3ARENA
DUBLIN, IRELAND
NOVEMBER 10, 2019
CLICK HERE FOR PRELIM RESULTS
PRESHOW
TENSLEY TAYLOR SINGS
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Follow Tensley Taylor on Twitter
♫
WHEN I GET TO THE BOTTOM I GO BACK TO THE TOP OF THE SLIDE
WHERE I STOP AND I TURN AND I GO FOR A RIDE
TILL I GET TO THE BOTTOM AND I SEE YOU AGAIN
♫
[The arena is filled with The Beatles classic “Helter Skelter” and soon Darren Thatcher emerges. Thatcher comes out in his warmups with members of The Lair following behind, hyping him up. Darren looks loose and confident as he has a little bounce in his step toward the octagon.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
We’re kicking off the main card as Darren Thatcher makes his walk out here to the cage and this rookie from “The Lair” is looking to keep his winning ways alive here to kick off the show tonight. The London native’s standup game leaves something to be desired here but his work on the mat is that of sheer brilliance.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, the ground and pound knockout win over Arnie Dawe at UGP 14 was brutal. Absolutely brutal. I like the fact that if the submission isn’t there for this cat, he will literally mount up and pummel your head into the canvas. No fucks given. I like this dude. If he can improve on his standup and set up those takedowns better? I think he could be a force here. It’s nice to see raw Jiu Jitsu and Judo guys here in Union. There are a lot of standout strikers in the game but the amount of pure grapplers are rare. Well… good ones at least. It’ll be interesting to watch his journey here and see if he evolves on the feet to complete the whole package.
[Thatcher makes it to cageside and strips down to his fight gear. The fight official checks to ensure he’s fit to fight, and once he’s been cleared, he gives each one of his crew a fist bump before climbing up the steps and entering the cage.]
♫
"DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER" BY SHIRLEE MANSON
BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[As the music begins to play over the loudspeaker and the lights dim down, Julia Tran emerges from the main stage and the crowd roars with cheers. Tran has her Real Killas crew following close behind her as she grins and waves to the crowd.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
“The Jewel” Julia Tran makes the march to the cage now and Jason, this Vietnamese born Real Killas prospect has had...well, a little bit of a rough start out of the gate in her time here in UGP. She suffered two back-to-back losses against Gina VanZant and Zoe Sinani, but it looked like she might turn it around after securing a slick kneebar submission win over Amedea Rao at Boss Fight VIII. That momentum was put on hold however, when she found herself on the losing end of a razor thin split decision loss to Saffron Harris back at Boss Fight XII. What can she do to get herself back into the win column tonight?
JASON JACKSON
Man… Don’t leave this shit to the judges. I repeat, DO NOT LEAVE THESE FIGHTS TO THE JUDGES DECISION! Look, this girl is a serious Judoka. Black belt, placed in the top 3 of the California state Judo Competition and her cardio is top notch. She has an engine like a Ferarri Harp. Now, Thatcher is a great grappler himself, so it might be a war of attrition here on the ground but… this girl also has a Karate background and very well could counter strike this non-striker and clean his clock. That would be my gameplan. Use that grappling experience to keep this fight standing and kick this fella’s head into the nosebleeds. Tell the judges to score that.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Well, I guess we’re going to see how it goes. Let’s take it down to Mike Dempsey to hear the introductions.
[Tran makes it to cageside and strips down to her fight gear. The fight official checks to ensure she’s fit to fight, and once she’s been cleared, she gives each one of her crew a hug before racing up the steps and darting straight to her corner.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland for UGP 16! And now, this opening contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-0. He stands 5’10” and weighing in at 135 pounds. He is from London, England, fighting out of The Lair, he is Darren “The Bodysnatcher” Thatcher!
[Thatcher bobs his head, acknowledging the crowd’s reaction.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Judo Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-3. She stands 5’3” and weighing in at 105 pounds. She is from Can Tho, Vietnam, by way of Huntington Beach, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, she is “The Jewel” Julia Tran!
[Tran throws a hand in the air and gives a slight smile before turning her focus back to her opponent.]
JASON JACKSON
Boy, this crowd loves Thatcher. Do you hear those chants? Looks like the oddsmakers love him too. They’ve got Julia as the underdog here and I can’t say I blame them by looking at her record. I do love a good underdog story though, and those Killas are tough as nails so this is going to be a hard one to call.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
“The Bodysnatcher” is staring holes through Tran but she looks calm and ready to do work. This will be the first time these two have met in the cage, and the referee for the bout is Herschel Warden. Looks like we’re ready to get this opening fight underway.
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ROUND ONE
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[The fight gets underway as the bell sounds. Darren Thatcher and Julia Tran touch gloves before kicking things off. Darren Thatcher circles around a bit before attempting a sweep single leg. Tran reads it perfectly and sprawls back to stuff the takedown. Thatcher gets back to his feet and continues to circle, before dropping levels and now shooting for a double leg! Again, Tran sprawls back and manages to stay on her feet. Both fighters circle back around to the center of the cage.]
[Tran now initiates some action. She looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Darren Thatcher's punches. Thatcher is on the receiving end of a great combo by Tran right there. Thatcher fires back and is swinging for the fences, but Tran backpedals and creates space. Julia Tran sets up a sweep single now and catches Thatcher's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Tran.]
[Julia Tran is in a closed guard and Thatcher overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting maneuver but Tran is quick to pull her arm out of the hold. Tran looks to posture up and open Thatcher's guard and she forces him to open his guard. Thatcher is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe. He tries to close his guard around Tran and after a brief struggle he succeeds! Thatcher is now going for a triangle from the bottom, but Julia Tran is quick to slip out. Thatcher then turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at her. Julia Tran slips out and backs away to avoid any further danger. Referee Herschel Warden halts the fight to stand up Darren Thatcher. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
JASON JACKSON
Did this man just take out his mouthpiece so he could breathe?! Whaaaaat? Come on man. You can’t be gassed already. Yo.. Tran is looking great right now in the opening minutes of this round. She’s stuffing those takedowns and then effortlessly swept a single of her own? That was some “Anything you can do, I can do better.” Type stuff. Good start for “The Jewel”
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Well, like you said, War of attrition. Who’s going to run out of steam and cave first? Looks like it might be Darren Thatcher.
[Back on their feet, Darren Thatcher fakes a move and moves laterally. Several good body shots are evaded by Tran. Thatcher launches a lightning-fast low kick but Tran blocks that kick then pushes away. The two fighters circle around for a bit before closing in to exchange wildly! Both are landing some shots but without much steam behind them. Thatcher then changes levels and goes for a single leg, but Julia Tran shows great balance while pushing Thatcher off. Tran tries to take advantage now and pushes her opponent forward with double underhooks.]
[The fighters are pummeling back and forth in the clinch to gain control before Tran drops her level and drops Thatcher with a double leg takedown! Tran is in open guard over Thatcher and she tries to improve her position and frees a leg. Thatcher attempts to move to full guard but Tran keeps good control and remains in half guard. Tran pushes Thatcher's leg and moves to full mount! Thatcher could be in trouble now! Tran tries to open up Thatcher with a few strikes with her right elbow. Some nice shots are landing and Thatcher is trying to block them with his hands. Darren Thatcher retaliates and fires off some big punches to the ribs. Tran blocks the hits and now tries to better her position on the ground.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
“The Bodysnatcher” is in a bad position! He’s eating some decent shots from Tran here on the ground.
JASON JACKSON
Man, the “underdog” Is taking this man to school right now in the grappling game. He can’t stop the takedowns to save his life and she’s denying every single one of his.
[Thatcher tries to escape from the full mount but Tran doesn't want to lose her favorable position and she fights to maintain the full mount. Thatcher measures the resilience of Tran's ribs with a couple of big punches but Tran blocks the hits. Thatcher tries to escape from the full mount but Julia Tran is not caught off guard and moves to side control to keep her superior position. The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground. Both fighters continue the fight on their feet and you can hear how the crowd agree with that decision.]
[Thatcher moves forward looking for some action but Tran doesn't look like she wants to engage and backpedals. The buzzer sounds and Herschel Warden tells the fighters to go to their corners as the opening round is over.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Round one undoubtedly has to go to Julia Tran, what do you think Jason?
JASON JACKSON
Oh, no doubt. 10-9 Tran. I will say though, I know this crowd likes to see the standup action and I do too. I love a good slugfest. So, they may hate me for saying this but... that was a bullshit stand-up by the ref. Let these fighters work on the ground. She literally had JUST transitioned to side control and this motherfucker stands it up? How sway? LET THE GRAPPLERS GRAPPLE MAN.
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ROUND TWO
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[The second round begins and both fighters quickly close in. Tran throws some tentative punches and Thatcher eats them. Tran tries to grapple now and puts Thatcher in double underhooks! Tran fakes a punch to the body and then trips him to the ground!]
[Tran tries to improve her position on the ground as she sits on her knees and tries to break the closed guard. She fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount. Tran tries to open up Thatcher with a few strikes with her right elbow and some nice shots are landing. Thatcher is trying to block them with his hands but eats quite a few of them. Thatcher tries to turn away and scramble out but Tran takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke! She can't lock it up! Thatcher spins out and gets back to his feet. Both fighters continue the fight on their feet and you can hear the fans in attendance cheering them on.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Oooh. She almost had that choke. You know what they say though.. close only counts in horseshoes.
JASON JACKSON
And hand grenades. Close counts with hand grenades.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And hand grenades…
JASON JACKSON
And RPGs.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And RP- Ahem. Good work from Thatcher though by getting out of that bad position. The crowd loves it. Back to the action.
[Back on their feet, Thatcher seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent. Thatcher then throws a hook but it fails to land it. Thatcher quickly drops for a single leg, but Tran shows great balance and pushes him off. Thatcher and Tran then engage in a wild exchange of punches! Tran is getting the best of the exchange as she lands a few blows. Thatcher backs away and looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Tran's punches. Thatcher measures the durability of Tran's chin with an uppercut while Tran lands some great crosses.]
[Tran fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside. The two step into each other and engage in another wild exchange of punches, but both fighters are missing terribly. Thatcher jumps and catches Julia Tran's arm and tries a flying armbar! Tran breaks the lock and launches herself over Thatcher, winning side mount! Thatcher attempts to trap Tran in his guard but she keeps control and remains in side mount. Julia Tran hooks Thatcher's left leg and sits back for a kneebar! Thatcher manages to kick Tran away and scrambles on top!]
[Thatcher is in open guard over Tran but Tran closes guard. Tran slides her legs high and tries to apply a triangle! That Triangle looks tight and Thatcher struggles to free himself. Thatcher cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount! Thatcher shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a choke! Tran pushes Thatcher forward against his back and breaks the lock!]
JASON JACKSON
YOOOOO. Now THIS is some high level grappling. This is what I was waiting for. This man just went for a flying armbar, then she went for a kneebar, and then she damn near finishes with that triangle hold. GREAT stuff here man. Shout out to the matchmakers for booking this fight.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
You really are enjoying yourself here, huh? You look like you miss it out there.
JASON JACKSON
Every day. Every damn day. I’m loving being here right now man. You have no clue.
[Thatcher launches a few weak punches and those punches are connecting clean in the ribs. Deep breaths from Thatcher who tries a hammer punch to Tran's ribs but Tran blocks those punches now. Thatcher tries to roll on the ground now but Tran uses her leg to keep her position on the ground. Thatcher looks like he is gassing out now. He unloads with a couple of big punches from guard to the ribs but Tran is able to fend them off. Thatcher suddenly attempts a triangle from bottom! Julia Tran slips out. Thatcher quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at her! Tran slips out and backs away to avoid danger. Herschel Warden halts the fight to stand up Darren Thatcher. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
[Back on the feet, Thatcher shoots for another single leg takedown but Julia Tran stuffs it and ties Thatcher up in a clinch. Thatcher is in good position and is looking to change levels for the takedown but Tran doesn't let Thatcher get in on her legs. The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round and the referee intervenes to break the clinch. The ref then tells the fighters to go to their corner.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
That round was much closer than the last. I’m not really sure who to give it to. I’m thinking Julia gets the slight edge here.
JASON JACKSON
AGAIN with this fucking ref man. They’re throwing up hella submission attempts and this man stands them up. JESUS CHRIST. He’d better be glad that’s not me in there putting in work on the ground and him standing me up. I’d smack the soul out of his body right now.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Would you really? Damn.
JASON JACKSON
Hell yeah. Let them work! You know they are both grapplers! Why would you… You know what.. Nevermind. That round goes to Tran. 10-9. Thatcher has to do something here cause he’s losing this fight by a long shot.
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ROUND THREE
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[The final round begins and both fighters look visibly tired as they head out from their corners. A right hand from Darren Thatcher misses its target. Thatcher moves forward looking for some action, but Julia Tran doesn't want to engage and backpedals. Thatcher rushes in and the two engage in a wild exchange of punches! Tran is getting the best of the exchange as she lands a few blows. Thatcher tries to catch his opponent off guard and goes for a sweep single but Tran was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt. Tran fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside. Thatcher again tries to bring the fight to the ground but Tran won't budge, forcing Thatcher to pull guard.]
[Tran is in closed guard over Thatcher and she throws some rabbit punches. They're bothering Thatcher even though they aren't hurting him. Thatcher switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle! Tran struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but eventually she manages to slip her head of the lock! Thatcher then tries an armbar from the bottom! Tran breaks the lock and moves herself to side control.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Whew! Another near end to this fight. She was turning red for a moment there, but she showed some resilience by getting out of that triangle and fighting off the follow up armbar attempt.
JASON JACKSON
This is some good shit. ELITE level grappling from both fighters here. This is a Jiu Jitsu clinic. Take notes. I feel like I’m watchin NAGA or an IBJJF match. This is prime. Good work by Tran keeping this win alive right now.
[Julia Tran looks to mount Thatcher, she slides her knee across and gets to full mount. Thatcher tries to roll to his side and trap Tran in his guard but she keeps good control and remains in full mount. Out of nowhere, Tran goes for an armbar! Thatcher breaks the lock and pushes Julia away, who rolls over her back and gets to standing position. Herschel Warden halts the fight to stand up Thatcher. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
[Thatcher and Tran circle around to the center of the cage. Thatcher looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Tran's punches and Thatcher is on the receiving end of a great combo by Tran. Tran tries to grapple and puts Thatcher in a double underhook! Thatcher tries to shrug his way out of the clinch but Tran is determined and pummels through and manages to retain her position. Thatcher pushes Tran into the fence and tries to calm down the action. Herschel Warden separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.]
[Thatcher and Tran move back to the center of the cage and resume action. Thatcher moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense. He tries to bring the fight to the ground but Tran won't budge, forcing Thatcher to pull guard. Julia Tran is in closed guard and Thatcher throws his legs up in a triangle attempt! Tran realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack. Tran opts to go after her opponent and jumps inside Thatcher's guard. Thatcher didn't see that coming. Tran is in open guard over Thatcher now.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Darren pulls guard here and--
JASON JACKSON
TRIANGLE!
TOUSSAINT HARPER
AND SHE JUMPS RIGHT BACK IN!
JASON JACKSON
LET’S GOOO!
[Thatcher hammers Tran's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard. Tran blocks the hits as she continues to work on the ground. Thatcher sits up and gets an arm around Tran's neck but Tran pushes him back to the ground. Thatcher reaches under and rolls for a kneebar! Tran blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard. Thatcher attempts another triangle from the bottom but Julia Tran slips out. Thatcher quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at her again! Tran slips out and backs away to avoid the dangerous situation. Herschel Warden halts the fight to stand up Darren Thatcher. The fight resumes with both fighters standing. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. Just as they get back to their feet, the buzzer sounds and Herschel Warden separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.]
JASON JACKSON
What a fight. Look man, I know a lot of you want to see these people stand in a tire and bang like the old boxing drills but that was some world class grappling and I’m so honored to have been here to see that one. That got pretty exciting. I gotta give this to Julia Tran. 29-28 in my eyes.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I have to agree. Thatcher came alive at the end but I don’t think it was enough. I have to go with Julia Tran. Let’s head down for the Judge’s decision and see…
[The crowd cheers on both fighters after a grinding three round battle as each competitor gets checked on by the medical staff. After a few moments, both fighters gear up and head to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards. Judge Miranda Franco scores it 29-28 — Thatcher, Judge Max Carver scores it 29-28 — Tran, and Judge Ozzie Sebastian scores it 29-28 for your winner by Split Decision, “The Jewel” Julia Tran!
[The crowd cheers once again as Tran 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 the fight.]
JUDGE MIRANDA FRANCO
Julia Tran 9 10 9: 28
Darren Thatcher 10 9 10: 29
JUDGE MAX CARVER
Julia Tran 9 10 10: 29
Darren Thatcher 10 9 9: 28
JUDGE OZZIE SEBASTIAN
Julia Tran 9 10 10: 29
Darren Thatcher 10 9 9: 28
Winner: Julia Tran by Split Decision
Statistics: Julia Tran
Punches 17/27 (63%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 6/11 (55%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 457 s
Statistics: Darren Thatcher
Punches 9/23 (39%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/2 (0%)
Takedowns 0/9 (0%)
GnP strikes 2/12 (17%)
Submissions 12/12 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 457 s
[The camera cuts to a snippet from the press conference for UGP 16 showing Michael Diablo sitting at a table. You hear a voice from off screen.]
RICHARD TERRY
Richard Terry from grapgodz.com, this one’s for Michael Santos. Mr Santos, in your first fight you beat Cal Mcclusky by knocking him out in a single punch. Do you think you will be able to defeat Arden Kelly the same way?
[Michael shows no emotion as he leans forward to speak.]
MICHAEL SANTOS
If he leaves his chin open. That said, I don’t think defeating Arden is going to be as easy as beating Cal. I’ve watched Arden’s fights, the kid can go, and if I manage to win I know I am going to have to literally and figuratively fight for it. That said, if he gives me the opportunity, I am going to cave his jaw in and walk away again with my hand raised.
[Another voice is heard offscreen.]
BONNIE SAMUEL
Bonnie Samuel, MMA Now Weekly. Are you approaching this fight differently to your fight with Cal, or is your preparation the same?
MICHAEL SANTOS
In terms of my personal preparation it stays similar, because as much of a joke of a human being as Cal is, I never underestimate any opponent because anyone you step in a cage or ring with has the ability to put you down. That said Arden is a completely different fighter to Cal. I don’t believe he intends to stand there and take a haymaker to the jaw, and he clearly wants to get the fight to the ground. He’s had one fight where it worked, and one where it didn’t. I just have to make sure I add a second number to the second column. Keep him on the feet, and knock him out.
[Michael sits back in his chair as the presser continues, the camera cutting away.]
[In another pre-recorded interview, Hadley Scott finds herself featured once more but she doesn’t look nearly as at ease as she had with Joey Byrne. Perhaps that could be because the man that was seated across from her now was none other than ScrapYard’s silent killer, Ardan “The Angel” Kelly. With his back upright he stares directly at the pretty blonde girl who shifts uncomfortably under his gaze.]
HADLEY SCOTT
It’s me again, guys and dolls. We’re back with another featurette on one of ScrapYard’s up and coming fighters, Ardan Kelly who..
[Before she can speak any more, Ardan cuts her off by clearing his throat.]
ARDAN KELLY
I have something to say.
[Hadley looks at him with a perplexed expression on her face but gestures with both of her hands for him to go ahead and speak.]
ARDAN KELLY
Tonight, I am to be fighting Michael Santos. He seems like a good enough fellow but I have much anger to take out on him. It is not his fault. It is just the way that things have to be. It will not be a fun fight for him. He is a man who likes to punch and kick things very hard but I will not let him do that to me. I will take him down. I will break his will. I will choke the life out of him. And then I will celebrate with my countrymen.
[Scott stares back at the man who speaks as though everything has already happened with a look that says she would like to be anywhere else but where she was right then.]
ARDAN KELLY
And then I want to face Shooter again. He talks a lot only for Daniel Fisk to humble him. But I would like to humble him more. He could not touch me in our first fight and got lucky with one kick. But if we face again I will take him down and I will choke the life from his body too. Tell Dante to book the fight when I am done with Santos.
[Scott chews on her lip a bit anxiously for a moment and then goes to speak and ask him a question, but he raises his hand and cuts her off.]
ARDAN KELLY
I do not have any more to say. Thank you for your time, Ms. Hadley Scott.
[Pushing himself up from his seat, Ardan turns and walks off camera and leaves Hadley staring back at the spot he had been seated in, dumbfounded by what had just happened.]
♫
WALKING THROUGH THE BADLANDS
I WATCH THE TYRANTS SCAR THE RED SANDS
THEIR GREED IS LIKE MORPHINE
DRILLING INTO THE VEINS WITH MACHINES
THE PUREST FOR OF EVIL THAT I'VE EVER SEEN
♫
[The arena begins to dim as the soft intro to “Badlands” by In Hearts Wake begins to play. Just as the heavy metal guitar riff shreds through the PA system, the building explodes with blinding white lights. Michael Santos is illuminated by strobe lights as he walks out to the main stage. Santos never breaks stride and heads straight to the octagon with his corner crew following behind.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Michael Santos making the walk to the cage here. This guy is a BRAWLER through and through. He likes to plant himself and throw haymakers like we saw against Cal McClusky back at Boss Fight XIII when he knocked the big fella out in 30 seconds.
JASON JACKSON
Harpie, I’m convinced a strong gust of wind would knock Cal McClusky out. The guy is funny to listen to but I think his skill stops at the microphone, and that’s being generous. Santos dropped him in 30 seconds. 30. This guy has some real raw power and that’s something you can’t teach. The only thing that concerns me is he likes to absorb damage and eat punches. That will take its toll in the long run and with CTE becoming more and more of an issue in this sport? Not good for career longevity. Take it from someone who knows. That’s why I’m sitting here in this chair and not making that walk myself anymore.
[Santos reaches cageside and begins to strip down to his trunks. He steps over to the fight official and gets inspected to ensure he’s fit to fight. Once he’s been cleared, he grabs a bottled water from one of his cornermen and takes a quick swig before handing it off and stomping his way up the steps. Santos goes straight to his corner, where he then shadow boxes to stay loose.]
[The lights in the arena dim down and a single spotlight shines at the main stage. The soft intro of “Remember This” by NF begins to play as the crowd begins to grow louder. Just as the first verse kicks in, Ardan Kelly bursts onto the main stage.]
♫
YEAH, HANDOUTS CREATE LAZY PEOPLE I'M NOT IMPRESSED WITH
YOU WANT SOMETHING IN LIFE, THEN WHY DON'T YOU GO AND GET IT?
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS DO, IT'S PRETTY QUIET, ISN'T IT?
LOOK AT THE WORLD WE LIVE IN, DEFINED BY COMMENT SECTIONS
♫
[The crowd pops for Kelly who is decked out in his Irish themed fight kit with ScrapYard crew members flanking him from either side. Kelly bobs his head to the song while keeping a stern focus as he begins to make his way toward the octagon.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Scrapyard Rookie Ardan “The Angel” Kelly told us that there was no way in hell that Santos would be giving him the Cal McClusky treatment here tonight. He’s focused and hungry after suffering a loss to Cruiserweight Champion Roscoe Robinson back at Boss Fight XIII. He’s going to be looking to get back in the win column and climb his way back up to another crack at the champ.
JASON JACKSON
Roscoe Robinson is no joke. I found that out first hand. I’ve been hit by a lot of motherfuckers in my life but none of them packed the power that Roscoe did.This kid needs to shake that loss off and focus on moving forward. I mean, He’s got a bright future here. His Jiu Jitsu is top notch and he doesn’t rush things. He’s patient. Sometimes too patient but We’ll see how it goes tonight. Honestly? I expect him to drag this brawler to the ground and grind out a submission. I’ll be really shocked if Kelly stands on a napkin with this man and decides to trade.
[Just as Kelly reaches cageside, he strips down to his trunks and hands them off to one coach while another coach hands him a bottled water. Kelly takes a quick swig before getting checked out by the fight official. Once he’s been cleared, he goes around each corner member and gives them each a quick hug before ascending the stairs and entering the cage. Kelly stays calm and takes in the aura while bouncing around to stay loose and warm.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-0. He stands 6’2” and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from Melbourne, Australia, he is Michael Santos!
[Santos shows no emotion as he continues to sway back and forth in his corner.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-1. He stands 6’2” and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from Dublin, Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is Ardan “The Angle” Kelly!
[Kelly throws two fists high in the air as the crowd goes crazy.]
JASON JACKSON
Look at this man. He’s beating the shit out of himself before the fight even starts. Reminds me of Liar! Liar! With Jim Carrey. Remember that movie? “ I’m kicking my ass, do you mind?!” hahaha Man this guy is fired up.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Look at Ardan though. Stoic, calm, reserved. Those are the eyes of a killer Jase.
JASON JACKSON
Reminds me of Niko Holst. Man, that guy used to give me the creeps at the staredown. He was like the hollow man. No emotion whatsoever. No matter what you say or do. Just unphased man. This is interesting. It’s go time baby.
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ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Kelly and Santos move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight! Santos kicks off the action by measuring Kelly with a jab that doesn’t faze him. Putting the pressure on Santos throws another punch but he gets a bit sloppy and Kelly takes advantage, launching a wicked low kick that slams into Santos left leg. Kelly fires off another low kick, this one catching Santos on his right leg. Not enjoying being battered by low kicks, Michael Santos throws a beautiful combination of punches but Ardan Kelly bobs and weaves and avoids them all, much to the delight of his home crowd.]
[Ardan soon steps forward and Santos feints, but again is a bit messy in his technique and Kelly looks to counter with a stiff jab that lands flush. Again, Santos responds with a combo but Kelly avoids them all. Michael then looks for a hook to the body but once more Kelly shows immense shiftiness, avoiding the strikes and countering with a low kick. No! He switches targets and drills a lovely body kick. Pain is reflected in Santos face but to his credit he keeps searching for openings and being aggressive. Spotting that opening, Santos throws a big uppercut and much to his frustration Ardan manages to dodge it as well. But he isn’t able to dodge the follow up blow to the body, the pain wrenching his expression. Clearly Kelly didn’t like that very much.]
JASON JACKSON
Beautiful head movement and evasion by Kelly here. He’s fighting smart, letting the power puncher tire himself and OoOoOH SHIT--
TOUSSAINT HARPER
He didn’t dodge that one. That one sounded like it hurt.
JASON JACKSON
It’s enough to suck the air out of a man, that’s for damn sure. Let’s see how he recovers.
[The two exchange in a brief flurry of punches that Kelly gets the better of before narrowly avoiding a hook to the body. He responds with a middle kick that Santos blocks with his arm, a loud pop echoing around the arena as it lands. Another hook to the body is avoided before Santos throws an unorthodox punch toward Kelly’s torso but much like most of his striking up to this point, Kelly manages to avoid being damaged by it. And much like it has been in the early going, when Santos misses, Kelly counters and this time does so with low kicks that punish Santos. Anger and frustration building, Santos launches a bone shattering right hand but Kelly ducks it and then counters the follow up jabs with strikes of his own that snap Santos head backward.]
[Kelly continues to do a good job of engaging, dodging Santos attempts at hurting him, landing some blows of his own, and then disengaging. He’s putting on an absolute clinic from a striking perspective but then after another missed strike from Santos, Kelly attempts a sweep single and catches Santos far ankle, tripping him to the mat with expertise. With his guard closed around Kelly, Santos tries to roll on the ground and reverse the position but Kelly manages to stifle the attempt. And then another before slipping his leg free and passing from guard to half guard. ]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Great trip takedown by Ardan Kelly here.
JASON JACKSON
Beautiful. This is what I was talking about. He’s out boxing the boxer. He let Santos plant himself and wing those big punches to wind himself and then bloooop. Down to the mat where he can really work. I’d be surprised if Santos even finds himself back on his feet before the end of the round. This kid is like a wet blanket on the ground. Once he has you, it’s hard to go anywhere.
[It doesn’t take long for Kelly to shift to north-south position and as he gets there he looks to lock in a north south choke. Oh and it looks like he’s got it. You can see the worry reflected in Santos eyes. Kelly shifts his position and fully sinks the hold in, cutting off the oxygen supply to his opponent. Dusty Whittaker quickly recognizes that Michael Santos is refusing to tap and makes the decision to protect the fighter, jumping in and breaking the hold, bringing the bout to an end as Kelly springs to his feet and hoists himself up onto the fence, holding his arms out wide and gesturing to his hometown crowd who are delighted with the submission finish! ]
JASON JACKSON
Just like that, it’s all over. I told you. Watch out for this kid, man. He’s got jitz for days. Mike Santos just let that frustration and over zealousness cost him the fight. Hats off to “The Angel”, uce. That was a near perfect performance. I’m looking forward to seeing this kid progress in his career. Let’s go back down for the decision.
[The crowd explodes into cheers for their hometown fighter and Kelly is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Santos 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 three minutes thirty-seven seconds in the very first round, for your winner by submission, Ardan “The Angel” Kelly!
[The crowd cheers once again as Kelly 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: Ardan Kelly by Submission (North South Choke) at 3:37 Round 1
Statistics: Ardan Kelly
Punches 11/13 (85%)
Kicks 8/8 (100%)
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 34 s
Statistics: Michael Santos
Punches 1/28 (4%)
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 34 s
[Again, the scene shits to a pre-recorded interview where once again Hadley Scott is sitting down with a ScrapYard fighter, this time it’s Brendan McCarthy.]
HADLEY SCOTT
In our third interview this evening we’ve got Brendan McCarthy here with us and he, much like Ardan and Joey, is coming off a tough loss in the Grand Prix tournament to Byron McCall. In spite of the defeat, though, many are saying you still represented yourself and your gym well. What do you have to say about that? How does that make you feel?
[Brendan laughs lightly to himself and shrugs his shoulders.]
BRENDAN MCCARTHY
Not nearly as good as beating McCall would have felt.
[Short and to the point. Hadley nods and continues.]
HADLEY SCOTT
Do you look at tonight as a night to rebound and get things back on track, then?
[Again, Brendan laughs and shrugs his shoulders.]
BRENDAN MCCARTHY
No. I don’t really look at it like that. I don’t look at tonight as a chance to rebound. I look at tonight as a night to send a message to the rest of this division. A chance to remind them that while they’re all busy circling jerking Guilliman and his head kicks that there’s a lad right here who will pound their bloody faces through the canvas with me fists and me elbows.
[Hadley looks to interject but Brendan cuts her off.]
BRENDAN MCCARTHY
No. Sorry, Ms. Scott. No disrespect but I’m not done yet. Guilliman fights fights that he knows aren’t going to trouble him. Zion Momo’a. Aries Reed. Byron McCall. He’s never had to face someone who will put his big ass on his back and batter his ass into oblivion. Yeah. He’s been a good champion. A fighting champion. But he’s never had to step into the cage with someone like me. I am absolutely the fighter that he dreads. It’s not Simba. It’s not Sovo. Both of those lads are talented in their own right but Guilliman would just kick them in the head and be done with it. He’s never stood across from a man who would take that head kick and smile back at him. That’s me. He can fall back on the experience factor. He can say I haven’t earned a shot against him. That’s fine. He can make those excuses when the time comes but deep down… way down.. In his heart of hearts.
[Brendan holds up his fist and kisses it gently.]
BRENDAN MCCARTHY
He knows I’d do to him what he did to Bonanno.
HADLEY SCOTT
What about at UGP 16, though? Against Randy Wade?
[Shaking his head, Brendan sighs.]
BRENDAN MCCARTHY
An American Hero dies on paid television. It’s not going to be pretty. It’s going to be a bloodbath. I’m going to take a man who lives by the motto of always ready, and make him wish he had stayed at home in bed. I promise you that, Ms. Scott.
[Hadley nods in understanding.]
HADLEY SCOTT
Anything else you want to add?
[The whole demeanor of the middle weight fighter shifts as he turns his attention toward the camera.]
BRENDAN MCCARTHY
Declan. Saoirse. Caoimhe. Ciaran. Tadgh. Finnegan. This is for all of you.
[He smiles and winks.]
BRENDAN MCCARTHY
And Catorina. This, my love, is for you.
[He blows a kiss toward the camera and Hadley can’t help but bring her hand to her mouth and utter an adoring aww before the scene switches back to cageside once more.]
♫
YOU SAY YOU KNOW JUST WHO I AM
BUT YOU CAN'T IMAGINE
WHAT WAITS FOR YOU ACROSS THE LINE
YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD ME
BUT I'M STILL HERE STANDING
AND I'M TIRED OF BACKING DOWN
♫
["Anthem for the Underdog" by 12 Stones begins to play over PA system and Randall Wade makes his way out. Wade keeps a focused approach as he heads to the octagon with his Slaughterhouse Houston corner crew following behind.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Texas native Randall Wade making his way to the cage. I think one of the most remarkable things about this guy is his ability to eat a punch. His chin is made of solid steel and he has the heart of a lion.
JASON JACKSON
Don’t sleep on his punching power though, Harp. He slept Agustin Gates with a well timed, beautiful punch in under a minute at UGP 15. I thought the man Gates was dead! He’s a workhorse, and I anticipate him walking through some shots here tonight to land some bombs. He needs to stay off the canvas though because as Asher Jrue revealed… Jiu Jitsu is this man’s achilles heel. It’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out for sure.
[Wade makes it to cageside and begins to strip down to his gear. The fight official checks him over to make sure he’s legal for action. Once he’s been cleared, he fist bumps each of his corner crew members and then takes the steps. Once inside, he goes through some punching combos as he makes his way over to his corner.]
♫
YOUR WINDOWS BOARDED UP
YOUR PRIVATE LIVES EXPOSED
THE TALK SHOWS PUMP IT UP
LAB RATS DISEASED FOR SHOW
♫
["13 Steps To Nowhere” by Pantera blares over the PA System and Brendan McCarthy emerges to the main stage wearing his gray walkout fight kit trimmed in orange with his ScrapYard MMA crew following behind. McCarthy has a wide-eyed, almost psychopathic look on his face, and it only grows stronger as he feeds into the roar of the crowd.]
JASON JACKSON
Pantera?! Hey, I always gotta get behind a dude that uses Pantera as his walkout music. Haha. But seriously though, this ScrapYard prospect is a nightmare to anyone slacking on their takedown defense. He’s got some well rounded power in his hands and some of the nastiest ground and pound I’ve seen in awhile. His only loss so far is a decision against Byron McCall, which says everything right there. McCall is a champion caliber fighter and this guy hung with him all the way to the final horn. These ScrapYard fighters are a pleasure to watch, and you know he’s going to be looking to put on a show for his hometown crowd tonight.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Was it different? Fighting in front of your hometown crowd? I know you had the pleasure of doing that in your career. Does it make a difference?
JASON JACKSON
Oh absolutely. It’s just this energy that can’t be described with words. The closest thing I can think of is the generic “electric” description, but it transcends that. The love is just… unreal and you feel this obligation to go out and fight your best fight of your life. For your fans and for your country. It’s just... amazing.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Let’s hope McCarthy can capitalize on this huge moment. Let’s head down to the cage for the fighter introductions. Mike..
[McCarthy makes it to cageside where he strips down and gets inspected by the fight official. Once he’s been cleared to fight, he turns to give a quick fist bump to his corner crew before stomping his way up the steps. Brendan heads straight to his corner, where begins to shadow box and stretch out.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-1. He stands 6’ even and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Needville, Texas, fighting out of Slaughterhouse Houston, he is Randall Wade!
[Wade looks focused on his opponent as he raises one fist in the air and nods his head.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Wrestler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-1. He stands 5’11” and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Bangor, Northern Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is Brendan “The Hammer” McCarthy!
[McCarthy begins hyping himself up; slapping his legs, thighs, stomach, and chest while the crowd gets fully behind him.]
JASON JACKSON
The oddsmakers have this at COMPLETELY even, and I tell you.. It’s hard for me to even call this fight. Part of me wants to go with Wade because he’s a tough sumbitch SlaughterHouse fighter but… I gotta give it up to the home team. ScrapYard came to dominate here tonight and I think Brendan McCarthy keeps this murder train rolling.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I guess we’ll see here. I’m inclined to agree with you, but you can never count a power puncher out. Both of these men look dialed in and ready to get to war so I say we let them. Let’s take it on down to Referee Willie Green to get us underway.
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The bell announces the first round and the opening moments of the fight progress with both men circling the cage and trying to feel each other out. Nearly twenty seconds in the two draw close and tension hangs on the air until Wade springs into action, spinning and slamming a backfist flush into McCarthy’s chin, snapping the Irishman’s head to the side. The crowd gasps, knowing Wade’s power and almost expecting to see their hometown boy go down but instead McCarthy simply takes a step back and then turns his gaze back to Wade with a wild look in his eyes and a smirk that almost said he enjoyed what had just happened. Reaching out, he nods his head in respect and reaches out offering to touch gloves once more, to which the respectful Wade does as the two circle again.]
[This time it’s McCarthy who acts, shooting in for a double leg takedown. He hits it and Randall Wade is taken off his feet but he does manage to pull McCarthy down into his guard. From closed guard Wade quickly rolls and reverses the position, finding himself in full mount over the Irishman. McCarthy tries to escape but is unsuccessful at first. Not being able to fully get out of the poor position, Brendan tries to roll to his side and trap Wade in his guard. It works, McCarthy gets his hip out and moves to full guard, showing good work on the ground. Wade tries to stifle any further progression by pushing Brendan down, preventing his escape for the time being. McCarthy then responds by peppering Wade with annoying strikes to the face. Before rolling to his side a moving to half guard. The Hammer continues to throw punches towards Wades face, forcing him to cover.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Excellent work here from the bottom by Brendan McCarthy who has managed to really neutralize Randall Wade.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, this guy is a serious threat on the ground. Wade needs to respond somehow. I’d hate to see this stopped early because he’s eating so many shots to the head. He needs to find a way back up to his feet here and get back to work with that boxing.
[Wade finally responds with some punches of his own but McCarthy deflects them. Randall then fakes a few punches and tries to free himself. McCarthy rolls over himself and stands up while Wade rolls on his back. Willie Green quickly halts the fight to stand Wade back up and the fight then resumes in Randall Wades wheelhouse. Faking a punch and then showcasing some good footwork, Wade moves aside before swinging for the fences. BAM! The hit connects and surely had to have nearly broken McCarthy’s jaw but the Irishman keeps standing and avoids an unorthodox punch from Wade to his torso. McCarthy responds with a right hand of his own that surprises Wade and slams into his nose. Quickly, Wade tries to clinch but McCarthy moves backward and circles around.]
[Wade studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense but it’s Brendan who acts first, delivering several good body shots before looking for a sweep single that is perfectly executed as Wade goes down. Closing his guard down around McCarthy, Wade tries to move on the ground. It exposes an opening in that guard, though, and McCarthy doesn’t hesitate in unloading a big elbow. Bang! The big elbow rocks Wade’s head against the mat and Willie Green’s eyes are locked dead on the action, knowing that the fight could be coming to an end soon!]
JASON JACKSON
Willie is going to stop this soon. That elbow was disgusting. I’m not sure how Wade ate that one. He’s getting mauled on the ground here. He needs to defend these takedowns or he’s going to lose this fight.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
He’s definitely going to have a headache after this one, no matter how tough he is. “The Hammer” just dropped the hammer on Randall Wade and he looks out of it right now.
[McCarthy continues to launch a barrage of elbows over Wade’s face, and the crowd stands to its feet recognizing that things could be over soon if the former marine didn’t fight back. One, two, three! Elbows continue to land over and over again. Wades bottom lip is busted and swelling, his left eye is showing signs of bruising and McCarthy just keeps working, relentlessly. Wade quickly recognizes he doesn’t want to continue in this position any longer and tries to get back to his feet but McCarthy stifles him. The hammer then unloads solid punches to the body. Wade responds with strikes of his own to McCarthy’s ribs, forcing the Irishman to defend just as the buzzer sounds and the referee steps in to separate them.]
JASON JACKSON
Call that man Zach Morris, because he was definitely saved by the bell.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
You wrong for that.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[As the second round begins Randall Wade comes out swinging for the fences! But Brendan has seen this, and felt the result from it before, and quickly backpedals to create space. Wade gestures with his hands, shouting at Brendan to come fight and the Irishman doesn’t need any further encouragement. He steps forward and then catches Wade off guard, shooting in for a single leg takedown. Wade loses his balance and goes to the ground. From side control, McCarthy manages to stifle Wades attempts to trap him back in half guard and then blocks a few of the punches Wade throws from the bottom with ease. Looking to counter, McCarthy leans back and then clobbers Randall Wade’s face with a huge punch! He’s looking to end the fight with his ground and pound, and he begins to pound away at Randall Wade who is barely covering up.
[From side control, McCarthy looks to pass to mount and slides his knee across, gaining the supremely advantageous position. It’s a tough spot for Wade to find himself in and McCarthy emphasizes that point with a few accurate elbows. Knowing he can’t take more of that, Wade has to give up his back. From rear mount, McCarthy postures up and unloads with a series of blows that cause swelling in Wades right cheek. But as they continue to work, McCarthy catches Wade in the eye with an inadvertent finger and Wille Green spots it and halts the fight to give Randall Wade time to recover.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
If you’re Brendan McCarthy you have to feel a bit deflated but really it’s his own fault. You have to be careful and that finger to the eye, even though clearly unintentional, might have just given Randall Wade the moment he needed to steady himself and get back into this fight.
JASON JACKSON
I agree. Those kinds of mistakes come with inexperience. McCarthy had a chance to put this fight away there and he got sloppy. Wade needs to stuff those takedowns though or it doesn’t matter if the ref stands them up again or not. He’s getting taken down at will and right now he’s losing this fight by a large margin.
[With both men standing as the action resumes, Wade throws a big uppercut but McCarthy manages to slip it and throw some tentative punches that land but don’t do much damage. It works as a distraction, though, and McCarthy is able to take the fight back down to the ground. From open guard Brendan McCarthy storms over wade with biblical punishment in the form of elbows. Over and over again they connect with Wades face before McCarthy slips from guard to half guard. Trying to keep his position on the ground, Wade allows McCarthy an opening in his guard and again Brendan doesn’t let the opportunity pass, slamming another elbow into Wades forehead, this one bouncing Wades head off the mat again and opening up a gash in Wades forehead.]
JASON JACKSON
Wade is leaking now. That’s a nasty cut that opened up and it’s in a really bad spot. The blood will start impeding the vision of Randy Wade and that’s when things get dangerous. Brendan is all over him here.
[McCarthy then manages to slip his leg free and get to side control. Things just feel like they’re deteriorating for Randall Wade quickly and he barely puts up any resistance as McCarthy passes to full mount. Another big punch lands on Wades face, opening up him a bit as McCarthy fires a barrage of punches at the former Marine’s head. This is bad! McCarthy is just pounding on Randall Wade’s head like he’s a training dummy, with one punch busting Wades lip. McCarthy looks over to the referee with an expression that asks if he’s going to stop it or not. When he doesn’t, McCarthy pulls back and unloads another brutal elbow and this one turns Wade’s lights out for good. As the former Marine’s body goes limp, McCarthy pushes himself up and steps away from his fallen opponent, screaming wildly into the lens of a camera nearby.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
THAT’S IT! HE’S OUT!
JASON JACKSON
Sweet Samoan Baby Jesus. That was a massacre. One sided from the start and yet again the ScrapYard team comes in looking for blood.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Looks like Brendan McCarthy got plenty of blood here tonight. Buckets of it. What performance turned in by “The Hammer”. Let’s take it down for the official decision.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and McCarthy is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Wade for a while before helping him up to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Willie Green has called for a stop in this fight at three minutes thirty-seven seconds in the second round, for your winner by knockout, Brendan “The Hammer” McCarthy!
[The crowd cheers once again as McCarthy 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: Brendan McCarthy by KO (Elbow) at 3:37 Round 2
Statistics: Brendan McCarthy
Punches 7/8 (88%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 4/4 (100%)
GnP strikes 37/47 (79%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 297 s
Statistics: Randall Wade
Punches 2/6 (33%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/8 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 297 s
♫
THE SUN
THE MOON
AND THE STARS
THEY COULD NEVER BE BIGGER
ANY BIGGER THAN YOU ARE
♫
[As "Point of View" by Twelve Foot Ninja begins to play over the PA system, Dallas Meechan makes his way to the main stage in grand fashion. Donning his gray fight kit trimmed in blue, Meechan hypes himself up by beating his chest while the crowd grows with cheers. He begins to make his way down the aisleway, soaking in the energy in the arena, while several coaches from his camp follow closely behind.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Calm, cool, and collected. These are the words that could be used to describe the man making his march to the cage right now. “Playboy” doesn’t have to be told that he’s a good fighter, he KNOWS he is. That’s what makes him so dangerous. His confidence is unmatched and rightfully so. With some impressive wins over a few of the standout fighters in his division, all via finish, the record speaks for itself.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, I know what it’s like to walk around with that chip on your shoulder. That’s the thing though, eventually someone always comes along and knocks it off… violently. You think it won’t ever happen, and you believe in yourself unconditionally as a fighter but every dog has their day and Dallas Meechan found this out the hard way when he clashed with Real Killa’s Lauren Moore at UGP 15. Moore put this man down hard with an elbow and that sort of thing can be hard to bounce back from. Not to mention he’s throwing down with a tough opponent tonight who is looking to catapult herself back to the top of the fight game… my former teammate Lena Lyons. Dallas is perfectly well rounded though, and he’s got his camp’s home crowd behind him. If he can shake off that loss and get his head back into the game he could very well walk out of here with a win like the rest of his teammates have tonight. It’s going to be a banger. I’m sure of it.
[Meechan finally makes it to cageside, where he undresses down to his tights before getting inspected by the fight official. Once he's been cleared, Meechan races up the steps and throws his arms out like an explosion upon entering the cage. He jogs over to his corner, shadow boxing along the way and playing up to the crowd.]
♫
OH Y'ALL NIGGAS KILLER NOW, OH WORD?
CATCH YOU COMIN OUT YOUR FUCKIN CRIB NIGGA
YEAH, CATCH A FUCKIN BULLET NIGGA
♫
[The opening lines of Prodigy's "Keep It Thoro" ring out around the arena before the beat kicks in and Lena Lyons begins to make her way down towards the cage, lowkey bopping her head to the beat, clearly feeling the music as her corner follows on behind her.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Lena “Thugga” Lyons looks extremely focused as she makes her way out to the cage here. There seemed to have been an air of controversy surrounding Lyons’ early career. She was publicly cut from MLC by co-owner Dean Machado following a physical altercation with fighter Micaela Romano at a promotional meet and greet, and then went on to struggle a bit in CGFC before leaving Slaughterhouse and Mixed Martial Arts altogether to focus on kickboxing, where she purely dominated. We then saw her return to SFN to not only put the stamp on wrestling superstar Annie Zellor, but also get a bit of redemption against the person who cost her a job in MLC, Micaela Romano herself. All roads lead to here though, and Lena is looking to come in and skyrocket her career back to the top where she believes she belongs.
JASON JACKSON
“Lights Out.” “Thugga” It doesn’t matter what nickname you use, you put some respect on her name. This woman is a bad motherfucker. I’ve been in the gym with her, I’ve trained with her, I fought her. I know what Lena brings to the table and if Dallas Meechan underestimates her here then it is going to be a short night for him. Plain and simple. I’m glad to see her back out there doing work. Her footwork and counter striking ability are some of the best in the sport and if she can avoid being baited into a slugfest and keep her emotions in check, I think she walks out of here with the W. Fuck all the past drama. Fuck all the rumors. Lena Lyons is the real deal. We all knew Dean Machado was a cuck and--
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Ahem.
JASON JACKSON
I can’t say cuck? Okay. Word. Well.. either way. Screw that guy. Let’s take it down to the announcer to get this underway.
[Thugga reaches cageside, flashing a shaka at the camera before hugging several members of her team, exchanging a few words before having the customary vaseline applied to her eyebrows and facial area by the cutman. Lyons then turns to face the referee, who checks her over, making sure her mouth guard is in before sending her up into the cage. Once in the cage Lena performs a quick lap of the cage, jogging around it before being pointed to her corner, where she talks to herself for a little while as she leans back against the cage, ready to fight.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Muay Thai Fighter holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 3-1. He stands 5’10” and weighing in at 135 pounds. He is from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is “Playboy” Dallas Meechan!
[Meechan pumps his fist in the air as the crowd breaks out into cheers. The Scottish striker takes note of the reaction with a grin from ear to ear.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 11-7. She stands 5’4” and weighing in at 125 pounds. She is from Queens, New York, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, she is Lena ”Thugga” Lyons!
[Lena stays focused in her corner, bouncing on her feet and throwing intermittent jabs while she stares down her opponent.]
JASON JACKSON
Listen to that crowd. Jeeeeeesus. They love this Dallas fella don’t they?
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Do you think Lena is phased by the raucous fans?
JASON JACKSON
Not in the least bit. She’s in her own world right now. Look at those eyes. She’s got the eyes of a fuckin’ puma Harp. A predator and Dallas Meechan is her prey.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I have to disagree. I think Meechan is the better fighter here and he keeps this ScrapYard show rolling.
JASON JACKSON
We’ll see man. We’ll see. If he can beat Lena then he’s a savage. Real talk.
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Lena Lyons and Dallas Meechan touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! Meechan grabs Lena by the waist and drags her down to the mat with a great takedown and right away he passes to half guard. It’s too easy and just as quick as he was there he finds his way to full mount. Lyons tries to roll to her side to get to half guard but Meechan expertly rolls with her and takes her back. Looking to get a hook in, Dallas finds it with ease and the Real Killa’s corner is screaming for Lena to get her head in the game. It doesn’t seem to wake her up, though, as he gets the second in just as easily as the first and the Dublin crowd is on their feet knowing that the Scotsman is looking to end the fight already.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Boy Dallas Meechan has made this look easy. I don’t know what is going on with Lena Lyons tonight but she does not look at all prepared in the early going.
JASON JACKSON
Daaaaamn. That boy is quiiiick. Did you see that takedown?! Oh snap. Man, you got me second guessing myself now.
[Lyons adopts the turtle position and Meechan looks ready to celebrate with his corner as he uncorks a round of punches. It seems to open Lena up and he quickly looks to lock in a rear naked choke to finish the fight. Desperately she rolls on the ground and finds herself looking straight up at the ceiling but Meechan gets just a little too cocky and doesn’t wrap things up quickly enough. With Meechan on her back she looks to escape from the rear mount and holds Meechan’s arm over her shoulder, rolling on the ground. Incredible move to get to half mount!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And somehow, someway… Lena Lyons manages to weather the storm and now she’s got herself in excellent position.
JASON JACKSON
Somehow, someway? That’s called experience playa. Raw experience. That comes from hours and hours on the mats. Fight after fight of being in bad positions and having to work your way out. That comes from HEART Harpy.
[Slickly, Lena slides her leg across and gets to full mount. She looks to open up Meechan with a few strikes and some nice shots land. Meechan shows off his skills on the ground, however, and pushes Lena’s knee away and rolls, quickly finding himself in half guard over her. Continuing to show off his advanced skills on the ground, Meechan shifts from half guard to side control and then speedily to full mount. Lyons tries to escape but Meechan relinquishes position to maintain control. From open guard, however, he looks to finish the fight off with a leg lock but Lena spots it almost right away and is able to break free from his grasp. However, Dallas continues to be relentless on the ground, constantly working to improve and maintain his position and eventually finds himself in full mount once more.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Tremendous job done by Dallas Meechan. He’s absorbed some damage and you have to think he’s frustrated and feels like the fight should be over. But he’s stayed relentless and now… oh, Lena gave up her back again.
[Indeed she had in an effort to roll Meechan was able to control her and take her back once more. He’s got a hook in and is looking for the rear naked choke! With ease he slides his arm under Lena’s chin and locks in a rear naked choke but Lyons is quick to push up on his arm and slides Dallas’ arm over her chin, escaping the submission attempt. He’s not done yet, though, and Meechan isolates an arm with lightning quick speed, looking for an armbar from the back. Lyons locks her hands and forces her weight on top of Dallas until she’s able to break her arm free but that was two close calls and in spite of losing his dominant position, Dallas has to feel good with the way things were going.]
JASON JACKSON
Good work on keeping cool and finding a way out of a bad situation. Lena needs to listen to her corner and get her ass back up to her feet. She’s gotta block those takedowns and get to work with the striking. IF she gets those feet moving and works on countering Dallas, she can still turn this around. If not? Tsk-tsk. Hate to see it man.
[From closed guard Lena can hear the Real Killa’s cornermen screaming for her to stand up and Dallas is giving her every opportunity as he has stalled to take a moment to rest. Before she can act, however, Dallas rolls and reverses the position, finding himself in full mount yet again. He throws punches in bucket loads but Lyons does a good job of defending herself and the volume strikes do little to no damage. When Dallas stalls, Lena uses the opportunity to escape the full mount and works Meechan back to half guard. From there things stall further and Jordan Ripley stands the two fighters back up.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Good decision there if you ask me. This fight has been on the ground long enough. Lets see what these two can do with their stand up.
JASON JACKSON
There we go! Now is Lena’s time to shine. Let’s see if she can get things going here late in the round.
[Almost as though Dallas heard the words of the play by play man, he throws a few jabs and a big hook. Lyons deflects the jabs but the hook connects hard on her cheek and knocks her down just as the final seconds tick off the clock and the buzzer signals to end the round.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
OH! Five more seconds and you have to think this fight was done and over with. In my opinion that round heavily favors Dallas Meechan. He was in control. He was active. He was dangerous. And at the death he scored a major knock down. Lets see if we can get a listen in from the respective corners, though.
JASON JACKSON
I’m not sure what’s going on but the Real Killas corner need to bring her back down to earth and level her out. She’s likely experiencing a bit of rust from not competing in a while and that’s understandable but… she’s had a round to warm up and shake it off. There’s no way that she won that first round on ANY judge’s scorecard… so she really has to get her shit together here to pull out a win.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[As the second begins the fighters size each other up in the center of the cage. Meechan finds an opening in the defense of his opponent and slams a big hook into her ribs. He follows it up with a looping left hand that finds its home in Lyon’s chin, stopping any progression and momentum forward she might have had. Dallas swiftly ties her up into a clinch and postures up, launching another series of punches and Lyons looks dazed. Another swing connects wickedly with her jaw but before any more damage could be done, Lena found a way to shrug out of his grasp.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Meechan pouring on the damage right out of the gate in the second.
JASON JACKSON
Sheer dominance. This is hard to watch. I don’t know where the Lena Lyons I remember went but this? This is definitely not her.
[Not letting her get away, Meechan pulls guard and Lyons clumsily falls into it with Dallas isolating an arm in a kimura attempt. Lyons blocks the hold and quickly passes his guard. Again, Meechan gets an arm and looks for a submission but Lyons spins out. Dallas seemd to be ready for it, though, and tries for a triangle choke but Lena is just too good at defending the submissions and manages to back out of danger. Back to the beginning! Lena Lyons is standing once more. She backs off a bit and allows her opponent to stand back up as well. Solid low kick from Meechan that had to hurt. Lyons responds with a lazy kick that Dallas avoids and then he counters with an uppercut that almost sends Lena into orbit, her chin a bright red from the punishment it just received. She looks to shoot out of instinct but stops herself before running into a kick from Dallas.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I don’t know if Lena was just under prepared for this fight or if the ScrapYard crew simply had a better game plan for what was coming. But at the moment Dallas Meechan is wholly outclassing the veteran Lena Lyons.
JASON JACKSON
Yo. She looks tired already. Unfazed, but tired as hell.. That had to be one of the laziest kicks I’ve ever seen her throw.
[Meechan fakes a punch and launches himself over her, but Lyons counters with a few fake jabs before backpedaling away from his grasp. Dallas fires off an incredible high kick but Lena deflects it and sidesteps, showing no signs of being troubled by anything that has happened up to this point in the fight. Just as cool, calm and confident as she ever is. But Meechan isn’t bothered by it as he ties her up into a clinch and then launches a nasty knee straight to her ribs that forces Lena to do everything she can to slip free from his grasp and retreat.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
She’s just taking a beating right now and the ScrapYard man doesn’t look anything close to fighting. The crowd, however, is loving every second of it.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah man. This is hard to watch. If I were her corner I’d seriously be thinking about throwing in the towel. She’s just getting abused right now.
[A liver kick is deflected but and Meechan throws a few jabs that are countered by Lyon’s punches until he doubles up with an uppercut and cross combination that forces her to retreat once more. Dallas tries to cut her off with punches but she avoids getting cornered. Another lazy kick is thrown by Lena that results in her getting caught by another big uppercut from Meechan. He then throws a big haymaker, looking to put things to bed for good but it misses by a mile, as does the looping left hand he followed it up with before circling out to catch his breath. When they reconvene, Meechan fires a brutal high kick that lands but somehow, someway Lena remains standing. Standing, that is, so that she could fully absorb the middle kick that followed.]
JASON JACKSON
Right now Lena just has to be in survival mode, hoping that her opponent gasses out. It looks like he’s slowing a bit but… oh DAMN!
[Dallas Meechan jumps and scissors Lena Lyons's right leg in a flying heel hook attempt! Her defense is spot on and avoids the audacious attempt and she continues to stand as Meechan lays on the ground. Looking for a hole, she doesn’t anticipate the up-kick that follows from Meechan. It catches her perfectly and snaps her head backward. Dallas quickly scrambles to his feet and just as he does the buzzer sounds.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
That’s two rounds to none on my card. Lets see if the cornermen agree.
JASON JACKSON
No doubt about it. I agree. 100%. I’d even go as far as to say 10-8 for this last round. That upkick nearly lifted the soul out of her body.
=========================================
ROUND THREE
=========================================
[As the third kicks off the two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect. Meechan wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch but Lena slips from his grasp and backs away. He fakes a punch and manages to tie her back up but not for long as she, once more, breaks from his grasp and pushes him away. She thinks about shooting but a well timed kick stops her before she fully releases. Meechan uses the opportunity to put her in a double overhook and then throws a flying knee but it misses horribly. He tries to pull guard but Lena pushes him forward and keeps the fight standing. Dallas takes a break to breathe while keeping her tied up and the referee is forced to intervene.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Between the relentless work on the ground and the fast paced stand up action of the second it’s no wonder the fight has slowed down a bit here to start the third. I don’t know that anyone could keep up the pace they had been going at.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, now is usually the time you get that dreaded adrenaline dump. It can be hard to fight through, but when you do, you get that second wind and that can help turn the tide of a fight.
[A bad move from Lena almost puts her head in the path of a Dallas Meechan kick, and then as she moves to shoot Meechan delivers a knee that wrecks her. The two circle the cage and again Meechan puts Lyons in a double overhook but it goes nowhere and the referee separates them and tells them to continue fighting. Meechan seems gassed and Lyons seems hesitant to engage as they each show the other an immense amount of respect. From the thai clinch a few moments later, Dallas slams a big elbow into Lena that knocks her down to the mat but instead of pursuing her he takes a few steps back and gestures for her to get back up, which she does and the fans reciprocate with cheers for both fighters.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
There’s just nothing left in the tank for either of them. They’re still giving it everything they’ve got, though, even if the tanks are on empty. And this Dublin crowd is loving it.
JASON JACKSON
I’m loving it. There ain’t a motherfucker in this building that can say Lyons doesn’t have heart. That sort of toughness is hard to find.
[Meechan shows good timing, connecting with a right hand but Lena steps backward and avoids the follow up. Lyons avoids the clinch attempt that comes and then deflects a right hand and stuffs a double leg takedown attempt before blocking the uppercut that followed from her opponent. The pace of the fight drastically slows though as the two continue to circle the cage, never really fully engaging, until the clock runs out on the third round and the referee sends both fighters back to their corners.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Certainly not the most entertaining final round of a fight but credit to both for making it to the end. That last round was probably in Meechan’s favor, though closer than the first two. We’ll have to wait and see if the judges agree but he certainly feels like he’s won.
JASON JACKSON
No doubt. This fight goes to Dallas Meechan. I score it 30-26. Lena just got outworked. Back to the drawing board to shake off the rust. She’ll be back with a vengeance.
[Meechan has both hands raised in the air and the crowd showers him with approval while a frustrated Lena Lyons returns to her corner until the referee summons both fighters back to the center of the cage to receive the results from the judges.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards. All three judges have scored it 30-27 for your winner by Unanimous Decision, “Playboy” Dallas Meechan!
[The crowd cheers once again as Dally 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 the fight.]
JUDGE MIRANDA FRANCO
Lena Lyons 9 9 9: 27
Dallas Meechan 10 10 10: 30
JUDGE MAX CARVER
Lena Lyons 9 9 9: 27
Dallas Meechan 10 10 10: 30
JUDGE OZZIE SEBASTIAN
Lena Lyons 9 9 9: 27
Dallas Meechan 10 10 10: 30
Winner: Dallas Meechan by Unanimous Decision
Statistics: Lena Lyons
Punches 8/9 (89%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 3/5 (60%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 309 s
Statistics: Dallas Meechan
Punches 13/28 (46%)
Kicks 4/9 (44%)
Clinch strikes 8/14 (57%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 0/7 (0%)
Submissions 6/6 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/4 (50%)
Time on the ground 325 s
[The lights throughout the 3Arena come down. The opening beats of "Unstoppable" by the score starts to fill the arena.]
♫
THERE'S A MOMENT
IN YOUR BONES WHEN
WHEN THE FIRE TAKES OVER
BLOOD IS RUNNING
HEART IS PUMPING
AS THE BATTLE GETS CLOSER
♫
[Various video screens light up with the image of the logo used for The Lair in Brooklyn. Lights flicker around the arena to the beat of the music. The logo fades and changes into an image of Sha Bishop the founder and leader of The Lair, bringing the crowd to cheers. Especially when the image changes to Sha in hospital bed. His crown still firmly on his head as the King Lion.]
♫
WE CAN BE HEROES EVERYWHERE WE GO
WE CAN HAVE ALL THAT WE EVER WANT
SWINGING LIKE ALI, KNOCKING OUT BODIES
STANDING ON TOP LIKE A CHAMPION
KEEP YOUR SILVER, GIVE ME THAT GOLD
♫
[All the various championship titles won by members of The Lair flash across the screens as members of Lair step out from behind curtains to be seen by the crowd. Boxing legends Angelo and Luca Brasi along with 2 time UGP Heavyweight champion Derrick La'Bell and Lairs Head Trainer, Lorenzo Vidal . The men have on alternating shirts featuring the Lair Logo and a picture of the injured Sha. In front of them in his signature Spidey walkout kit is Jordan Parker-Kane. Jordan opens the kit to reveal a black t-shirt with the words "We're Unstoppable" in white, just as the same words play for the first time.]
♫
OH WOAH, WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE
OH WOAH, WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE
EVERY SPOTLIGHT
EVERY SOUND BYTE
EVERYBODY WHO GAVE UP
IS JUST THE FUEL FOR
WANTING IT MORE
THAN ANYBODY AGAINST US
♫
[The former 2-time Lightweight Champion and his entourage make their way down to the cage side area. The normally happy fighter who interacts with fans on his way down is replaced by one of total focus and determination. The arena may as well be empty right now, with how he's completely ignoring the crowd. This may not be a title fight, but it's still one or, if not the biggest fight of his relatively young career.]
♫
OOH, THEY CAN SAY WHAT THEY WANT NOW
OOH, 'CAUSE WE'LL BE SCREAMING OUT
WE CAN BE HEROES EVERYWHERE WE GO
WE CAN HAVE ALL THAT WE EVER WANT
SWINGING LIKE ALI, KNOCKING OUT BODIES
STANDING ON TOP LIKE A CHAMPION
KEEP YOUR SILVER, GIVE ME THAT GOLD
YOU'LL REMEMBER WHEN I SAY
WE CAN BE HEROES EVERYWHERE WE GO
KEEPING US DOWN IS IMPOSSIBLE
WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE
♫
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Our fighters begin the walk for the co-main event of the evening and this kid here? He’s something special. Two time champion, FIVE time fight of the night winner… He’s made a couple million dollars from the fight game alone and isn’t even old enough to buy a 6 pack of beer in his home country. This is the true definition of a prodigy and a lot of people feel like he doesn’t get the respect he deserves.
JASON JACKSON
It’s true. A lot of people sleep on Jordan but I remember training with this kid when he first broke onto the scene and I knew he was going to be something special. He’s always learning and evolving his game. He absorbs whatever you teach him like a sponge and is actually EAGER to learn. He’s not JUST a two time champion, He’s THE youngest champion in what I’m pretty sure is MMA history, not just Union GP. Although he had an ego issue early on in his career, I believe he’s been humbled by a Nat King high kick back at Boss Fight XIII. I say this with true sincerity and I stand by it. Win or Lose, fighters like JPK are the future of this business. They represent the game the right way and they endure the endless amount of shit they are given by their peers and still go out there and perform. I’m a fan of this kid and I think that he’s in for a tough fight tonight but this could go either way.
[Once cageside, Jordan and his crew move to their respective side as Jodan slips his kit off and tosses his t-shirt into the crowd. He heads over to the fight official to be inspected. Once he’s been cleared, he steps up and into the cage. Still appearing to be laser focused as he walks the inside of the cage.]
♫
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
Well if you ask this woman, it’s only going to go ONE way… and that is HER WAY. The Bandit King is here, and she has got her sights set on one thing, and one thing only. Tearing through whoever she has to in order to reclaim her gold. You’ve got to think that whoever walks out of here victorious gets the next crack at the winner of our main event. Natalie believes that should be her and she’s here to prove to us why tonight.
JASON JACKSON
Uce, this woman is terrifying. She’s 5-1 with all of her wins coming via devastating knockout or TKO. She’s a long, lean, Dutch kickboxing standout and her head kicks? Bro, I think she kicks as hard as I do and I’m 260 pounds. King is a terror to this division. Like I said before, JPK has his work cut out for him here tonight ..but he also has the chance to avenge that headkick loss and take his place back at the top of the mountain. Let’s see how it plays out. Ooooooh I’m excited.
[King finally reaches cageside, where she strips down to her gear and gets checked on by the fight official. Once she has been cleared, she turns around to give a quick hug to everyone of her corner mates, then dashed up the steps, skipping every other level with her crazy long stride. King enters the cage and immediately throws a spinning heel kick, which fires the crowd up even more. She then calmly heads to her corner, where she waits patiently for the fight to begin.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland for UGP 16, and it’s time for the Co-Main Event of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 10-7-1. He stands 5’7” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Houston, Texas, fighting out of The Lair, he is the number two ranked Lightweight contender and former two-time Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion, he is “Spidey” Jordan Parker-Kane!
[Jordan Parker-Kane stays focused as he briefly acknowledges the crowd.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Dutch Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-1. She stands 6’ even and weighing in at 147 pounds. She is from Newark, New Jersey, fighting out of RAW Graps Gym, she is the number one ranked Lightweight contender and former Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion, she is Natalie “The Bandit” King!
[Natalie King looks very calm and focused as she paces back and forth, never taking her eyes off of her opponent.]
JASON JACKSON
Both fighters looking supremely confident here. I can see the fire in the eyes of both of them as they pace back and forth here waiting for the bell. You could cut the tension in the air with a knife. This is why I love this sport… right here.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
We’ve nothing else left to say… this staredown says it all. Let’s take it down to referee Herschel Warden to get things underway.
[The bell signals the start of round one, and both fighters touch gloves in the middle of the cage. Jordan wastes no time in pushing forward for a clinch, but King is able to push him aside to avoid it. Jordan isn’t deterred, however, and closes the gap between the two fighters, digging for an underhook. Again, though, Natalie is able to prevent the clutch. Once they separate, King strikes out with a low leg kick, but Jordan Parker-Kane is able to check it. He counters with a quick punch, that gets parried.]
[Natalie presses the action, showing some wrestling skills as she wraps Jordan in a double overhook. The clinch work favors Jordan, however, and he suddenly jumps guard! After a short struggle, Jordan drags Natalie to the ground and closes his guard. Natalie is in Jordan’s closed guard, and tries to pass--but her timing is off, and Jordan times his reversal perfectly, turning her over to her back and passing to half-guard.]
JASON JACKSON
Smart move by JPK. You can’t get kicked in the head if you’re working on the ground. This kid’s Jiu Jitsu game is on point though, so Natalie needs to free herself and get back up before JPK locks in some crazy shit off his back. I’ve seen it. He’s nuts.
[Jordan postures up in half-guard over King. Natalie switches her hips and moves to full guard. Natalie’s guard is open with Jordan over her. Jordan pushes Natalie against the fence, before trying to pass by jumping over Natalie’s guard! He only makes it to half-guard, though.]
[Natalie attempts to regain her guard, but Jordan blocks the transition. A second attempt gets Natalie back to full-guard, though Jordan prevents her from closing her guard. Jordan gets up and tries to jump to side mount, but Natalie recovers her position to continue the fight, eventually locking her guard. Jordan tries to escape, but Natalie blocks his movement!]
[Natalie throws punches up at JPK, with little effect. Jordan does a great job avoiding any damage. Eventually, Herschel Warden hasn’t seen enough action on the ground, and stands the two up. The audience seem to agree with the standup, as both fighters get up to their feet.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
You got to work when you’re on the ground like that. Herschel isn’t one to play with the lay and pray type stuff. He’ll stand you up in a heartbeat, and that he did. Just like that, the fight goes back to favoring Natalie King.
[Jordan closes the distance and looks to clinch, but Natalie moves backwards to avoid. Natalie circles around JPK, who misses his clinch effort and leaves Natalie an opening! King catches a Thai plum and pushes JPK against the fence! JPK jumps guard, bringing Natalie down and closing his guard.]
[Natalie postures up and works to improve her position, trying to break JPK’s closed guard. When that doesn’t work, she fakes a couple punches, then slips a leg free into half-guard! Jordan tries to recover his guard, but Natalie blocks the transition--instead, trying to advance to side-mount herself! JPK doesn’t allow any movement, though.]
[Natalie throws a few punches and tries to escape the half-guard, and JPK isn’t able to block the movement this time! Natalie moves to side mount! Jordan tries to recover guard again, but Natalie blocks the movement. She tries to move into full mouth, but over-commits and Jordan manages to move all the way back to closed guard!]
JASON JACKSON
The action is sort of stalling out here again. If Jordan doesn’t work here the ref is sure to stand them back up aga-- ARMBAR! HE LOCKED THAT IN OUT OF NOWHERE!
[Jordan traps one of Natalie’s arms and starts cranking on an unorthodox armbar! Natalie is able to free her arm before it’s in any real danger, though. Jordan attempts a triangle, but Natalie slips her head free. JPK transitions to an armbar, throwing up submission attempt after submission attempt, stringing them together. Natalie pulls her arm free and gets back to her feet to avoid danger.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
She was in real danger there for a moment. You don’t want to let this kid chain together submission attempts like that. All it takes is him finding his grip on one of those holds, and this night is over as quickly as it began.
JASON JACKSON
Great awareness and submission defense by The Bandit King though. She slipped out of those quick as hell. I don’t blame her for standing up though. All it takes is one minor mistake...
[Natalie launches a kick to JPK’s thigh, that connects with a loud pop. But with not much action beyond that, Herschel Warden stands JPK up. Jordan knows his best bet is on the ground, and pushes forward for a takedown. King struggles a bit, before pushing JPK aside. They engage in a wild exchange of punches, with JPK even getting the best of King, as he lands a few blows!]
[Jordan moves forward again, catching King in a Thai plum. Natalie frees herself from the clinch quickly, and circles away from JPK. King advances this time, and catches JPK in a Thai clinch of her own. JPK isn’t able to escape. Natalie throws a knee, but JPK’s able to block it. It doesn’t deter her, though--one, two, three knees! King lands a devastating knee right on JPK’s chin, to which the crowd erupts! The buzzer sounds to end the round, and the referee separates the two fighters.]
JASON JACKSON
OH! OHHHH! SHIT! That knee almost messed his day all the way up. His legs are shaky as he moves toward his corner here and they need to tell him to get this fight back to the ground and continue looking for the sub. He can’t keep eating shots like that. I don’t think his little wiry ass is built like that.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Lots of action to start this fight. We saw this fight go everywhere. The ground, the clinch, superb standup. You can really tell that these two are some of the best fighters in their division and you can see that both of them came to fight and they came to WIN.
[The second round begins, and Natalie King comes out aggressive. She catches JPK in a double-underhook clinch, pushing him backward. JPK tries to take King down with a foot sweep...King loses her footing and stumbles backward! JPK launches a few punches from above. One cracks King’s jaw! King crawls back to her feet, but JPK keeps her tied up.]
[JPK tries to break the clinch. King throws a high knee when there’s just a bit of separation! Awesome impact! JPK stumbles backwards, and King shoots an incredible takedown! JPK pushes her away and King gets to her feet, launching a strong kick to JPK’s right leg. JPK can’t check it, and the thud echoes in the arena. JPK is stood up, and when the fight resumes, he moves forward for a clinch. King pushes his arms away and circles out. As Jordan advances, Natalie snaps a strong low kick, this time to JPK’s left leg.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Kick, Knee, Kick, Knee. The chant of the Bandit King! Natalie is eating him alive right now with the clinch knees and these nasty leg kicks. What do you suggest that Spidey do here to regain control, Jackson?
JASON JACKSON
Take this shit back to the ground. Plain and Simple. He’s looking frantic with his takedowns though. He needs to take a few steps back, breathe, regroup… He’s gotta calm down and set these takedown attempts up because Nat King is far too smart and too well trained to fall for just any willy nilly little double leg.
[Jordan shoots for a single-leg takedown, but Natalie struggles to prevent him from getting her leg up. Eventually, JPK runs the pipe and gets Natalie to the ground, passing directly to side control! Jordan tries to move to mount, but Natalie catches him in half-guard. She throws a few body blows before shifting to full guard. Jordan tries to pass, but Natalie blocks his movement. JPK gets sloppy in his attempts to pass, and Natalie reaches under, rolling through for a kneebar!]
[JPK blocks the attempt before his knee is in any danger, and uses the aggression to pass to half-guard. Natalie tries to move back to full guard, but Jordan blocks the movement. Natalie makes some space and tries to scramble away, but JPK takes his back and moves for a rear naked choke! He can’t lock it up, though. Natalie spins into Jordan’s guard, and before he can lock it, she stands back up.]
JASON JACKSON
Faint glimmer of hope here for Jordan and it’s snatched away as quickly as it emerges. He had the back, but Nat is just too good. She can’t continue to defend the submission onslaught at this pace though. Eventually she will tire out. Can JPK make it that long though? That’s the real test.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
King is back to her feet and she’s smiling, Jase. She knows that she has Jordan right where she wants him, and that’s right here on the feet.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, he’s going to have to dig deep here if he wants to make it to the third round. Look at her smirk. He looks like a deer in the headlights right now Harp. Not good.
[JPK advances for a clinch but misses and King sees an opportunity to counter him! She catches JPK with double underhooks, pushing him back toward the fence. JPK circles away from the fence, pushing Natalie up against the cage instead. He tries to take Natalie to the ground from the clinch, but Natalie blocks the takedown and remains on her feet. King circles around and pushes JPK against the fence, moving into the Thai clinch!]
[JPK tries to escape, but Natalie keeps a strong clinch. She throws a knee that lands solid! One, two, three knees that land to JPK’s face, then several knees to the body! The crowd cheer the exchange, as JPK can’t take many more shots like that! King pulls JPK’s head down and throws another strong knee, that lands with a big impact! JPK stumbles away from the clinch, visibly rocked.]
JASON JACKSON
HE’S ROCKED! WOWWWW WHAT A KNEE! JPK doesn’t even know where he’s at right now.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
He’s swinging wildly at the air in desperation but Nat is closing in like a wolf smelling blood.
[JPK throws punches that miss wildly, but he manages to avoid King’s return punches. JPK tries to keep Natalie at range while he recovers, throwing a few tentative punches, but King avoids any damage. Once he recovered his bearings, JPK moves forward into another clinch, but Natalie keeps him at a distance. She fakes a punch, and launches herself at JPK! She catches a Thai clinch on JPK, pushing him back against the cage!]
[JPK tries to throw a knee from this position, but Natalie avoids any real contact. She counters with a knee of her own, though, that rocks JPK! He can’t get off the cage as King throws a flurry of punches! JPK stops the onslaught for a moment by catching a clinch, but Natalie pushes through back to the Thai plum, and immediately starts throwing knees! The impact of every knee is vicious, and eventually, Natalie lands a knee to the temple that crumples JPK!]
JASON JACKSON
That. is. all. she. wrote! DAMN SON. That was brutal. He folded like a fresh load of towels. Chalk up another one for the Bandit King. Wow. This woman is impressive.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Indeed she is. She controlled this from start to finish sans a few small windows that JPK just couldn’t capitalize on. You’ve got to think she gets the next crack at the winner of our main event. Especially after that performance.
JASON JACKSON
She’d better. If she doesn’t I’ll riot. This woman is out here starching people like great great grandaddy’s Sunday best. She better get that next shot. Dante, make that happen. This woman is a monster.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
HAHAHA… Sunday best… I can’t with you. Let’s go down to the cage for the official decision.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and King is swarmed by her corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to JPK for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at four minutes fifty-three seconds in the second 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 4:53 Round 2
Statistics: Natalie King
Punches 11/14 (79%)
Kicks 3/4 (75%)
Clinch strikes 14/24 (58%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/3 (0%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 222 s
Statistics: Jordan Parker-Kane
Punches 5/16 (31%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/4 (25%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 222 s
[The arena lights dim to a near pitch black and the octagon is illuminated with a solid green spotlight from above. Soon the soft and slow sounds of a guitar picking away fills the air until the first verse kicks in.]
♫
TO THE ENDS OF THIS LOST WORLD
YOU HAVE MARCHED AND YOU HAVE SWORN
TO A TAINTED CROWN OF THORNS
♫
[The building begins to light up with several spotlights scanning all over until they all zero in on the main stage. Just then, Carrick Price emerges from the back and the crowd explode into pandemonium. Carrick is decked out in an Irish flag themed walkout kit and carries the Irish flag over his shoulders like a cape. The Lion looks completely amped up as he bounces and head bangs on his way down to the octagon.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
We’ve heard the term “Killa Party” a lot recently, but this right here is going to be a “ScrapYard Party” and so far from what we’ve seen tonight from this camp as a whole? It’s going to be a banger.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, you know when I first met Carrick Price I knew he was going to be something special. Not just as a fighter, but for this sport in general. I knew he’d take the reigns and become a pioneer. I knew he’d do whatever he could to see this sport grow and evolve and help these new fighters find their footing just like I did for him. I know we had a falling out, and I know I said a lot of things to him I shouldn’t have but now is not the time for all that. It’s all water under the fridge.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Water under the...fridge?
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, that’s what I said man. Water under the fridge. Either way, what I’m trying to say is… I’m proud of him. I’m proud of everything he’s done for this sport. I’m proud of him making a name for himself and creating a gym to give the people here a place to grow and develop. Something he didn’t have the opportunity of having early in his career. I’m proud of everything he stands for and he may hate my guts and we may never speak again but this dude has my vote for hall of fame. He deserves it. He’s a pillar in this sport and I’m so very glad I could help him get a foot in the door and capitalize on his true potential. It allowed him to come in and shape the game the way he did for these Irish motherfucking warriors man. Fuck everything I said before Carrick. I know you’ll go back and watch this fight, because I know you. You don’t owe me a damn thing. You paid this sport back ten fold and that’s all I could’ve ever asked for. Enjoy this last one kid. You’ve earned it.
[Carrick makes it to cageside and strips down to his fight gear. He walks over to the fight official, where he begins his inspections. Once he’s been cleared, Carrick races up the steps and enters the cage to another thunderous roar from the crowd. Price heads over to his corner and begins rolling his neck and wrists to loosen up.]
♫
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 the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Championship wrapped around his waist. Donovan burrows his head down while slowly walking down the aisle, looking stoic in his preparations.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Champion “Double D” Delaney Donovan makes the walk here and he looks laser focused Jason. This crowd is on its feet for this man and the roar in here is… indescribable. I think the roof is shaking right now.
JASON JACKSON
Delaney Donovan is another one of those fighters that I consider the future of this sport. He reminds me a LOT of what I saw in Carrick when I brought him over to the states. He’s got this fire and this passion for the sport and the drive to be the best in the world and right now? He’s looking promising. His only loss so far in UGP is to Hanako Takeuchi back at UGP 11 and he’s fought a whole LIST of who’s who in MMA. Lauren Moore, Xabier Belazco, JPK, Natalie King… and he’s beaten every one of them. If he can beat Carrick Price here tonight? I believe he’ll be on the way to cementing a legacy here. Let’s take it down to cageside for the intros.
[Donovan makes it to cageside where he is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and calmly takes his place in his corner while shadow boxing along the way.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland for UGP 16, and it’s time for the Main Event of the evening! The final contest is scheduled for five rounds in the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 9-2. He stands 5’9” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is Carrick “The Lion” Price!
[Carrick nods his head and raises a fist in the air as he keeps his attention on the fight ahead.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Fighter holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 8-1. He stands 5’9” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is the reigning and undisputed Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion of the World, he is “Double D” Delaney Donovan !
[Donovan is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for this war.]
JASON JACKSON
Man, they both look confident and ready to go to war. I can’t pick one or the other. I just can’t. This is the perfect Main Event and if this really is Carrick’s last bout.. He couldn’t have picked a better one. I’ve got goosebumps. This is what this sport is all about.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Well, we’ve said enough here. I’m ready to watch this historic bout get underway. You got anything else Jase?
JASON JACKSON
Nothing. Nothing at all. Let’s fucking go.
[The bell sounds and the main event in Dublin, Ireland is underway with a roar from the crowd. Both fighters circle around the center of the cage. Carrick acts first, shooting for a takedown but Delaney sprawls nicely and remains on his feet. As Price stands up and separates, Donovan unloads a body kick in his direction but the former CGFC fighter deflects the kick with ease. He engages again, locking Donovan around the waist before dragging him down to the canvas. Carrick finds himself in open guard and looks to end things quickly with a knee bar.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Excellent work on the ground already and Price is trying to lock that kneebar in and wrap this up quickly.
JASON JACKSON
I taught him that.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Really?
JASON JACKSON
Pfft. No. If anything he taught ME that. I sucked on the ground when we first met. Him and Cass Madrigal helped me shape that shit up.
[Delaney rolls, trying to get free and manages to do so after a few kicks, scrambling back to his feet. Dusty Whittaker halts the fight to stand Carrick back up as well and the fight resumes with both men standing. Looking for a way inside the range of his opponent, Delaney is kept at bay by a few low kicks that don’t find their mark but force him to back away. As he backpedals, Price pursue’s him and shoots in, latching onto a single leg of the lightweight champion. He drives and his momentum causes Delaney to lose his balance, with Carrick once more ending up in advantageous position on the ground. From side control, Carrick looks to slide his leg across and get to mount but Donovan shows good defense on the ground and manages to work Carrick back into his guard.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
One of the more underestimated aspects of the champions game is his ability to defend on his back. He did it against the current bantamweight champion early in his tenure here in Union, and he did so against Jordan Parker-Kane in their first matchup as well.
JASON JACKSON
It’s a hard skill to master. For the longest time I;d always freeze up off my back and it took me a while to learn how to roll and work from my guard. This kid? He’s got it down pat. That’s why he’s a champion. He’s calm and collected no matter where the fight goes. That’s what’s going to keep that gold around his waist.
[Delaney quickly closes his guard and the two jostle for position, with Carrick being a bit too aggressive trying to improve and instead leaves himself open for Delaney to roll and execute a lovely reversal. Double D is in full mount over Carrick and Price tries to roll to his side to trap Delaney in his guard. Donovan controls his opponent well, though, and maintains his position in full mount. Still, he shows the veteran fighter an immense amount of respect, knowing that Carricks bread and butter is on the ground. But again, perhaps a bit anxious after so much time off from the cage, Carrick gets a bit hasty and Delaney uses his aggression to roll him through to his stomach and take his back.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Oh boy this could get bad quickly for Carrick now that he’s given up his back. Delaney Donovan isn’t known for his submissions but the striking capability of the Lightweight Champ could really come into play now.
JASON JACKSON
Carrick has been in a bad position before. He’s just gotta stay calm and weather the storm. It ain’t over until the fat lady sings and I don’t see Lizzo anywhere.
[With Donovan on his back, Carrick defends well enough and Double D is unable to find any openings to deal damage. A bit to the dismay of the crowd, the referee decides that neither man is doing anything significant and halts the fight to stand them both up.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Well, here we go again Jason. You’re going to have some words with these refs after the fight huh?
JASON JACKSON
[slams water bottle on table] YO! SERIOUSLY?! COME ON MAN.
[Back standing, it’s more of the same from Carrick. He fakes a punch and shoots a takedown, bringing Delaney right down to the mat once more. From open guard Carrick looks for a kneebar again, but Delaney does a nice job to roll on the ground and kick his way free before scrambling back up to his feet. On the ground the look on Carricks face is one of displeasure, clearly having though he had caught Delaney with that kneebar. Before he can try to get back up, though, Delaney unleashes a kick to Carricks thigh that connects with a loud pop and the crowd ooh’s. When Delaney backs off, Dusty Whittaker halts the fight again to allow Carrick to get back to his feet.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Jesus, Dusty, just give them a chance to work it out on their own.
JASON JACKSON
If Dante Reed doesn’t fire these assclown refs after this event…. I swear to god.
[Double D goes with a big, looping right hand once Carrick is back on his feet and it lands. Defensively, Price retaliates with some jabs but finds nothing as Delaney runs to capitalize with a series of jabs and crosses. Suddenly, Donovan spins around and oh boy! His backfist connects flush with the chin of Carrick Price! The Lion fires off a low kick to try and keep Delaney at distance but the Lightweight Champion blocks it, fakes a punch and then moves inside with some nice footwork. Again, Carrick tries to make him pay for getting close with a hard shot to the body but Delaney reads it well and blocks with ease. Countering quickly, Delaney slams a bone shattering left into The Lions face and it’s sure to be the cause of a headache tomorrow!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
The champ showing off his striking ability right now. That backfist was a thing of beauty but perhaps more impressive is his ability to get inside Carrick's defense and deliver even more punishment.
JASON JACKSON
It’s not easy. That’s for sure. Carrick’s foot and head movement is top notch and he’s an elite counter striker. If you can actually get inside there and open him up? You’ve accomplished a feat. That’s for sure.
[Price circles around Donovan looking for angles, throwing a few jabs as he does so but every time he does Delaney counter punches well and Carrick again finds himself on the receiving end of a great combination. Oh! It looks like one of those punches has rocked Carrick pretty well as he’s quickly backpedaling and trying to avoid taking more damage. Donovan pursues and Carrick responds by shooting for a takedown, but Delaney doesn’t budge and instead forces Price to pull guard.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
One of those shots really rung Carricks bell but you can see the experience he’s got in that cage. He managed to avoid taking any further damage and, even if he has to fight from the bottom, brought the fight back to where he’s more comfortable.
JASON JACKSON
Veteran move. He’s just gotta shake those cobwebs off and get back into the fight. Carrick has to be careful not to let Double D posture up and rain down some shots though. That’s only going to make that ringing in his head right now worse.
[Delaney is able to break Carricks closed guard with ease and passes fully to side control where he pauses to drive a few elbows into the ribs of his opponent. The expression on Carricks face shows that he’s feeling every one of them and they don’t feel good. Trying to defend himself, Carrick looks to trap Delaney back in his guard but Donovan stifles the attempt and remains in side control until a few more moments pass and the buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. Dusty Whittaker orders both men back to their corners and the camera crew shifts back to Toussaint Harper and Jason Jackson.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Hard to determine a winner in that round but if I had to I think I would give it to Delaney at 10-9. Carrick was able to score some takedowns early, and was aggressive with his submission attempts. But Donovan was able to demonstrate his ability on the ground as well, and his striking in the second half of the round really was on display for the world to see.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah I agree. Definitely 10-9 Delaney. Carrick has been known to be a bit of a slow starter sometimes though. It’s really a toss up. He either comes out balls to the wall, or he does a little bit of feeling out. I think he’ll come out in the second and be much more active.
[When the second begins, Carrick initiates the action with a lightning fast low kick but Delaney blocks it and then blocks a middle kick as well. A bunch of leg kicks come in return from Delaney and those seem to be bothering Carrick. A good front kick from Price is blocked by the champion before Delaney drives home a nice one-two combination. Another brilliant combination follows the first and it forces Carrick to give a little bit more attention to his defense and a little less attention to what he wants to do in the round. Shooting for a takedown, Carrick grabs onto Delaney’s left leg but Donovan shows wonderful balance and pushes Price away. As they separate and Carrick stands, Delaney throws an uppercut that lands solidly.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I think the hardest thing about getting into the cage against Delaney Donovan is that he makes you pay for getting anywhere near him. You shoot for a takedown and fail? He’s going to make you pay when you scramble and separate. You try and clinch? He’s going to batter you. You just can’t get near the guy without him making you suffer for every single inch.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, Carrick is turning up the heat a little here like I said before but Delaney is a savage man. I love guys who will make you pay on the disengage on a clinch or feed you an uppercut for your troubles during a takedown attempt. You always have to be looking for your window to attack. Double D dives through those windows.
[Price shrugs off the uppercut and responds with some good leg kicks but Delaney defends them and then shrugs off the sweep attempt from Price and makes him pay with a nasty low kick to Carricks right leg. When another takedown attempt fails, Carrick is forced to pull guard once more.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
You think Delaney’s corner told him to shut those takedowns down? Man, he just will not let Carrick have anything that he wants right now.
JASON JACKSON
For sure. He’s winning the fight on the feet, and he’s not much of a submission guy.. So why not? He’s making Carrick fight HIS fight right now. I’m really impressed.
[Donovan tries to pass Carricks guard and gets to half guard. Price quickly tries to work him back to full guard but it’s to no avail. Carrick reaches under and rolls for a kneebar but Delaney blocks the attempt and breaks his leg free, passing to side control. Frustration, but not worry, can be seen on Carricks face as he’s typically regarded as one of the better jiu jitsu artists in the world but Delaney continues to show his underrated ability, sliding his leg across from side mount and achieving full mount, putting Price in a difficult spot.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Solid, solid work from Delaney. He seems ready to go no matter where Carrick wants to take this fight.
JASON JACKSON
I’ve known Carrick for a while now, and I’ve been in there with him on the ground more times than I can count. The fact that this guy is hanging with him… not even hanging with him really, he’s keeping up step for step and even winning some of these grappling exchanges it’s… man… it’s wild.
[Unsurprisingly, Carrick quickly tries to escape the position he’s found himself in but Delaney isn’t caught off guard and moves to side control to keep his superior position. Looking to find his way back to full mount, though, Donovan slams more elbows into Carricks ribs, forcing Price to defend, and it’s then that he slips his leg back across and gets back to full mount once more. Slippery as ever, though, Carrick keeps working and doesn’t allow Delaney any opportunity from mount and, again, forces him to return to side control in order to keep his superior positioning.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Little things like that are what has made Carrick the highly revered fighter that he is. Donovan can get to full mount, sure, but he hasn’t been able to do anything from there so far. And now it’s back to side control.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, Carrick doesn’t give you anything. You have to work for it. You have to take it if you wanna eat. He’s always been that way.
[Back and forth they go as Donovan once more is able to achieve full mount and this time when Carrick rolls, Delaney rolls him all the way over and takes his back. From his back, Donovan quickly manages to get one hook in, surprising the veteran fighter a bit. Price looks to escape with some finesse but Donovan is smart enough to counter them and slips a second hook in after maintaining his position. Donovan works on a desperate Price, who tries to defend himself and escape from that position. But Delaney moves, looking to sink a rear naked choke in to finish the fight. He gets one arm over Carrick’s shoulder and the crowd rises to their feet, knowing that this one might be over soon.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
In his nine professional fights previous to this I’ve never seen Delaney Donovan even hint at looking for a submission. I’m absolutely shocked right now, Jason.
JASON JACKSON
Huh? You were talking to me? Sorry I was just watching the fight man. Haha. No, really though.. He’s looking to make a statement Harp. He’s looking to cement that legacy and prove he’s the best. To be the best, you have to beat the best and for a long long time now Carrick has been one of the best fighters in the world.
[This whole situation is a nightmare for Carrick Price, who continues to try and use his skill to escape from the position but is unable to find any opening to do so. Instead he’s simply forced to defend against the submission attempt, which he does well enough until the final moments of the round finally come and the buzzer sounds. As the two fighters stand up Delaney holds both arms up in the air and the Dublin crowd erupts with joy. Carrick, however, returns to his corner without saying a word, still with a round to go to swing momentum back in his favor.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I think we’re both on the same page with that round, aren’t we Jason?
JASON JACKSON
Score one more for Double D. I’m not sure what’s going on here with Carrick Price but he’s gotta get this together. His corner needs to reach out and touch him right now. Let him know he’s losing this fight and that he has to make something work. If I were still the coach here I’d tell him to bait Delaney into a brawl and counter strike him. Make him come to you and then make him pay.
[Both fighters emerge from their corners as the Dublin crowd sings their hearts out as Price and Donovan meet in the center of the cage once more. An inside leg kick from Carrick goes awry, and Donovan studies him for a moment, looking for a hole in his defense. Looking for a sweep single, Price is stuffed by the ever ready Delaney Donovan. Carrick quickly steps backwards and lowers his arms, breathing heavily. He seems to be a bit on the tired side.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Price looking a little fatigued early in the third. Is that a product of not fighting, and really not even training for a fight, in over a year prior to the announcement of this card a few weeks back?
JASON JACKSON
Absolutely. A lot of people say they can come off the couch right now and go five rounds but that’s just talk. You just aren’t as conditioned as you are when you’re training every day at that level. Sure, you can still go. But for how long? That adrenaline dump is going to hit you at some point and you’re going to fight or fold.
[Every time Carrick Price attempts to get inside, Donovan fires a low kick. Price manages to avoid one of them, though, and get inside to grab Delaney by the waist where he looks to drag Donovan to the ground. But Delaney struggles and fights and Carrick is unable to take him down. The two disengage and circle around the center of the cage. When they converge, the two exchange wildly but Donovan manages to connect with a few punches. Price quickly fakes a punch and shoots for a takedown but Delaney sprawls nicely and remains on his feet. Donovan punishes Price for the attempt with several good body shots that seem to stagger Carrick.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Carrick has got to avoid taking that kind of damage if he wants to survive much longer.
JASON JACKSON
He’s getting picked apart here. It’s… It’s honestly a little hard for me to watch man.
[A series of leg kicks from Delaney Donovan pepper the veteran fighter. The last one wrenches and hyper extends Carrick’s left knee. Heh stumbles backward, seeming hurt.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Oh boy that leg kick just ripped Carricks knee terribly there and you can tell he’s struggling to put weight on it already.
JASON JACKSON
Not good. That looked like the meniscus going out on him there. He’s not going to be able to put much pressure on that knee moving forward. I hate to say it but I think that may have just signed the death warrant.
[Donovan presses the action immediately. The two exchange in another series of wild punches and Donovan gets the best of the exchange, landing a few of his strikes. More punches continue to land as Price tries to cover up and defend. Rapid flurries of punches take Price from one end of the cage to another. And then BAM! A big haymaker flattens him and Dusty Whittaker quickly jumps in to halt the fight as the crowd explodes from their seats while the medics quickly pour into the ring. Donovan sprints to the fence and elevates himself up onto it, holding his arms up in the air and conducting the crowd as they begin to sing in unison.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
WOW! What a massive knockout to end the night! I think we’ve witnessed a true passing of the torch tonight, Jason. Carrick Price has meant everything to this sport in Ireland for a while now. But listen to this crowd. Listen to how much they love this man. He is truly their champion.
JASON JACKSON
Oh. My. God. Man.. that was… wow. I’m at a loss for words. Look… Carrick Price still means everything to this sport. Let me set that straight right now. It was a definite passing of the torch, and Delaney Donovan went out there and earned this by complete mauling… but nothing and I mean NOTHING will ever erase the things Carrick has done for this sport. Win or Lose. He’s a legend and I hate to see him go out like this, but it happens to the best of us. It happened to me against Roscoe Robinson in my final fight. No matter how good we are, every dog has his day. I just hope he’s okay. Congrats to the champ on his defense. Natalie King is going to have one hell of a task on her hands in the rematch if he fights like that. Good lord.
[The crowd continue their cheers as Carrick finally makes it back to his feet. The medical personnel scatter out of the octagon and soon 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 two minutes seventeen seconds in the third 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 and give each other a hug as a gesture of mutual respect. Both Delaney and Carrick then raise each other’s hand in the air as a sign of a win for both fighters and ultimately, the same camp overall while the crowd roars to deafening volumes. The final shot of all of the ScrapYard fighters in the octagon slowly fades to a graphic popping up, breaking down the statistics of the fight and the commentators recap the fight.]
Winner: Delaney Donovan by KO (Punches) at 2:17 Round 3
Statistics: Delaney Donovan
Punches 43/57 (75%)
Kicks 10/11 (91%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 4/4 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 292 s
Statistics: Carrick Price
Punches 0/12 (0%)
Kicks 0/11 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 3/11 (27%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 302 s