Megan Reed looks very relaxed now as the crowd continues to cheer for their hometown fighter.]
CARRICK PRICE
Les take a look at how the fans feel about this one. They seem to slightly favor the idiot from Boston. But you know… I read somewhere that Megan’s got a genius level IQ. I don’t know that that means anything when someone is trying to punch your face in. Hopefully it means she finishes this dolt Arnie off quickly. A nice head kick would be quite pleasing.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I’m sure the fans here tonight would love nothing more than to see Reed score a KO victory in her debut in her hometown. And now we are all set to get this opening bout kicked off. Our referee for this contest is Dusty Whittaker. He’s checking off with each fighter one last time, and this fight is underway!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Megan Reed and Arnie Dawe touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! Dawe starts things off by testing Reed with some tentative punches before she launches a couple of jabs that are answered by Dawe with a stiff cross! He then follows up with a bone shattering straight right hand. She manages to recover before they exchange wildly, both landing but without much steam behind the shots.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Arnie Dawe is starting off fast here in round one. He looks a little careless out there, though. Reed should take note of that.
CARRICK PRICE
Yeah, and his corner is warning him to settle down. Sometimes the pressure once the lights and cameras go on gets to fighters. Reed seems to be perfectly calm in spite of being tagged up early on.
[Megan Reed gets some distance before she launches a low kick but it gets checked, Dawe countering with a shovel hook that tags her, followed by a hook to the body that lands hard into the ribs. Dawe and Reed engage in another wild exchange of punches, both fighters now connecting solidly! Reed feints and slips a punch before moving forward with a crushing hook to the chin! A small cut is seen on Dawe’s chin as it begins to swell.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Arnie Dawe eats a big right hook and gets cut! Megan Reed is looking to capitalize.
CARRICK PRICE
She smells blood in the water!
[Reed pushes the advantage and grabs Dawe around the waist before taking him down with a trip, taking the fight to the ground. Megan Reed lands in open guard over Dawe before she immediately tries to improve her position, slipping past him and successfully moving into full mount. Dawe senses the danger and throws a punch from the bottom, but Reed moves her head to dodge it before grabbing his arm and pushing it to the mat. His eyes go wide as he realizes the danger, but it’s too late as Reed passes her other arm under his shoulder, locking in an Americana! A pained grimace is clear on Arnie Dawe’s face as he is forced to repeatedly tap out to the expertly applied submission!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And it is all over! Megan Reed surprises the masses with a textbook submission victory over Arnie Dawe!
CARRICK PRICE
Well, it wasn’t a head kick but I’ll take it. Impressive victory for Megan Reed.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Reed is swarmed by her corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Dawe 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 2 minutes 8 seconds in the very first round, for your winner by submission, ”Firecracker” Megan Reed!
[The crowd cheers once again as Reed has her 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: Megan Reed by Submission (Americana) at 2:08 Round 1
Statistics: Megan Reed
Punches 8/8 (100%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 19 s
Statistics: Arnie Dawe
Punches 11/13 (85%)
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 19 s
[In what is clearly a pre-recorded interview, the new tall, rail thin blonde reporter for Union Grand Prix sits in a knee length white dress with her left leg crossed over her right. Across from her, donning a ScrapYard MMA t-shirt and a simple pair of blue jeans is lightweight challenger Delaney Donovan.]
HADLEY SCOTT
Hey guys and gals! It’s Hadley and I’ve got lightweight contender Delaney Donovan sitting down with me today. Delaney how are you doing.
[Delaney offers her a friendly smile and responds politely, his Irish accent heavily lacing his words.]
DELANEY DONOVAN
I’m doing real good, Hadley, thanks. Have had an enjoyable time sightseeing and talking to fans over the past couple of days. But most of all I’m just ready to get back in the cage.
[The tall blonde reporter returns his smile with one of her own.]
HADLEY SCOTT
I bet you are, especially with that brand new contract you just signed. So tell us a little bit about who Delaney Donovan is. Where are you from? What’s your background? That whole gist.
[Donovan listens intently to her question and laughs as she asks about his background.]
DELANEY DONOVAN
Oh ya know, us Irish folk just spring out of the potato patch you know? Ha. Just kidding of course. Belfast is me home. Grew up around a lot of the people that are involved with ScrapYard these days. Used to get in trouble for arguin with me teachers and laughing when they thought to punish me. Just never really taken anything too much to heart, you know? My ma and pa passed when I was barely a teen and the community and families around me are sort of responsible for seeing that I didn’t turn out too bad.
[In response to hearing of the passing of his mother and father when he was a teen, Hadley juts out her bottom lip in a pouty, sympathetic frown.]
HADLEY SCOTT
Awe. I’m sorry to hear that. But we’re certainly glad that you had such a great support system and that you’re a part of the lightweight division here in Union Grand Prix. Speaking of… what have the last few months been like for you?
[Nodding his head as though he knew this question was coming, Delaney took a moment to gather himself before answering.
DELANEY DONOVAN
Well, I said I never have taken too much to heart but…. Coming off my loss to Hanako I really was kind of down on myself. I felt like beyond just letting myself down, I let the fans and my home country down, you know? Not because I lost. Everyone loses. But it was the manner in which I lost. My coaches put together a great gameplan for me and for whatever reason when we got in the cage… it just didn’t come together. I didn’t execute. So I felt like I let them all down. Still do, if I’m being honest.
HADLEY SCOTT
Do you think that is why you were placed on the opposite side of the bracket from Hanako this time? Because of that performance? Perhaps that Dante had lost faith in you when the brackets were pieced together?
[Shaking his head emphatically no, Delaney follows up his movement with a verbal response.]
DELANEY DONOVAN
No no. Dante has always taken care of me and treated me fairly. Sometimes the chips just don’t fall in your favor. There might be some out there who think it was intentional but at the end of the day I’m a fighter and I fight whoever is put in front of me. It took a long time for me to establish myself in the lightweight picture just to get that first shot. I’m not a real boisterous or trash talking type of lad. I love fighting. And I love getting in that cage and rumbling with the best of them. But I don’t need to tear someone and the hard work that they’re putting in down just to elevate myself. What I do in the cage will either elevate me or remove me, and at the end of the day, that's the way I want it. Everything else is just outside noise.
HADLEY SCOTT
So how would you classify this fight with Jeremiah Ford? Do you think he’s a worthy opponent?
DELANEY DONOVAN
Yeah. Anyone who is willing to get in their and touch gloves when the bell sounds is a worthy opponent. But Jeremiah is a world class wrestler. I think he’s going to push me in areas of my game that I’m not the strongest. But I think I will test him in areas where he is lacking as well. There’s no malice or anything in that. Truth be told I respect him a lot. But for me this is about reestablishing myself and in order to do that, it has to come at his expense.
[Studying him for a moment, Hadley asks him one more question.]
HADLEY SCOTT
Do you feel like, if you win this fight, the brackets should be adjusted so that you get to challenge Jordan Parker-Kane in the next round?
[Shrugging his shoulders, Delaney was non committal in his response.]
DELANEY DONOVAN
That’s not for me to decide. I’ve proven that I can hang with Jordan in the past and I think if we get to have a second fight that we’ll put on a show for the world all over again. Like I said, i just fight whoever they put in front of me to the best of my ability. That’s all I can do. That’s all I can control and so that’s all I’m going to focus on.
HADLEY SCOTT
Thank you for your time, Delaney, and good luck in your fight.
[As the camera focus on her, Hadley gives her attention to the viewing audience once more very briefly]
HADLEY SCOTT
Well, you heard it here first, folks. Back to you guys at the desk.
♫
TRON BY JENTARO BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[“Tron” by Jentaro begins to bump on the PA System and Andrei Kozlov steps out onto the main stage. Kozlov has a stern, almost stoic look on his face as he gives no acknowledgment to the crowd.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And right now we have another man set to make his professional debut, and from what we know, Andrei Kozlov is a specialist in submissions. Carrick, do you think he poses a threat to the brutal striker Natalie King?
CARRICK PRICE
I mean, a submission specialist is always going to pose a threat. It’s how I made my bones in this sport in my first few fights. If he can get Natalie down on the ground and take advantage of her aggressiveness, he can certainly put her in a world of hurt.
[Kozlov reaches cageside where he strips down and gets checked by the fight official. Once he’s been cleared, he races up the steps and heads straight to his corner, crashing back-first into the fence to hype himself up.]
♫
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.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
The RAW Athletics prospect and two-time F2W Melee Champion Natalie King has been quite impressive so far in her Union tenure. With two fights under her belt, she's got two finishes with a combined time of just one minute and twenty one seconds!
CARRICK PRICE
Scary power in that one. It seems obvious to say the best gameplan is to neutralize her striking capability but that is going to be an extensive challenge for anyone. Tonight, that challenge is Andrei Kozlov’s.
[King finally reaches cageside, where she strips down to her gear and gets checked on by thenfight 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 for the announcer.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following bout 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 with a professional mixed martial arts record of 0-0. He stands at 5’9” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Boston, Massachusetts, fighting out of The Sym Gym, he is Andrei ”The Kraken” Kozlov!
[Andrei Kozlov looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever as he gets himself hyped up.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Dutch Kickboxer with a professional mixed martial arts record of 2-0. She stands 6’ even and weighing in at 147 pounds. She is from Newark, New Jersey, fighting out of the RAW Athletics, she is Natalie ”The Bandit” King!
[Natalie King raises a fist in the air as the crowd cheers her on.]
CARRICK PRICE
Two fights finished in a combined total of time under a minute and a half and yet only 58% of the fans at home seem to think she’ll be the one walking out victorious. I guess we’ll see if Andrei Kozlov’s camp has prepared him for a striker as talented as Natalie King is or not.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
The referee of the bout is Herschel Warden. Herschel checks off with each fighter and calls for the bell! And here we go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The fight gets underway. Both fighters close the distance and meet in the center of the cage. King moves forward looking for some action and shows some wrestling skills as she puts her opponent in a double overhook! Andrei Kozlov pushes King away trying to keep the fight at striking range, but King doesn't want to break the clinch as she still is grappling with Kozlov.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
King is controlling the tempo early here with the clinch. Interesting that she decided against using her reach advantage.
[The fighters are tied in the clinch. Kozlov doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under King and tries to move away. King pushes Kozlov forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch. King is controlling the clinch and launches a vicious knee! That crushing blow lands flush to Kozlov's face! Kozlov tries to duck under King and move away, but King stays locked in.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Big knee! Andrei Kozlov tries to slip out of the clinch, but King has a little something in mind.
CARRICK PRICE
Ooof. You could hear the thud of that knee finding its mark. I guess credit to Kozlov’s chin for being able to take that and not have him go night night. But he’s not going to want to take many more of those if he wants to stay alive in this fight.
[Both fighters pummel back and forth looking to take control, and then out of nowhere… One, two, three! King doesn't stop launching vicious knees in the clinch! A final devastating knee lands on Kozlov's chin! That pop was heard throughout the arena! The crowd erupts! The frightening power of Natalie King has left Kozlov sleeping peacefully on the canvas!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And this one is all over! Natalie King once again finishes the fight in under a minute! Unbelievable!
CARRICK PRICE
Well, now we know she’s just as deadly in the clinch as she is striking from a distance. Wow.
[The crowd pops with cheers as Natalie King steadily walks away from her fallen opponent with arms stretched wide. Doctors tend to Kozlov for a while before helping him regain consciousness and get him back 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 Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at 59 seconds in the very first round, for your winner by knockout, Natalie “The Bandit” King!
[The crowd cheers once again as King has her 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: Natalie King by KO (Knees) at 0:59 Round 1
Statistics: Natalie King
Punches 0/0 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 6/10 (60%)
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: Andrei Kozlov
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
COMMERCIAL BREAK
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♫
THIS IS THE YEAR WHERE HOPE FAILS YOU
THE TEST SUBJECTS RUN THE EXPERIMENTS
AND THE BASTARDS YOU KNOW, IS THE HERO YOU HATE
BUT COHESING IS POSSIBLE IF WE STRIVE
♫
[“Pulse of the Maggots” by Slipknot shreds over the loudspeaker and Jeremiah Ford emerges to the stage wearing his black and white walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Ford has a scowling fierce look on his face as he slowly prowls down the aisle.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Making his way to the cage right now, Jeremiah Ford is making his second attempt in the Lightweight Division here tonight. His first bout, against Hanako Takeuchi, didn’t exactly go too well for him, but I think he matches up a little better with Delaney Donovan.
CARRICK PRICE
He does, though I always have concerns when someone is making as big of a weight cut as Jeremiah has to from his natural weight. He had to drop about 30 pounds to get down to where he needs to be. That said, I think he has the makeup that could potentially give Delaney trouble.
[Ford 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.]
♫
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.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now here comes the top Lightweight contender, Belfast’s own Delaney Donovan! There has been some rumblings behind the scenes that representatives of Donovan have not been too happy about being seeded in the opposite side of the bracket, being furthest away from a title opportunity throughout the tournament. What do you make of it, Carrick?
CARRICK PRICE
Look, having worked closely with Delaney I know he took the loss to Hanako pretty hard and he’s usually a pretty easy going lad. I wasn’t a part of the negotiations but I know there was a bit of discontent on the part of his managerial team and I don’t know that you can blame them But, if you want to be a champion you have to earn it and Delaney is going to get the chance to earn that opportunity again.
[He 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, the following bout is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Wrestler with a professional mixed martial arts record of 3-6. He stands at 5’7” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Oskaloosa, Iowa, fighting out of The Sym Gym, he is Jeremiah ”Bullfrog” Ford!
[Jeremiah Ford is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer with a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-1. He stands 5’9” and weighing in at 155 pounds. From Belfast, Northern Ireland fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is “Double D” Delaney Donovan!
[Delaney Donovan looks very relaxed in his corner. He sways from side to side, never losing focus on his opponent across from the octagon.]
CARRICK PRICE
Taking a look at the fan poll it looks like the fans think Double is going to win this fight, with 60% of fans voting in his favor. And if I’m not mistaken that’s the first time the fans have predicted a fight would go his way. We’ll see if they were right.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Even with a recent loss, the fans are big believers in the Belfast competitor. And we are now squared away to get this Lightweight bout underway. Our referee for this bout is Jordan Ripley. He quickly checks off with each man and calls for the bell! And here we go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Donovan and Ford move forward and touch gloves as the bell signals the beginning of the fight! Right off the bat Ford tests Donovan’s takedown defense and finds it lacking, scoring on a well executed single leg takedown. On the ground, however, Ford finds Donovan’s guard difficult to pass and eats a few vicious shots to the ribs. Those strikes are enough to give Donovan the opening to roll on the ground, executing a lovely reversal that finds him in full mount over Jeremiah Ford. Donovan, though he tests Ford with a few punches, is unable to find any real opening to do damage of note and the action stalls causing referee Jordan Ripley to stand the two fighters back up.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Right out of the gate, Jeremiah Ford imposing his strengths with a nice takedown, but doesn’t get much further with it.
CARRICK PRICE
He’s better on the ground that people give him credit for and showed it right there against a skilled Jeremiah Ford. Double D is going to want to find a way to keep Bullfrog from putting him on his back, though.
[On his feet, Bullfrog looks to take Donovan’s head off with a straight left hand but Delaney beautifully ducks under it. Following up the strike attempt, Jeremiah shoots for a takedown and gets a hold of Delaney’s left leg, but Donovan sprawls well and manages to stifle the takedown attempt. Trying to bully his way through the Sprawl, Ford bursts forward with energy but Donovan just won’t budge and it forces Jeremiah Ford to pull guard. Immediately Ford tries to roll but Donovan uses his leg to keep his position on the ground and then asserts himself and swiftly breaks the closed guard of Jeremiah Ford, transitioning into half guard.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Double D read that takedown perfectly, and now Ford has to try and regroup from the bottom.
CARRICK PRICE
He worked hard on defending his takedowns throughout his camp and it showed right there.
[The battle on the ground between the two men continues but Delaney shows that he’s got some talent there as well, smoothly transitioning into side mount. Consistently, Delaney looks to improve his position but finds himself unable to find an opening to do so. And though he doesn’t like the idea of stalling on the ground, he takes a moment to gather himself and catch his breath, allowing Ford to do the same. Unfortunately, Jordan Ripley spots it and stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Donovan is holding his own very well against Jeremiah Ford on the ground. This could be a big problem for the former NCAA All-American.
CARRICK PRICE
It could be but you saw Delaney was forced to catch his breath there. I’m not sure his conditioning will hold out if this continues to be the sort of fight gets grinded out on the ground.
[On their feet Donovan swings with a big right hand that lands, causing Jeremiah Ford to step back quickly and counter with a jab but he seems staggered, missing with the strike. Double D quickly moves to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. Ford is hurt and the fans start to buzz, sensing that Ford is teetering. Instinctively, Bullfrog shoots and manages to get a hold of Donovan’s right leg but Delaney again expertly sprawls and pushes Ford away.]
[Smartly, Ford takes a step back away from Donovan, seeming to be cooling down the fight a bit. Circling, the two fighters size each other up. Jeremiah Ford looks like he’s hurting and his corner encourages him to avoid taking more damage. Either he didn’t hear them, or he didn’t care, as both men close the distance between each other and exchange wildly with Delaney connecting with a few punches before the two break off and circle the cage again. Ford moves forward, looking to press the action, but Delaney is patient and doesn’t engage, instead backpedaling away.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Jeremiah Ford is looking sluggish out there and making some crucial mistakes, while Donovan is capitalizing off those errors and doing some major damage early in the round.
CARRICK PRICE
There we go. Donovan’s characteristic patience is opening up some opportunities for him and from the looks of things his corner is pleased. He’s fighting his fight, and not allowing Jeremiah to dictate the pace.
[There is some bruising that is beginning to show on Jeremiah Ford from his exchanges with his opponent and it’s clear he feels he needs to be aggressive if he wants to swing the round in his favor. Launching some vicious strikes at Double D, Ford looks to hurt him but Donovan blocks the attempts with confidence. It seems that Jeremiah Ford is starting to run out of ideas and goes back to what he knows best, shooting on Delaney and grabbing his right leg to try and take him down but as has been the pattern so often throughout the fight, Delaney stuffs the takedown attempt brilliantly, pushing him away. As the two stand back up, it’s Donovan who gets aggressive now, leaning forward to grapple with Ford, tying him up in a clinch. This is a position Ford knows he doesn’t want to be in with the Irish fighter and tries to move away but Donovan doesn’t allow it.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Delaney Donovan is imposing his will right now, wrapping Ford up in the clinch and this is where we can expect to see the high level Muay Thai from Donovan.
[A flurry of punches explode from the fists of Delaney Donovan. Jeremiah Ford just can't get away! He knows this is a position he doesn’t want to be in and again tries to escape but Donovan just won’t let him go. Before any further damage can be done, however, the buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Big opening round for Donovan, who sat back and picked apart his opponent with some precise counter attacks. Ford looked aggressive out there, but wasn’t able to get much out of it.
CARRICK PRICE
Yeah, I scored that one easily in Delaney’s favor. Bullfrog did a nice job in the early going but as the round progressed Delaney really began to make him pay.
Jeremiah Ford’s Corner Notes:
Donovan won the round!
You must take him down!
Avoid the clinch!
Delaney Donovan’s Corner Notes:
You won the round!
Use your advantage in the clinch!
Finish the fight!
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[At the start of the second round these two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect and they meet to touch gloves once more as the round begins. Ford, quickly, shoots for a takedown but Donovan stuffs it quickly. As they stand, Donovan looks to take advantage and launches a barrage of punches, connecting on a big hook that stumbles Ford and drops him to the mat, opening up a small cut on his right cheek. Donovan stands over Ford as he lays on the ground on his back. Ford knows he doesn’t want to continue the fight in that position and tries to get back to his feet but Donovan responds with a kick to Ford’s thigh.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And again Delaney is able to deny the takedown by Ford. This has got to be frustrating for the Iowa product.
CARRICK PRICE
And I just wonder if that’s a product of the weight cut Ford had to make. He just doesn’t seem to be able to have the strength to drive through those takedown attempts and put Donovan on his back.
[Ford tries to stand up but Donovan doesn’t let him, positioning himself in a way that keeps Jeremiah from having a safe opening to stand back up. When Ford tries fully once more, Donovan snaps off another vicious kick to Ford’s thigh before Jordan Ripley steps in to allow Ford to stand back up. The two fighters circle the cage, fatigue etched in Ford’s expression as blood trickles down his cheek, while Donovan is all smiles across the cage, clearly enjoying being able to perform in front of the fans.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
You can clearly see that Delaney Donovan is in impeccable shape right now. This doesn’t look good for Jeremiah Ford!
[Donovan fakes with a punch, causing Ford to react and leave himself open to Donovan launching himself at him. It’s a great move by Donovan who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch. Donovan launches some bone breaking punches to Ford’s ribs while in the clinch and you can see the pain in Ford’s eyes as each punch connects. He doesn’t want to be in this position and tries to move away but, just as in the first round, Donovan doesn’t let him. With Ford trapped in the thai clinch, Donovan postures up and launches another series of punches, all of them hitting hard. Delaney follows up with another crushing shot to Ford’s body, causing the man to clutch at his side.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Donovan traps his opponent in the Thai clinch once again, and this could be the beginning of the end for Jeremiah Ford!
CARRICK PRICE
Brutal body shots. Ford needs to find a way out of Donovan’s grasp now or this is all going to be over soon.
[Ford desperately tries to shrug out of the clinch but Delaney doesn’t let him. Keeping him locked up, Delaney takes a moment to breathe and then shows frustration when referee Jordan Ripley steps in and separates the two men, the crowd booing the decision as well. Still, Donovan takes a step back and waits for Ripley to allow the fight to begin. Once he does he tags Ford with a shovel hook that rocks him. Sensing an opening, Donovan ties Ford up with a double overhook.]
[Ford seems to be a bit groggy and Donovan is absolutely terrifying with his power in the clinch, violently punishing Ford with uppercuts. Jeremiah is taking more than he can endure and this fight could end soon if he’s unable to escape! BOOM! Donovan connects on another uppercut that snaps Ford’s head back and Bullfrog falls like he got shot. This is over!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And it is all over! Delaney Donovan continued his dominating performance over Jeremiah Ford and finishes this one off with a brutal combination inside the clinch!
CARRICK PRICE
We knew Delaney would have the advantage if this stayed standing but man, I don’t think Ford touched him with a single strike and that spells the difference is an impressive bounce back performance by Double D.
[The crowd bursts into cheers as Delaney Donovan throws his hands in the air to celebrate his big victory. Doctors tend to Ford for a while before helping him regain consciousness and get him back 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 2 minutes 44 seconds in the second round, for your winner by knockout, “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.]
Winner: Delaney Donovan by KO (Punches) at 2:44 Round 2
Statistics: Delaney Donovan
Punches 9/15 (60%)
Kicks 2/2 (100%)
Clinch strikes 12/16 (75%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 3/5 (60%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 137 s
Statistics: Jeremiah Ford
Punches 0/8 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 1/6 (17%)
GnP strikes 0/3 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 190 s
[The camera cuts to a Savannah Skye earlier in the day, walking into a gym with microphone in hand. There are a few people around working on the mats, one of them being middleweight fighter Travis Decker. He sees Savannah and the camera crew walk in as he excuses himself from his groundwork and walks over, a smile of his face.]
SAVANNAH SKYE
Well we are here today at a local gym in Chicago, and we have “Ripcord” Travis Decker with us. Travis, thanks for making time for us.
[Travis lets out a chuckle before waving it off.]
TRAVIS DECKER
No problem at all, I appreciate the break.
[He gives a weak smile as Savannah continues.]
SAVANNAH SKYE
Now the gym we are in today is your local stomping grounds, the advantage of being in your hometown, but how are things going on the camp front? Weren’t you in one for a short time?
[Travis gives a nod.]
TRAVIS DECKER
Yeah I was. Good bunch of people, treated me well, but considering the… recent complications regarding some of their fighters, and the fact that all of them bailed from Union, I thought it best to cut back out on my own until I found a place that feels right for me. For this fight, its Bobby’s place. Bobby taught me the basics of the fight game, he was the one who encouraged me to give it a shot in the first place.
[He gives a thumbs up to an elderly gentlemen across the gym, who returns it.]
SAVANNAH SKYE
That is actually a good point. Do you feel like having the hometown advantage gives you a leg up in this upcoming fight?
TRAVIS DECKER
Well I would say that I'm probably more comfortable than he is, at the very least. My family’s here, my people are here. But he’s got his people in his camp too, and I know the guy is working hard, so I guess it's a wash in that case.
SAVANNAH SKYE
In that case, what do you think does give you the edge against Zion?
TRAVIS DECKER
In a purely strategic sense, my strength on the ground. It has been my main point that I have been working on since my last fight, and I’m very happy with the improvements I’ve made. A lot of what I’ve learned is relatively new, so there’s not a lot about it to scout. In our interview with Harp Zion said that he’s made some advances on the ground as well, but the fact is that he doesn’t want it to go there, he said that too. He might /just/ edge me out on the feet, the guys a tailor made kickboxer, but if I take it to the ground, its my fight to lose.
Beyond that, I’m a guy that thrives on high pressure situations. It drives me and pushes me to be better than I was before. You couple the way my last fight went, with the fact that this fight is in my hometown with all of my friends and family watching, to the fact that this fight is in the first round of the Middleweight Championship Tournament? That’s a lot of pressure to win. We are all focused on our fights, but not a single person doesn’t have his eyes on the end of the tournament: leaving as the Undisputed Champion. Especially considering that the way the brackets have worked out, whichever one of us wins this fight is guaranteed to fight for the Middleweight Championship. I have no doubt he wants this win and to go on to the next round, but I need it Savannah. And sometimes that is all the difference it takes.
[Savannah gives a nod.]
SAVANNAH SKYE
Well Travis, we’ll let you get back to it. Once again, thank you for your time.
[Travis gives a nod and a smile, before heading back over to the mats, the camera cutting away.]
♫
I CAN FEEL IT COMING IN THE AIR TONIGHT, OH LORD
AND I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT FOR ALL MY LIFE, OH LORD
CAN YOU FEEL IT COMING IN THE AIR TONIGHT, OH LORD, OH LORD
♫
[“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins slowly builds over the loudspeaker and soon Travis Decker emerges to the stage wearing his black and red walkout fight kit with corner crew members following behind. Decker looks focused, but also pays respects to his roaring hometown crowd as he heads down to the cage.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now our second of three Chicago natives fighting tonight, Travis Decker makes his way to the cage. This guy has been on a bit of a slow start in his Union career, going one for three. However, his last fight was against one of the fighters accused in the highly publicized doping scandals.
CARRICK PRICE
Thankfully we’re moving on from that mess and I know Travis will be looking to show that, in a world where his opponents are fighting clean, he deserves to be spoken of among the best in his weight class.
[Ford 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.]
♫
NIGGAS BEEN COUNTING ME OUT
I'M COUNTING MY BULLETS
I'M LOADING MY CLIPS
I'M WRITING DOWN NAMES
I'M MAKING A LIST
I'M CHECKING IT TWICE AND I'M GETTING 'EM HIT
♫
["Middle Child” by J. Cole bumps over the loudspeaker and Zion Momo’a emerges to the stage wearing his black and blue walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Momo’a bobs his head to the music as he slowly makes the walk to the cage.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
One of the newest additions to the Middleweight Division, Zion Momo’a has been making a name for himself in record speeds. He originally was scouted by Dante Reed through a charity event, and since then, has made himself into one of the most talked about contenders.
CARRICK PRICE
Yeah, he’s done a nice job promoting himself and making sure he’s got eyes on him. Now he just needs to continue to capitalize on the opportunities he’s been given. I think he’s got a good shot to do exactly that tonight.
[He 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, the following bout is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Kickboxer with a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-2. He stands at 6’2” and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from The Second City — Chicago, Illinois, he is “Ripcord” Travis Decker!
[Travis Decker is calm in his corner. He bounces in place to stay loose and quickly acknowledges his hometown crowd with a wave.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer with a professional mixed martial arts record of 3-1. He stands 6’ even and weighing in at 180 pounds. He is from Los Angeles, California, fighting out of the 36th Street MMA, he is “The Blasian Buzzsaw” Zion Momo’a!
[Zion Momo'a is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his fight.]
CARRICK PRICE
63% of fans have this fight going Zion’s way tonight. I’m not sure if that’s just fan girls waiting to see him kick the top off of a water bottle again or if that’s legit fans with mixed martial arts knowledge but regardless, the fans are heavily in his corner on social media. Here in the arena, though? They’ve all got Travis Deckers back.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Definitely an interesting perspective, and if I’m not mistaken, this was the most voted on fight in our social media polls. But now, we are all squared away, ready to get this highly anticipated Middleweight bout underway. Our referee for this bout is Willie Green. He checks off with each man one last time and calls for the bell! And here we go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Momo'a and Decker move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight! Momo'a throws a body kick that gets blocked by Decker. Zion goes for another body kick but once again Travis blocks it, and lands a kick to Zion’s left ankle. Zion lets off with some punches but Travis does a nice job of swaying them and landing a double jab combo. Momo'a moves backwards and starts to reset. They meet back in the middle. Brilliant combination from Zion Momo'a, though Decker is showing some dodging skills avoiding the licks. Travis looks to grapple and secures a single collar tie before pushing Zion away, wanting to find his range.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
A little back and forth from both fighters here. Just trying to feel each other out right now I think.
CARRICK PRICE
I like how Decker is constantly moving. Nice job trying to close the distance. His camp seems to have prepared him well judging by the early moments of this fight.
[Zion Momo'a throws a jab that finds an opening in the defense of Decker. Travis Decker fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside. He shoots in and gets a hold of Momo'a's left leg... He's trying to take him down. Zion Momo'a loses balance and goes to the ground. Travis’ corner telling him nice work. Travis Decker is in side mount over Zion Momo'a. Travis Decker isolates Zion Momo'a's left arm looking for an armbar… Momo'a manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Good work from Travis Decker early in the round, landing some punches and taking the fight to the mat. Even though Decker has a background in Kickboxing, his wrestling game is exceptional and may be where he is most comfortable.
[Travis loses his dominant position and Zion Momo'a is in open guard over him now. Decker tries to close his guard around Momo'a and he succeeds. Decker slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle but Zion cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount! Zion Momo'a positions himself and launches a barrage of punches but Decker covers himself well.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Solid action by Momo’a avoiding the triangle and getting better position.
CARRICK PRICE
Yeah, just a little too careless there by Ripcord. I would have liked to have seen him make Zion work a little bit before looking to finish the fight with a submission.
[Travis manages to switch to full guard but Zion moves to open guard over Travis. Momo'a cannot take advantage of anything though as Decker closes his guard around Momo'a. Willie Green steps in and stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Looks like the officiating crew is not messing around with any stalling here tonight.
[Both fighters continue the fight on their feet and the crowd applauds. Zion Momo'a closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action. Momo'a and Decker circle around the center of the cage. Good movement from Momo'a moving in to strike and moving away afterwards. He looks for a body kick but Travis blocks it.]
CARRICK PRICE
Well defended by Decker, but I like Zion’s aggressiveness. He’s looked like he has the potential to put Ripcord in danger and while Decker has stayed busy, nothing has really come of anything he’s accomplished so far.
[Travis Decker attempts a sweep single...Travis catches Momo'a's ankle and trips him to the mat and gets a single leg takedown but it was too late to try and work on the ground with ten seconds left. Will Green separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Not a bad opening round for either fighter. Both seemed to be a bit cautious and see what was ahead of them. But as far as the scorecards, I’d personally have to give this one to Decker.
CARRICK PRICE
Tough call and I think if this goes the distance the judges will have this round scored even. But if I had to choose I would lean the other way, Harpy. But by a razor thin margin.
Zion Momo’a's Corner Notes
Get some action going!
Don’t try and wrestle right now!
Don't give up another takedown!
Travis Decker's Corner Notes
Keep looking for Takedowns
Stay Patient!
Look to Counter Strike!
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[Both fighters circle around the center of the cage, showing a ton of respect for one another. Momo'a launches a flurry of punches that Decker slips out of danger from. Solid kick to the leg from Zion Momo'a but Decker checks it. Travis looks for a Jumping Knee and he narrowly misses Zion’s chin before they circle back around the center of the cage. Decker feints an uppercut and shoots a takedown, taking Zion right to the mat!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Another solid exchange from both fighters and Decker takes the opening and hits a textbook takedown to take this one back to the ground.
CARRICK PRICE
Momo’a is going to need to find a way to defend against those takedowns or Decker is going to quickly outpoint him.
[Travis Decker is in open guard over Momo'a. Momo'a tries to close his guard around Decker but he isn't able too. Momo’a keeps trying to work back to his feet, but Travis finds a hole and getting Zion in Full Mount. Travis is working for a submission now. He throws his leg over and rolls Zion over into an Armbar. This could be it but Momo'a breaks the lock, showing some great skills.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Zion Momo’a narrowly escapes another submission attempt, he’s got to be careful!
[Zion Momo'a tries to roll to his side and trap Travis Decker in his guard, but Decker keeps good control and remains in full mount. Momo'a tries to roll to his side and trap Decker in his guard once more but Decker keeps good control and remains in full mount. Momo'a gets sloppy and Decker tries to take advantage. Decker tries to keep his position while looking to maybe begin some ground and pound. Momo'a struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously but Willie Green 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 United Center are cheering for the fighters.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Back on the feet here.
CARRICK PRICE
Frustration showing through a bit on Zion’s part I think. He needs to take a moment and collect himself. Decker is clearly looking to finish this fight with a submission. Carelessness will only bring that about much more quickly.
[Both fighters circle around the center of the cage. Zion Momo'a fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside. Zion Momo'a moves forward and launches a low kick. Decker blocks that. Decker steps forward. Momo'a feints. Brilliant combination from Zion Momo'a. Decker is showing some dodging skills avoiding those blows.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Travid Decker is showing some great awareness, avoiding any significant damage from Momo’a.
[Momo'a misses a step and Travis Decker sees an opportunity to counter him! Travis Decker leans forwards and tries to grapple with Momo'a. Decker shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now. Travis isn’t making any advancements so he tries to shrug his way out of the clinch. He circles out and slips free. Travis grabs Zion by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground and he does. Great takedown by Travis Decker. Deep breaths from Zion Momo'a who tries a hammer punch to Decker's ribs but Decker blocks those punches. Willie Green separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Another close round here, but the way I see it, Decker is controlling the tempo with the takedowns and solid ground game while avoiding a majority of Zion’s strikes.
CARRICK PRICE
Agreed, I felt like this one was pretty staunchly a 10-9 round in favor of Travis Decker. I have it scored 20-18 in his favor right now.
Travis Decker's Corner Notes
Keep Zion on the mat!
Look for a finish!
You’re winning the fight!
Zion Momo’a's Corner Notes
You're down on the cards!
Must win round!
Avoid Takedowns!
=========================================
ROUND THREE
=========================================
[Decker wastes little time in the final round and shoots in to get a hold of Zion’s left leg. Momo'a loses balance and goes to the mat. Decker lands in side mount over Momo'a. Zion tries to turn away and scramble out, but Decker takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke! He can't lock it up. Zion Momo'a spins out and gets back to his feet. Both fighters circling.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Wow! And again Zion Momo’a is able to slip free of Decker’s grasp! Decker has been so close on several occasions now on ending this one with a submission.
CARRICK PRICE
Ripcord just needs to keep doing what he’s doing. Zion hasn’t shown the ability to stop his takedowns and, eventually, fatigue will leave him the opening that he wants.
[A jab from Zion, it grazes Travis’s cheek. Momo’a tries to grapple but Decker moves aside keeping the fight a striking range. Both fighters circle around the center of the cage. Decker shoots and gets ahold of Zion’s right leg. Momo'a loses balance once again and goes to the ground. Decker is in side mount over Momo'a. Deep breaths from Momo'a who tries a hammer punch to Decker's ribs, but Decker blocks those punches. Decker looks to pass to mount. Momo'a creates space and scrambles back to his feet.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Back on the feet once again, Zion Momo’a needs to read those takedowns a little bit better.
[Momo'a studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense. Decker steps backwards away from Zion Momo'a. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit. Decker and Momo'a circle around the center of the cage before the two engage in a wild exchange of punches! Both fighters are missing terribly until a bunch of leg kicks from Zion begin to bother his opponent. Decker fakes a looping right hook and shoots a takedown! Zion Momo'a didn't see it coming and has been put on the mat once again.]
CARRICK PRICE
Another one. I’m not sure what exactly Zion worked on during his camp, but I imagine he’ll be working on defending takedowns coming off his performance up to this point in this fight.
[Travis Decker is in open guard over Momo'a. Deep breaths from Zion Momo'a who tries a hammer punch to Decker's ribs. Decker blocks those punches once more. Decker moves and positions himself to half guard. Decker isolates Zion’s arm and neck looking for an arm triangle but Zion is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Much of the same here once again. Decker has been able to take the fight to the ground, but Zion holds himself well avoiding the submission attempts.
[Travis Decker is in half guard over Momo'a. Zion Momo'a attempts to move to full guard but Decker keeps good control and remains in half guard. Momo'a attempts to move to full guard once again but Decker denies him. Momo'a launches a few weak punches. Those punches are hitting Decker's ribs and causing a distraction.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Zion Momo’a is now trying to work some offense on the ground. He’s gotta get something going here now, he’s surely behind on the scorecards.
CARRICK PRICE
I don’t think that will be enough to do it though. Those strikes are feeble if I’m being honest and probably more of an annoyance to the hometown Travis Decker than anything that is actually threatening him.
[Travis Decker is in half guard over Momo'a. Zion Momo'a attempts to move to full guard. Travis Decker keeps good control and remains in half guard. Travis Decker isolates Zion’s left arm looking for an armbar. Zion manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Travis Decker has lost his dominant position.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Zion breaks free from another submission attempt and now he needs to capitalize!
[Zion’s corner is screaming for a finish. Zion Momo'a is in open guard over Decker. Momo'a moves on the ground. Momo'a cannot take advantage as Travis gives him nothing. Decker tries to close his guard around Momo'a and he succeeds! Decker tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Zion Momo'a. Zion gets his hip out and moves to full guard as the buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And that’s the end of the round. Three rounds go by and now we will go to the judges for the official ruling.
CARRICK PRICE
Unless the judges saw something I didn’t, I think this one is going in Decker's favor. He controlled the fight throughout, really, the entirety of the second and third rounds. Though Zion defended against his attempts at submitting him, he never really got much going on offense for himself.
[Both fighters embrace each other as the buzzer sounds. Both fighters head to their corner to get worked on while the judges tally up their cards and hand them in. Once doctors and cutmen finish their work, both fighters head back to the center of the cage for the official ruling.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds, we go to the judges scorecards. Judge Miranda Franco scores is 29-28 Momo’a, Judge Ozzie Sebastian scores is 30-27 Decker, and Judge Max Carver scores is 29-28 for your winner by split decision, “The Blasian Buzzsaw” Zion Momo’a!
JUDGE MIRANDA FRANCO
Zion Momo'a 9 10 10: 29
Travis Decker 10 9 9: 28
JUDGE MAX CARVER
Zion Momo'a 10 10 9: 29
Travis Decker 9 9 10: 28
JUDGE OZZIE SEBASTIAN
Zion Momo'a 9 9 9: 27
Travis Decker 10 10 10: 30
Winner: Zion Momo'a by Split Decision
Statistics: Zion Momo'a
Punches 4/23 (17%)
Kicks 5/9 (56%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 2/10 (20%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 345 s
Statistics: Travis Decker
Punches 6/7 (86%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 7/7 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 6/6 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 345 s
[Standing with Savannah Skye is 9th World members Tilly Jean Wade and Lake Reese. With a check of his earpiece Dylan gets the nod that everything was ready to go.]
SAVANNAH SKYE
So we have 9th World members Lake Reese and Tilly Jean Wade. It was recently announced that you two will be competing on the upcoming Boss Fight XII. Any thoughts?
TILLY JEAN WADE
Sup Savannah? Mannnn I’ve known about this fight for some weeks now and it's finally booked. I think Zo offers a lot of things out there in the cage and I’m looking forward to getting in there with her. It’s been a couple months now since I’ve made my debut so I’ve been waiting to get back in there and continue my climb. I set out the goal to become the first ever Union Bantamweight Champion… and that's what I’m going to do. I've had some good training and even worked on some things I felt I need to get better at. I’m expecting good things and hopefully Zoe comes game and ready to fight because I know I will.
LAKE REESE
Well yeah, to me it’s kinda crazy. My first main event and honestly I wasn't expecting that but hey we booked that and you know what? I love the matchup. Me and Jakko already knew we were fighting each other so I’ve already been working on the game plan...and everything I wanna do... He kinda falls into the trap of not being able to defend it as he thinks he can. Everyone knows how I fight now. I’ve been showing my Muay Thai skills in my last two fights so of course you can know what to expect, but trust me...this is a main event and if Jakko thinks I don’t wanna show off all my skills he has another thing coming. I’m confident I can beat him anywhere the fight goes. Trust me...it’s gonna be a good one y'all.
[With that everything wraps up and we move back to ringside.]
[This time around Heavyweight Competitor and 9th World member Kennard Rozier is standing with Savannah Skye. As thing comes to fruition Kennard was already talking.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Cuz that's what I do bruh. As a fighter in this sport I know the consequences. I know the toll it can take on your body. I know that MY LIFE gets put on the line in that cage fam...and for this bald head ass nigga to mention my moms in the way he did...man bruh I wanted to hurt that dude right dere. I don't care bout these folk but I know respect and Amani gets none from me bro.
[Kennard paces for a second trying to calm himself.]
KENNARD ROZIER
If Ma Dukes wasn't behind those walls Amani would be even more of a dead man than he already is man. He think he gone waltz in there take me to the ground and go to work….
[Kennard throws his hands in the air.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Like I been telling these niggas. I hear the mouths. Pluggz needa work on his ground game. This that and the motherfucking third. Mane, the fact is I’m fresh in this shit. I been cutting ass professionally as a Kickboxer. Check the stats. Two fights in here and I won how? Right? That ground shit don't scare me. I hurt niggas with these…
[He holds his fist up and points down to the retro Jordan One’s on his feet.]
KENNARD ROZIER
I like the concern though, but trust the process...and right now we in the process of elimination. I lose against that lame head ass boy and I gotta start over. That nigga Derrick or Donnie or whoever want get to see me and I can't let that happen brah. My squad, the gang we on the rise...soft to hard Nigga that quick. What camp done beat us yet. None. My boy Asher securing bags and Lake just booked a Main Event. It serious business and that's what I’m all about...so when AC gotta see me he better be bout the same thing.
[“I will be bitch made boy.” was heard in the distance and it came from none other than Amani himself! Kennard turns to jolt toward Amani and so does Amani but the two are held back by main security and their team, meeting face to face trading some verbal blows as the cameras begin to fade.]
♫
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, Chicago’s own “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese enters the building and the fans are going wild! Calabrese calmly walks down the ramp with a swagger that’s infectious.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now our last Chicago native fighting here tonight, the fan favorite Donnie Calabrese. It’s hard not to love an underdog, and “Dog Face” Donnie epitomizes a true underdog. The man started his Union Grand Prix career going 0-3, but now he sits 5-4, quite an impressive turnaround.
CARRICK PRICE
Tenacity is important and Donnie Calabrese has it in bucketloads. He’s got some detractors. One of them a rather vocal famous professional wrestler in Bronx Valescence. I know Donnie will be looking to shut him up tonight.
[Dog Face appears stoic with concentration, just bobbing his head to the beat of his music as he makes it to cageside and gets checked by the bout official. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and heads straight to his corner, flexing for the cameras along the way.]
♫
HOLD UP, SON, WORD
YEAH, TO ALL THE KILLERS AND A HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLAS
FOR REAL NIGGAS WHO AIN’T GOT NO FEELINGS
CHECK IT OUT NOW
♫
[“Shook Ones Part II” by Mobb Deep plays throughout the arena. “Long Island Strong” Derrick La’Bell slowly makes his way out while bouncing to keep warm in his black and white walkout fight kit. Just behind him, guards and his corner follow his lead towards the octagon.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now, unquestionably, the toughest Heavyweight we have seen in Union Grand Prix, Derrick La’Bell is the first two-time champion. His last five fights have all been title fights, either defending or challenging, it’s hard to bet against this New York native.
CARRICK PRICE
He’s one of the few that continues to carry the Slaughterhouse mentality without flinching. It’s good to see as there’s not many left who can say they stand for what the brand once proudly boasted from top to bottom.
[La’Bell doesn’t show much emotion as he makes it to cageside and gets checked by the bout official. Once cleared, he stomps up the steps and heads straight to his corner, shadow boxing along the way.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Main Event of the evening! The following bout is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer with a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-4. He stands at 6’1” and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from The Windy City — Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese!
[Donnie Calabrese is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his battle as the crowd is fully behind him right now.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Wrestler with a professional mixed martial arts record of 6-2. He stands 6’ even and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from Long Island, New York, fighting out of Slaughterhouse New York, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion of the World, “The Beast” Derrick La’Bell!
[Derrick La'Bell raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident but focused on what is ahead of him.]
CARRICK PRICE
You can hear the crowd vocally behind the hometown boy in Donnie Calabrese. Fans across the world were less convinced of his skill, though they still favored him to win the fight with 56% of the voting fanbase predicting a new heavyweight champion when all is said and done tonight.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Calabrese is 0-2 against La’Bell all-time, so there’s no doubt it’s a hard sell on Calabrese walking away from this one victorious. But that’s the beauty of this sport, any man has a chance at any given moment! Our referee for this Co-Main Event Title Fight is Dusty Whittaker. He checks off with each big man one last time and calls for the bell! And here we go!
[La'Bell and Calabrese move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight with the two keeping their distance from one another in the early going. Calabrese studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense. Calabrese fakes a punch and shoots a takedown that La'Bell didn't see coming and has been put on the ground! Donnie Calabrese is in open guard over La'Bell and tries to improve position. Soon enough he frees a leg. La'Bell tries to move on the ground and shows Calabrese a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow! Bang! La'Bell's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dusty Whittaker knows he may be calling off the fight soon!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
For a big guy like Donnie Calabrese, his technical game is quite impressive. La’Bell gets taken down with ease here and Donnie now looks to continue the offense.
[Donnie positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows! One, two, three! La'Bell's being punished here! Calabrese pushes La'Bell's leg and tries to move to full mount but Derrick wraps his legs while he holds Donnie Calabrese's head... Tight guard! Calabrese launches a few fake punches and tries to escape! Derrick La'Bell is not able to stop Donnie’s ground skills and Calabrese moves to side mount! La'Bell immediately tries to stand up but Calabrese doesn't allow him! Donnie Calabrese slides his knee across and gets to mount. La'Bell’s cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Calabrese gets a good position on the ground and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Derrick La'Bell! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Derrick La'Bell doesn't defend himself!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Don Mob doing work on the ground with some brutal strikes here! If La’Bell doesn’t defend himself a little better, we may be seeing a new champion crowned!
[Derrick tries to escape but Calabrese uses his skill on the ground to keep La’Bell neutralized, transitioning from mount to side control. Continuing to be the aggressor, Donnie stifles La’Bell on the ground and looks to move into full mount once again but La'Bell sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard. Calabrese launches a few fake punches and tries to escape! Derrick La'Bell rolls over himself and stands up while Donnie Calabrese rolls on his back. Dusty Whittaker halts the fight to stand up Donnie Calabrese. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
CARRICK PRICE
I have to say I’m shocked to see how dominant Donnie has looked in the early going. He’s calm and collected and is fully asserting himself so far. Lets see if that changes now that they’re standing again.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Derrick La’Bell is no slouch on the ground, either. The man has made a name for himself with brutal ground and pound, but Donnie looks like a totally different fighter from their first two encounters.
[Calabrese decides to launch some tentative punches and Derrick La'Bell takes the best of a brief punching exchange. Calabrese wants to close the range and tries to grapple. La'Bell doesn't want anything like this as he moves backwards. Derrick La'Bell fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside. Calabrese launches a hook to the body and La'Bell moves aside looking for a counter. Calabrese shoots in and is holding Derrick La'Bell's right leg. He's trying to take him down. Derrick La'Bell loses balance and goes to the ground. After the takedown Donnie Calabrese is in side mount over Derrick La'Bell and looks to pass to mount but La'Bell creates space and scrambles back to his feet. Donnie follows and immediately throws a right hand that misses its target. Calabrese shoots for a double leg takedown but Derrick La'Bell sprawls and manages to stay on his feet. And it’s a big mistake from Donnie Calabrese! La'Bell tries to finish him off with a rear naked choke but is unable to sink it in fully and Donnie breaks the hold and stands up, with La’Bell following.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Big back and forth scrum between these two goliaths. It looked like La’Bell was about to get the upper hand, but really was mostly a wash for both fighters.
[Back on their feet once more Donnie Calabrese tries to take the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown but Derrick La'Bell is starting to catch on and jumps backwards, freeing his leg. Right away he looks to counter now and he surprises Calabrese with a double overhooks! Donnie responds with a looping right hand while Derrick La'Bell jumps back and jabs. That one hits but Donnie seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here. A quick hook by Donnie Calabrese glances off La'Bell's arms.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Derrick La’Bell is starting to read the takedown very well now and has got Donnie reassessing his gameplan.
[Calabrese steps backwards and lowers his arms while breathing heavily... He seems tired. Several good body shots land on Calabrese and Donnie has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent. Calabrese moves forward looking for some action and La'Bell struggles a bit before breaking Calabrese's attempt of grappling. Donnie Calabrese takes a few seconds to recover his breath before firing off a nice punch that nearly tags La'Bell. Narrowly avoiding the punch, La'Bell attempts a sweep single and catches Donnie Calabrese's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by La'Bell.]
CARRICK PRICE
Perfectly executed sweep there by the champion. Now he needs to make the most out of the closing moments of the first.
[Derrick La'Bell is in closed guard over Calabrese and Donnie tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Derrick La'Bell! Derrick La'Bell tries to roll to his side and trap Donnie Calabrese in his guard but Donnie rolls him over and takes his back and a moment later the referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.]
Donnie Calabrese’s Corner Notes:
You won the round!
Keep doing what you’re doing!
Finish the fight!
Derrick La’Bell’s Corner Notes:
Keep making him work on the ground!
Look for to make him tap!
Donnie won the round!
[The second round kicks off with the sound of the bell and the two move toward the center of the cage to engage. Incredible haymaker from Donnie Calabrese. You can see Derrick La'Bell's head being snapped backwards and his mouth is beginning to swell! Calabrese follow up the big shot by faking a punch and shoots a takedown! La'Bell didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground! Calabrese is in open guard over La'Bell. In response La'Bell isolates an arm in a kimura attempt but Calabrese blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass La'Bell's guard.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Another solid takedown by Donnie. Even though La’Bell isn’t really known for his submission skills, he’s still got to watch for it.
[Donnie Calabrese is in half guard over La'Bell, who launches a few punches to Calabrese's cheek from the guard. Calabrese uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward, trying to pass Derrick La'Bell's guard. He manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount. From side control Calabrese continues moving on the ground. Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally? Dusty Whittaker didn't see that!]
CARRICK PRICE
Wow… pretty clear headbutt by Donnie to the champ there. I don’t think it was intentional but how did Dusty Whittaker miss that?
TOUSSAINT HARPER
That could come back into play. Donnie has to be careful.
[Calabrese continues his work on the ground with his fingers over La'Bell's face. He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move! Dusty Whittaker didn't see that either!]
CARRICK PRICE
AND NOW A FINGER TO THE EYE?! What in the world is this old man watching? I could see it from here, Harpy. How in the world has Calabrese not been penalized a point at this point? I don’t think he’s doing it intentionally but that’s no excuse.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
No doubt it looked pretty clear, but somehow Donnie gets another pass by the official.
[Still Calabrese works on the ground with his fingers over La'Bell's face. He seems to have encountered the eye again! And finally Dusty Whittaker has seen that! Dusty Whittaker takes away one point from Donnie Calabrese for eye poke and allows La'Bell time to recover. ]
CARRICK PRICE
I don’t even know what to think at this point. Donnie Calabrese has controlled this fight for the most part but you can’t blame the champ for being a bit out of sorts after everything that has just happened in the past few moments.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
It’s hard to say that wasn’t intentional, but either way, from a spectator’s view, the point deduction is warranted.
[The fight resumes with both fighters standing. Calabrese tries to grapple but La'Bell moves aside keeping the fight at striking range. La'Bell launches a kick but Donnie Calabrese avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook! Calabrese grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground. Great takedown by Donnie Calabrese!]
[Donnie Calabrese is in open guard over La'Bell. Calabrese tries to improve position and he frees a leg. Always busy, Calabrese looks to transition from half guard and once more frees his leg, moving to side control. Not stopping there, and with how easily his transitions have come who could blame him, Calabrese looks to mount La’Bell but La'Bell takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.]
[Donnie Calabrese now finds himself in closed guard over La'Bell. Calabrese is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against La'Bell's ribs. La'Bell blocks Donnie Calabrese's moves and tries to reverse the situation but to no avail. Calabrese tries to escape from closed guard, struggles to free his leg, and jumps to half guard! Calabrese tries to open up Derrick La'Bell's defense faking a few punches. He is aggressively and repeatedly punching La'Bell in the side of the head before La’Bell eventually defends himself.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Donnie Calabrese continues to dominate on the ground here, this is not looking too good for the champ.
[Still in half guard, Calabrese tries to free his leg and uses some of his skills by jumping out of La'Bell's guard. He moves quickly to side mount! Calabrese slides his knee across and gets to mount. Calabrese tries to keep his position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session but La’Bell struggles to escape the difficult position he’s found himself in again. Calabrese controls the situation despite Derrick La'Bell efforts for escaping from the full mount.]
[Derrick La'Bell tries to roll to his side and get to half guard and creates enough space to control Donnie Calabrese's leg. Donnie Calabrese is in half guard over La'Bell. Calabrese tries to get a side mount. La'Bell wraps his leg around Donnie Calabrese leg and prevents him from moving. Calabrese displays his skill again by jumping out of La'Bell's guard. He moves quickly to side mount! Donnie Calabrese slides his knee across and gets to mount. La'Bell tries to move on the ground and shows Donnie Calabrese a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow! Bang! La'Bell's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dusty Whittaker knows he may be calling off the fight soon! Donnie Calabrese tries to open La'Bell's guard. Great bombs from the top by Donnie Calabrese. La'Bell is unable to cover himself now!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
This could be it! Derrick La’Bell looks hurt!
[La'Bell tries to escape from the full mount but Donnie is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position. Calabrese has his hand down and he is just willing the round to end. He will need better cardio training in the future. Donnie Calabrese looks to mount Derrick La'Bell and again Calabrese slides his knee across and gets to mount.]
[Donnie Calabrese is in full mount over Derrick La'Bell and is moving on the ground... BOOM! That was another headbutt! Dusty Whittaker has seen that! Dusty Whittaker allows La'Bell time to recover. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
CARRICK PRICE
Another illegal strike. Whittaker saw it, thank Christ, but at this point in my honest opinion Calabrese should be disqualified. This fight should be over right here and now. It’s a shame that this is what this heavyweight championship bout has devolved into.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Certainly not something we want to see, but that’s two points deducted from Calabrese now in this round. That’s a big blow on the scorecards, but more importantly, he’s on thin ice from here on out.
[Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. Calabrese avoids a dangerous strike from La'Bell and counters with a solid straight! La'Bell's Left eye is beginning to swell Donnie Calabrese and La'Bell engage in a wild exchange of punches! Donnie Calabrese is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows. La'Bell has a small cut in his left eye. Donnie Calabrese has found an opening in the defense of La'Bell, launching a big hook Bang! That could break La'Bell's ribs.]
[With just seconds left in the round, Donnie Calabrese tries to bring the fight to the ground and La'Bell goes down. Donnie Calabrese is in open guard over La'Bell. Calabrese tries to move to full mount and succeeds, but before he can launch any more offense, the referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.]
Donnie Calabrese’s Corner Notes:
Watch the illegal moves!
More Ground And Pound!
Finish The Fight!
Derrick La’Bell’s Corner Notes:
Forget the past two rounds!
You must finish the fight!
Knock him out!
[As the bell sounds for the third round it’s clear Donnie’s cardio needs some work as he is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe. La’Bell approaches and the two exchange wildly. Calabrese is connecting with a few punches as the wild exchange continues. The two exchange wildly. La'Bell steps forward in spite of the shots landing and Donnie Calabrese catches him with an uppercut to the face! He follows the upper cut up with Donnie Calabrese a looping right hand that lands on La'Bell's chin! That stops La'Bell in his tracks! Down goes La'Bell! He's out cold! That phenomenal knockout has put the rest of Donnie Calabrese's division on notice!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And this one is all over! Donnie Calabrese put the nail in the coffin for Derrick La’Bell and we have a new Heavyweight Champion!
CARRICK PRICE
Look, congratulations to Donnie Calabrese on his championship victory but this one is going to be marred by all sorts of accusations. I’m just… I really don’t know what to say right now, Harpy. We should be celebrating with the new champ but instead a rather large shadow has been cast over his victory after everything that happened in the second round.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Say what you will, but right here, right now, the fans here don’t seem to mind!
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Donnie Calabrese gets rushed by his corner crew. Doctors tend to La’Bell for a while before finally helping him back up to his feet. After doctors and cutmen 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 51 seconds in the third round, for your winner by knockout, AND NEW Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion, “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese!
[The crowd continues to cheer at deafening volumes 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 KO (Punch) at 0:51 Round 3
Statistics: Derrick La'Bell
Punches 4/15 (27%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/3 (0%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 352 s
Statistics: Donnie Calabrese
Punches 21/30 (70%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/4 (100%)
Takedowns 5/7 (71%)
GnP strikes 18/22 (82%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 352 s
["Icon” by Jaden Smith begins to play over the loudspeaker and “The Silver Tongued Devil” Aries Reed emerges to the stage wearing his purple and silver walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Reed looks hyped up and can seemingly be seen talking trash as he slowly walks toward the cage.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
The penultimate walkout tonight, Aries Reed makes his return to Chi-town. If you recall, Reed made his Union debut back at UGP 5 at the Wintrust Arena right here in Chicago, and now things come full circle here tonight.
CARRICK PRICE
Let me tell you, it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was just an upstart in Macto Legion, and Aries was making the switch from boxing to MMA. Both in MLC, both wanting to make a name for ourselves. I couldn’t have predicted this was where we would be years later but I gotta say I’m proud of the lad. He’s earned his spot in this fight. Win or lose, he deserves this.
[Once he makes it to cageside, Reed gets checked out by the fight official to ensure he’s fit to fight. Once he’s been cleared, he bear crawls up the steps and stomps into the cage, giving out a loud battle cry before taking his corner]
[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. The crowd grows with cheers to show their adoration for the lethal champion. Guilliman makes his way down the aisle with members of the Real Killas camp following close behind]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
The final walkout of the night, the one and only Robert Guilliman. The Primarch’s ascension to the championship throne has been a spectacle to behold. Currently sitting 5-1, all five of his wins have ended in a first round finish with his kicks, Guilliman is as deadly as they come.
CARRICK PRICE
The champion’s champion. I like the way that Guilliman carries himself. It doesn’t matter what anyone says he has full confidence in his abilities and rightfully so. He’s got some nasty head kicks that no one in this industry should want to be on the receiving end of. Whether he remains the Middleweight Champion tonight or not, I don’t know. But he has carried that belt with class up to this point and I don’t expect that to change.
[Guilliman marches down the aisle decidedly, with a heavy air of concentration about him, then salutes solemnly to the audience and staff. He finally reaches cageside, where he strips down and gets checked by the fight official. Once he’s been cleared, he enters the cage and starts a small warm-up routine.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Main Event of the evening! The following bout 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 Boxer with a professional mixed martial arts record of 12-5. He stands at 6’ even and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Atlanta, Georgia, fighting out of Slaughterhouse Las Vegas, he is “The Silver Tongued Devil” Aries Reed!
[Aries Reed is calm in his corner as he sways back and forth. He looks like he’s been waiting for this moment forever.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer with a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-1. He stands 6’1” and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Los Angeles, California, fighting out of the Real Killas MMA, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion of the World, “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman!
[Guilliman raises a clenched fist in the air as the crowd cheers the champion on.]
CARRICK PRICE
Well, the Real Killas army must have been on vacation somewhere during voting this week. Either that or Aries fanbase has exploded because 67% of fans think we’re going to see a new Middleweight Champ tonight. Will they be right or wrong? I don’t know. That’s what these two are about to fight to determine.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
The waiting and the speculation is all over now. A fight we have been waiting for months is just moments away! Both fighters have a huge following and it shows right now as this crowd is in pandemonium! Our referee for this main event bout is Herschel Warden. He checks off with each warrior one last time and calls for the bell! And here we go!
[The bell announces the round and the fighters meet in the circle to touch gloves with the utmost respect as they double touch gloves. This fight has been known for a while now and is finally happening. The feeling out process didn't take long as ten seconds have gone by and both men are looking for their range. The champ sends a kick to Aries’ leg. He wasn't able to check it and ate that one. Though he winces a little.]
[Robert Guilliman goes with a looping right hand while Aries Reed jumps back and jabs. Guilliman seems staggered and Aries Reed runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.]
CARRICK PRICE
Great maneuvering by Aries there and wow I think that jab broke Guilliman’s nose!
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Reed unloads on the champ! There’s no mistake here, he came to throw down!
[Guilliman recovers and throws a low kick. He switches targets and lands a superb body kick! Now a middle kick from Guilliman. Reed receives a solid kick right below his ribs. Guillman looks for a hook but it gets blocked by Aries. Guilliman shoots in and is holding Reed's right leg. He's trying to take him down. Aries Reed shows great balance while pushing Robert Guilliman away.]
CARRICK PRICE
Aries isn’t going to want to let too many more of those kicks through his defenses. But he did a nice job defending the takedown, something that he needed to work on a bunch when he and I squared off years ago.
[Robert Guilliman goes with a looping right hand while Aries Reed jumps back and jabs. Guilliman only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless. Robert Guilliman steps forward and fires a Spinning Back Kick that lands flush! Reed has a small cut on his chin from the kick. Instead of following up with a strike, the champ shoots for a double leg takedown but Aries wasn't going for it. Guilliman gets sloppy and Reed tries to take advantage. Aries Reed tries to take the action to his favorite field as he tries to grapple. Great move by Aries Reed who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks. Reed doesn't want to clinch, just slow down the action for a second. As he ducks under Robert Guilliman and tries to move away, Guilliman pushes Reed forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Gilliman and Reed jockey for position here but neither one takes total control.
[Both fighters are tied in a clinch. Robert Guilliman grapples with Aries Reed and tries an Outer Leg Sweep. Reed manages to maintain his balance and avoids the takedown. Reed tries to break the clinch... Robert Guilliman launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space! But Reed breaks the clinch and the knee goes wide!]
CARRICK PRICE
Well scouted by Aries as that knee could have put him in a world of hurt. I like what the champion is doing here, though. Everyone knows Aries’ punching ability is top-notch but the champ has been testing the other facets of his game.
[Robert Guilliman shoots for a takedown and Aries scrambles but stumbles and The Champ gets in open guard over Reed. Guilliman moves on the ground but remains in open guard. Reed tries to close his guard around Guilliman and he succeeds! Robert Guilliman is in closed guard over Reed now. Rees tries to roll on the ground but Robert Guilliman uses his leg to keep his position on the ground.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Everyone is aware of Robert Guilliman’s standup game, however, he's more than capable on the ground. Something that often gets overlooked.
[Robert Guilliman launches a few punches to Reed. Reed covers himself well and then rolls on the ground. Great reversal! Aries Reed is in open guard over Guilliman now. Guilliman launches a few weak punches to Reed's ribs, causing a bit of a distraction. Guilliman tries to close his guard around Reed, and he succeeds! Aries Reed is in closed guard over Guilliman. Guilliman tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Aries Reed!]
CARRICK PRICE
And this is not where you want to be if you’re an opponent trying to take the Primarch’s championship away from him. Lets see if Guilliman can capitalize on the advantageous position.
[Robert Guilliman is in full mount over Aries Reed. Robert Guilliman positions himself and launches a barrage of punches and his punches are hitting Reed’s chest hard. Aries Reed tries to roll to his side and get to half guard but Robert Guilliman rolls Aries Reed to his stomach and takes his back! Reed has Guilliman controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape. Showing some ground skills, Reed manages to escape from that position and climb to his feet along with Guilliman.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Great maneuverability from Aries Reed to escape the bottom. Both men are on their feet, and judging by the deafening volume, so are the fans!
[They're cheering this Main Event on as Guilliman moves aside and launches a furious low kick! Hard blow to Reed's thigh! Reed hyper-extended his leg. Aries Reed seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Robert Guilliman! Guilliman looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Aries Reed's sways but sways into the receiving end of a great combo by Guilliman. That punishment by Robert Guilliman has left Reed staggered! Robert Guilliman should try push forward now and finish this! Guilliman steps backwards and lowers his arms while breathing heavily... He seems tired.]
CARRICK PRICE
The champ has really turned up the heat but that exertion seems to have gassed him a bit and it’s buying Aries a sliver of time to get his legs back under him.
[Robert Guilliman goes with a looping right hand while Aries Reed jumps back and jabs. Reed seems staggered and Robert Guilliman runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. The champ and Reed engage in a wild exchange of punches! Robert Guilliman is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows. Robert Guilliman tries a high kick! Reed was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked off his head! Reed hits the ground like a ragdoll! Robert Guilliman knocks Reed out cold in stunning fashion! Reed's cheek is cut and bruised after the punishment he just received!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Robert Guilliman does it again! Unbelievable!
CARRICK PRICE
WHAT A KICK BY THE CHAMPION! And just like that Aries Reed goes to sleep. Tremendous four and a half minutes of a fight though. Aries held his own in the early going but the champion stays the champion by showing he is as well rounded a fighter as there is in any weight class.
[The crowd erupts as Robert Guilliman steps away from his walk-off KO. Doctors tend to Reed for a while before finally helping him back up to his feet. After doctors and cutmen finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Wardan has called for a stop in this fight at 4 minutes 29 seconds in the very first round, for your winner by knockout, AND STILL Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion, “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman!
[The crowd continues to cheer as Guilliman 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: Robert Guilliman by KO (High Kick) at 4:29 Round 1
Statistics: Robert Guilliman
Punches 10/20 (50%)
Kicks 6/6 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 0/2 (0%)
GnP strikes 6/14 (43%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 110 s
Statistics: Aries Reed
Punches 7/14 (50%)
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 110 s
TOUSSAINT HARPER
What an incredible fight to cap off another exciting night of mixed martial arts. We inch our way closer to the finals in the 2019 Championship Grand Prix tournaments, but there is a lot of fights left to go.
CARRICK PRICE
The journey has just begun, but the landscape has already been shaken to its core.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And that’s a wrap for UGP 13, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight we saw some amazing fights with some incredible and controversial finishes, and we are just scratching the surface for the 2019 Championship Grand Prix tournaments! For Carrick Price, I'm Toussaint Harper, catch us again in two weeks as we head on down to New Orleans for Boss Fight XII only on the Battleground Network! Good night!