SPRINT CENTER
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
FEBRUARY 16, 2020
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PRESHOW
TENSLEY TAYLOR SINGS
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
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[The opening montage comes to a close and the feed transitions inside the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 18,000 fans pack the building, where many have immersed themselves into the pandemonium and roar out with deafening cheers. With the uncertainty of victory or defeat looming, the aura is both intoxicating and tense.]
[The main stage, where the fighters scheduled tonight grace their presence, is littered with carnage and destruction. A heavy fog sits stale, scaffolding strung in multiple directions, and the overall structure glowing red with fire, ash, and embers; something no fighter will soon forget.]
[The toll on both fan and fighter is enormous. The stage of a bloody war is set. The conquerors envision nothing but execution towards success, while the meek is flooded with doubt.]
[Down in the trenches, our very own mouthpiece Toussaint Harper stands cageside and he’s flanked by former 2 time CGFC Dragon Champion Jason Jackson and the Irish icon Carrick Price on either side. All three gentlemen are dressed to the nines as the camera pans in tight.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri — Home of the Super Bowl LIV Champions Kansas City Chiefs — for UGP 18! My name’s Toussaint Harper and alongside me are two legends of the sport, Jason Jackson and Carrick Price. Boys, we got ourselves a helluva card lined up with three title bouts as our feature attraction, and I suppose we needed a three man band calling the shots tonight.
CARRICK PRICE
Wouldn’t be a proper UGP show if you didn’t have the cock of the walk in Belfast, that's me, leading the charge with that top notch analysis. Plus, someone has to keep J from getting into a fight with every idiot in a tapout shirt that he thinks looks at him the wrong way.
JASON JACKSON
Man, happy as ever to be here with you fellas and watch these fights from one of the best seats in the house. I’m going to be on my best behavior tonight, I promise. Scouts honor and shit.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Before we get to the title bouts, let’s breakdown tonight’s undercard, starting with our opening fight. We have the debut of Middleweight contender, Hunter Montgomery, taking on Navorro Williams. You could say this is a must win for both fighters, with Montgomery looking to begin his professional career with a big win over a decorated competitor, and Williams looking to just get a win here in Union. Since winning his Union GP debut fight, Vo has seen some dark days, losing four straight, and his last two to the current Middleweight Champion Asher Jrue. But Williams and Montgomery both have a respectable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, so look for this one to be a technical chess match.
JASON JACKSON
I don’t really know who this Hunter Montgomery fella is but he’s getting one hell of a welcome to UGP in So-Vo. I feel like it’s time for Navorro to eat and get back to his winning ways. I’d love to see a nasty submission one time for the one time to bring back some memories.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Then we have a Heavyweight Bout scheduled between two behemoths with serious knockout power, Joseph Byrne and Harmon Janssen. Two top five fighters look to continue their winning ways and get themselves into that title shot discussion. Both of these guys are coming in tonight after KO victories in under a minute at UGP 17. Anyone wanna place bets on whether this one survives the first round?
CARRICK PRICE
What I want to know is what will take longer, the knockout that’s sure to come, or the medics getting into the cage after it happens.
JASON JACKSON
Man, both of these guys are hosses. This is going to be a “don’t blink” kind of fight. I’m super excited for this one. This is right down my alley boys.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Then our final non-title bout is a Bantamweight clash between number two ranked Lauren Moore and number three ranked Saffron Harris, and you have to believe this is a title eliminator fight. This is Moore’s first fight since losing the Bantamweight Title to Zari Aaliyah at Boss Fight XV, and you know she’s ready to get back on the right track. On the flip side, Saffron Harris is riding a two fight win streak and if she can pull off another big win here tonight, you know she’s eager to earn a rematch between Zari Aliyah OR Dallas Meechan.
JASON JACKSON
The winner of this one is definitely in a prime position to lobby for the next crack at whoever walks out of Boss Fight XV as champion. This is an opportunity that has been eluding Saffron for a while now, and she gets the change tonight to right all the wrongs and take one step closer to gold. L-Mo stands between her and whoever the champion may be when the smoke clears, however, and that is not an easy challenge in the least bit.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Our first of three title fights begins with Delaney Donovan taking on August Pope for the Lightweight Championship. Both of these guys have elite, top tier striking with only a single blemish to their professional records. This is Pope’s second chance at the title after going four rounds with Jordan Parker-Kane in the 2019 Championship Grand Prix this past summer. JPK is the only common opponent between these two, where Pope lost and Donovan won against the two-time Lightweight Champion. However, I think we can all agree to throw out the inconsistent MMA logic out the window.
JASON JACKSON
I don’t like math Harpy, and MMA math is included in that. The plain and simple is, it doesn’t matter who you’ve fought and who you’ve beaten. Any night can be your night, and any night can be your undoing. We’ve seen Double D in prime form lately and it’s going to take a flawless performance to dethrone the king of the lightweights. Can August Pope be the man? Sure. I think he could be, but it’s all about how the punches land and how the cards fall. The next fight we’re about to discuss is the prime example of that.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And then in our second Co-Main Event, it’s the Middleweight Championship rematch between hometown hero Asher Jrue and former champion Robert Guilliman. Simba played the ultimate spoiler at the end of 2019, shocking the world by defeating Guilliman. The Primarch had just won the 2019 Championship Grand Prix, being the only champion to keep the title from start to finish, and won the Union Grand Prix Fighter of the Year honors. Guilly was one win away from tying the Union GP all-time successful title defense record, currently held by fellow Real Killa Roscoe Robinson, until Jrue broke the mold and not only beat Guilliman for the title, he did it pretty soundly. What can we expect to see differently in this go round?
CARRICK PRICE
Here’s the thing about Guilly. All it takes is one of those head kicks to land flush and he’s got the championship back. I think Simba is the all around better fighter, he’s shown his class inside of the cage. But Primarch is terrifying and up until Asher got in that cage with him it was looking like he was untouchable.
JASON JACKSON
Simba did the unthinkable. We all thought he was going to come out here and try to pull off a flashy submission but lo and fuckin’ behold he knocked the Champ slick out with a nasty punch that no one saw come, expecially Robert Guilliman. The former champ is fired up though, and he’s called his shot earlier on my show. I can’t wait for this one to see if it plays out. Man, I’m stoked.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And finally, our Main Event of the evening is another title bout rematch as current Heavyweight Champion and hometown hero Kennard Rozier takes on former champion Donnie Calabrese. It seems fitting our last two fights pits 9th World competitors against Real Killa competitors. Rozier has blazed a trail since debuting on the professional circuit, as he’s completely obliterated his competition en route to a perfect 5-0 record, a 2019 Grand Prix Crown, and the Heavyweight Championship. If he can pull off another win over Dog Face here tonight in his hometown, you have to start considering Rozier as one of the best Heavyweights Union Grand Prix has ever seen. You have to believe the crowd will be on his side here tonight, but everyone loves an underdog story, and Donnie Calabrese has been the epitome of underdogs.
CARRICK PRICE
Pluggz is great but Donnie has the heart of a lion. Hard to really know who to cheer for in this one but I’d bet money this crowd is going to favor Kennard and that’s going to make for an environment that Donnie isn’t used to.
JASON JACKSON
It’s all love for both of these guys but Dog Face is my dude. That being said, I love these big boy bangers and this one is between two of the best in the game right now. It’s going to be fireworks. Someone is getting slept. I feel it in my bones.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And with that folks, let’s turn things over to the octagon, where our very own Mike Dempsey awaits for the action! It’s bout time ladies and gentlemen!
♫
WE’RE NOT INDESTRUCTIBLE
BABY, BETTER GET THAT STRAIGHT
I THINK IT’S UNBELIEVABLE
HOW YOU GIVE INTO THE HANDS OF FATE
♫
[The arena lights dim down and a sole spotlight shines at the main stage while “No Easy Way Out” by Robert Tepper plays over the PA system. Soon, "The Bleeding Heart" Hunter Montgomery emerges on to the stage with his corner crew following close behind. Montgomery keeps his head lowered and never breaks stride as he makes his way toward the octagon.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Alright ladies and gentlemen, our first walkout of the night is a man making his professional MMA debut. Hunter Montgomery is a man with an exceptional pedigree with his wrestling background. Wrestling at American University, he earned All-American honors while also capturing two EIWA Championships. He was offered an invitation to tryout for Team USA at the 2016 Olympics, but turned it down to focus solely on his Law degree. I gotta say, I don’t believe we have seen a guy quite like Montgomery, and I’m curious to see how he performs tonight against a highly accomplished opponent.
CARRICK PRICE
Haha wait… you’re telling me there’s a place in America called American University? You fucking yanks are so arrogant. Christ sake.
JASON JACKSON
I ain’t ever heard of any “American University” but it sounds like something Donald Trump has a hand in. Do they hand out legos for “wall building 101” or teach you to grab her by the…
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Jason!
JASON JACKSON
You’re right. Too far.
[Montgomery makes it to cageside and quickly disrobes his walkout gear. He hands it off to one of his coaches before giving each cornerman a hug. He turns to face the fight official, where his face is greased and the rest of his body inspected to ensure he’s fit to fight. Once he’s been cleared, he methodically walks up the steps and casually enters the octagon. Hunter executes a couple of takedown shots on his way to his corner then bounces in place as he awaits his opponent.]
♫
I'M, I'M, I'M, I'M
I'M OUT OF MY, OUT OF MY MIND
OUT OF MY FUCKING MIND
I'M, I'M OUT OF MY, OUT OF MY MIND
OUT OF MY FUCKING MIND
♫
[The lights dim as "Out of My Mind" by B.O.B feat Nicki Minaj plays with a loud boom all throughout the arena. Coming out in his THRONE MMA gear the 'WATCH THE THRONE' written in eccentric gold lettering over his black hoodie. The sleeves of the hoodie are tied behind his back looking like a straight jacket which has him keeping his arms down at his sides. His THRONE MMA training staff around him as Navorro Williams steps forward with his head down and covered by the hood of the hoodie. B.O.B keeps his flow going as Navorro steps forward slowly with his head still down until... "If these niggas go dumb, I go to the mental facility See, man I'm so out there, I slap fives with E.T." (SLAP!!) Williams head immediately shoots up at the slap looking at the closest camera in front of him with his face covered with a Hannibal Lecter type of mask as his eyes are the color of solid gold. The contacts play right into the insane way his eyes roll left to right with SoVo glaring his teeth under the mask. Navorro buys into the moment being the off-kilter character he's known to be while smiling wildly heading to the cage.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now here comes a fighter who dances to the beat of his own drum. Navorro Williams has been a fan favorite to the diehards of MMA with his unfiltered spats with anyone who crosses his path. As we mentioned earlier, Williams has struggled mightily in his Union GP tenure, going 1-4 and riding on four straight losses. This is the last fight in his contract, and you have to believe this is do or die time for The Warrior.
CARRICK PRICE
Navorro is as real as they come. He’s been unlucky in a few of his fights. And having to go up against Simba at this stage in Asher’s career was just.. Well.. bad luck. But tonight, I think this one belongs to the old timer. He’s probably older than you, huh J?
JASON JACKSON
SOOOOO-VOOOO! That’s Darth Grippa ladies and gents. Yeah man, He predates me for sure. My man was doing work heavy before I first jumped on the scene. I’ve seen this dude in some waaaaaars back in the day. Yo, I think all he needs is a win to get things back on track here and turn it around. I don’t think he’s past his prime or anything. Look at that mask though. You’d think he’s going to eat your face when they put you in that cage with him.
[His head knocks left to right erratically looking around at the fans as he reaches the pad in front of the cage where his team starts taking off all of his gear and his gold/grey vale tudo shorts are checked by the Union GP staff. The vaseline is spread along his face, he exposes his 'VODADDY' black/gold mouthguard, and he gently taps his cup to enter the cage to the boos he loves and adores.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri for UGP 18! And now, this opening contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Wrestler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 0-0. He stands 5’10” and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Washington, D.C., fighting out of RAW Athletics, he is “The Bleeding Heart” Hunter Montgomery!
[Montgomery looks focused as he continues bouncing in place and only giving a quick and subtle raised fist to the crowd’s reaction.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 17-9. He stands 5’10” and weighing in at 175 pounds. He is from Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Washington D.C. and New Orleans, Louisiana, fighting out of Throne MMA, he is “Warrior” Navorro Williams!
[Navorro Williams raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident and ready to roll.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
We are all set to get this night kicked off with two technicians repping D.C. When the bell sounds, our referee in charge of this fight is the seasoned Herschel Warden.
CARRICK PRICE
Hopefully he got his prescription updated because this lad is blind as a fucking bat.
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Both fighters touch gloves, but Hunter’s quickly on the aggressive--he catches an overhook, before throwing up a flying triangle! Williams was caught off-guard, but he regains his wits and slams Hunter to the mat to break the hold! Montgomery clammors to his feet and digs for underhooks, which Navorro tries to avoid but Hunter is determined and eventually manages to back Williams against the cage. Williams cracks Hunter with a shoulder strike, but Hunter absorbs it and sweeps Navorro’s legs from under him! Hunter secures side-mount, dropping a couple little punches that give him some space to put his knee in Williams’ chest--before Hunter spins, catches Navorro’s leg, and attacks with a kneebar! Navorro’s very aware of it, though, and escapes the lock long before Hunter can get it, before scrambling on top.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Hunter Montgomery tries to catch the veteran cage fighter off guard with a wild flying triangle to open this one up! Gutsy move but it doesn’t pay off.
CARRICK PRICE
All that learning and he still couldn’t lock a submission in like yours truly. Guess the books aren’t everything, eh?
JASON JACKSON
Guess they’re teaching “falling with style” at American University.
[Hunter locks his guard around Navorro, but it’s only for a moment before Navorro can break it back open. He moves to pass, which Hunter blocks, but it was more to get Hunter’s attention in that direction--Navorro pushes him into the corner of the fence, connecting with a few punches that don’t do much damage, but catch Hunter’s attention. Navorro then sits back for an ankle lock, but Hunter kicks himself free--Navorro scrambles back on top. Hunter tries to lock his guard back up, but Navorro blocks it. Hunter throws up a triangle, but Navorro postures up and keeps the triangle from getting locked in. Hunter tries his best to break Navorro’s posture, but after quite a while of stalemate, referee Herschel Warden calls for a break and stands them both up.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Herschel Warden stands them up. Hopefully he gives these guys time to work on the ground.
JASON JACKSON
Don’t get me started…
[Hunter studies Navorro, looking for a hole in his defense--he throws out a couple pawing jabs before shooting for a takedown. Navorro sprawls and avoids being taken down, but Hunter pulls guard and drags Navorro in. Navorro tries to pass, but Hunter catches his movement and manages to turn him over, taking full mount! Navorro’s quick to escape, though, shrimping out to half-guard, then full guard! Hunter tries to pass several times, but Navorro blocks it--similarly, Navorro tries to close his guard, but every time he does, Hunter breaks it back open. Hunter takes his time, holding Navorro in place and waiting for a chance to pass, but after several seconds of inactivity, Herschel Warden again stands the two up.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
No arguments from me to stand it up.
CARRICK PRICE
Bah, Harpy. Let the lads work. Everyone’s always so quick to get to the finish. It takes time to set up those passes. You take away the ability of fighters who are strong on the ground to excel when you’re constantly standing them back up. Not everyone has tree trunk arms like the big meat head next to me. Some of us prefer finesse over brute strength.
JASON JACKSON
You guys at home can’t see it, but I’m flexing right now. Welcome to the gun show.
[Montgomery squares up and throws a few jabs at Navorro, but keeps from engaging too much, to recover his breath. Navorro, however, is quick to engage, and shoots for a double leg takedown--which he powers his way through, forcing Hunter to his back! Hunter tries to roll through and take mount, but Navorro solidifies his position. Hunter throws a few punches to Navorro’s midsection, but they don’t do much damage. Navorro uses the effort to try to pass, but Hunter moves with him and avoids the pass. Navorro throws a punch that Hunter avoids, then catches Navorro’s wrist, trying to isolate a kimura--which Navorro avoids by passing into side-mount. The horn blows to end the round before Navorro can do much else, though.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Solid action in the opening frame for both Williams and Montgomery. I’d say it’s pretty tight on the scorecards and could be a toss up.
CARRICK PRICE
Yeah, if I had to pick I’d give it to Vo, but it’s tight for sure. Not as tight as my fiance, though, if you know what I’m saying.
JASON JACKSON
You’re right about that, the score has to be tighter than a virgin on prom night right now. I’ll give the edge to American Academy. The submission attempts being the swaying factor for me. So-Vo needs to turn up the heat.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[Round 2 begins and Navorro shoots for a single-leg takedown almost right on the horn! He manages to get one of Hunter’s feet off the mat, but Hunter eventually manages to avoid the takedown and break the clinch, circling back into the center of the cage. Williams isn’t discouraged, though, and shoots for a double-leg this time, scooping Hunter’s legs out from under him and taking him to his back. Hunter recovers quickly, but Navorro’s able to move for a kneebar before he’s really set--and almost gets it, before Hunter’s able to kick himself free just before his knee gets extended! Hunter scrambles to his feet, throwing a couple kicks at Navorro’s legs that don’t do much more than make noise.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Navorro Williams pushes the pace with some nice takedown attempts to start the second round off.
JASON JACKSON
Beautiful double there and that kneebar looked pretty tight. I think he barely escaped there. You see he jumped right back up like, “nah, I’m good fam.”
[On his back, Navorro throws a couple of counter kicks, originally at Hunter’s legs--then an upkick that connects with Hunter’s chin! Montgomery’s head snaps back with the impact, and he stumbles a few steps backwards, but unfortunately for Navorro, he’s now out of reach. Herschel Warden instructs Navorro to stand up while Hunter backs up. Back on his feet clearly isn’t where Navorro wants the fight, though, and as soon as the fight is restarted, he shoots for a single leg takedown--this time, he manages to finish the takedown, passing immediately into side-mount!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Vo stays aggressive with the takedown attempts and is really controlling the tempo.
JASON JACKSON
Side control is a good place to be. You have a lot of options here. My favorite is the elbow to the noggin, of course. But there are a lot of submission options here too. Kimura, Americana, Head-arm choke… the list is endless. This is a good spot.
[Navorro isolates an arm and goes for an Americana, but Hunter breaks free--and manages to get his guard back in the process! Hunter takes a couple deep breaths, before throwing a few punches at Navorro’s ribs--but Williams gets his block in to avoid the majority of the impact, before moving to pass into half-guard! Williams feigns a pass to side-mount, which Hunter goes to block, before pivoting into another kneebar attempt! Hunter kicks himself free and scrambles on top, but Navorro locks him down in half-guard. Hunter’s passing attempts fail, but similarly, Navorro can’t improve his position, and ultimately, Herschel Warden stands them both up again.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Herschel Warden is allowing these guys to work their ground game, however they keep hitting the wall and not advancing. I guess it’s to be expected with two world class grapplers.
CARRICK PRICE
It’s ridiculous. We know it’s just going to end up back down in the same spot. Let them work. Let one of them find that opening, even if it takes a little time. You said it yourself these are two high level grapplers but we’re going to stand them back up because they’re at a momentary impasse? Come on.
[Both fighters exchange a few punches, but neither connect with another solid--in fact, Hunter misses wildly with an overhand punch, which Navorro counters with a snapping low kick. While Hunter’s somewhat off-balance, Navorro shoots for a single-leg, and trips Hunter to the mat, but only as far as Hunter’s guard. Williams has to work to pass, but eventually moves into half-guard, where he isolates an arm for an Americana, but it’s a clumsy attempt and Hunter’s able to counter with an omaplata! Navorro’s quick to pull his arm free, though, and moves to take Hunter’s back!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Counters on counters on counters, and Navorro Williams has his back!
JASON JACKSON
These two are putting on a Jiu-Jitsu clinic my dude. This is high level stuff. I feel like it’s only a matter of time before someone locks one up for the win.
[Navorro’s unable to get his hooks in, though, and that allows Hunter to roll back into full guard, locking his legs around Navorro’s waist to keep him from passing again. Williams throws a few punches from the top, which mostly don’t do much damage, but Hunter’s able to catch the last one and transition into an armbar! Navorro escapes the hold, though, and passes into side-mount! Hunter scrambles to try to recover his guard, but only gets as far as half-guard. He moves for a kimura, but Williams is too good to fall for that, and pulls his arm free before breaking Hunter’s guard altogether, and getting up to his feet. After a few seconds, Herschel Warden stands Hunter up to restart the fight.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Back to the feet here, let’s see what these guys have in the final moments of the round.
CARRICK PRICE
That is one of the appropriate times to stand a fighter back up. But do you see what I mean, it takes time for these lads to set up what they want to do. If you’re constantly forcing them back up from the ground it’s just starting an endless cycle of madness.
[Williams didn’t break from the ground work for long, as he shoots for another double leg that takes Hunter to the mat, before immediately passing into side-mount! Williams drops a few punches from the top before moving to pass to mount, which Hunter’s able to avoid before scrambling up to his feet! Navorro gets up and puts his guard up, but the horn blows to end the round.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
An exciting second round for both fighters. Navorro looks to be stacking points on the cards with those takedowns. Montgomery needs to have a sense of urgency and get some offense going, he may very well be down two rounds at this point.
CARRICK PRICE
Agreed. If I was over there at the judges table that’s how I would have it scored. Vo has been the aggressor for most of the fight. He’s been forcing Hunter to work. But you never know what those googly eyed fucks over there are going to be watching. Half the time I think they just stare at their phones until the final fifteen seconds of a round.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, that round 100% goes to Navorro Williams. Hunter’s hanging in there but Vo is behind the steering wheel right now. He’s controlling this fight.
=========================================
ROUND THREE
=========================================
[The round begins with a wild exchange of punches, neither man landing some real damaging blows, but Hunter connects with a couple solid punches that get Navorro’s attention. Williams counters with an inside leg kick, but Hunter avoids it easily--but Williams spins all the way through, and shoots for a double-leg takedown! Hunter’s caught off-guard, and once again gets taken to his back, but manages to lock his guard. Williams struggles to break the guard open, but eventually manages it--only for Hunter to throw up a triangle attempt! Navorro knows it’s coming, though, and keeps his posture before slipping free--but Hunter’s throwing everything he can at Navorro, and moves into an armbar instead! Navorro manages to break from the hold and stands back up, shaking his head.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
There’s the urgency from Montgomery. He’s still got to start stuffing those takedowns or the very least, get control on the ground.
CARRICK PRICE
Did you see that double leg, though? Thing of beauty. Vo set that takedown up so perfectly with that inside leg kick. Good defense on the ground by Montgomery though. He needs to keep making Vo feel threatened on the ground.
[Herschel Warden stands Hunter up, and the two square up once again, but the fight doesn’t stay standing long; Hunter shoots for a takedown, but Williams’ balance is too good, and Hunter’s forced to pull guard--which might’ve been a mistake, as Navorro’s quick to move into half-guard! Hunter tries to roll for a kneebar, but Williams blocks the attempt and passes easily into side-mount! Hunter throws a few punches from underneath, but Navorro’s unfazed--it does draw his attention, though, and Hunter’s able to swim back into full guard!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Navorro is on his “A” game here. He’s got Montgomery grasping at straws.
JASON JACKSON
He’s smothering him. Like a wet blanket. There’s nowhere to go, and nowhere to hide. I guarantee you Hunter is tired as SHIT right now. I’m fuckin’ exhausted watching them roll for 12 minutes.
[Navorro breaks Hunter’s guard, and wastes no time passing into half-guard, before isolating Hunter’s arm and looking for an Arm Triangle! It looks tight, but after several seconds, Hunter’s able to pop his head free, but he can’t improve his position, and Navorro solidifies side-mount. Despite a few weak punches from the top, Herschel Warden isn’t pleased with the inactivity, and the fighters are once again stood up.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Not sure I agree wholeheartedly on standing them up here, but Warden is letting them know he wants to see some action right now.
CARRICK PRICE
Fuck him, Harpy. Seriously. Someone get on the line with Dante and hire a new referee this lad is hot garbage.
JASON JACKSON
I’d throw him an elbow all “accidental” like, if I were one of these fighters.
[Hunter works for a clinch, but Williams pushes him aside and throws a kick to the midsection, but Hunter’s able to block it. Williams follows up with a powerful leg kick that visibly moves Hunter’s left leg, and leaves a welt on his inner thigh.]
JASON JACKSON
YEEEEE-OW! Yahtzee!
CARRICK PRICE
Jesus Christ. That kick hurt MY leg.
[Williams paws with a couple jabs before shooting for a single-leg takedown, tripping Hunter to his back and preventing him from locking his guard! He passes into half-guard with relative ease, but Hunter tries to isolate an arm for a Kimura--but Navorro pulls his arm free. Hunter connects with a couple punches to the ribs that test Navorro’s resilience, but it’s more for distraction, as he moves back into full guard and throws up a triangle choke! Navorro keeps his posture and avoids the choke, but Hunter still has his arm, and tries to move into an armbar! It looks tight, but Navorro’s able to rip his arm free and break the grip, backing out of danger, and Herschel Warden steps in to stand Hunter up.]
JASON JACKSON
Man, submission attempts left and right. You never know when it’s going to be over. This has been a cliffhanger!
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Navorro keeps setting up the takedowns perfectly and Montgomery has no answer for it. Ten seconds left in this fight, time to unload!
[With only ten seconds left in the round, Hunter pushes forward, throwing a few jabs that Navorro’s able to counter relatively easily--including landing a three-piece combo that stumbles Hunter backward! Before Navorro can capitalize, the horn sounds to end the fight, and Herschel Warden steps in. Navorro throws his hands up confidently, nodding and celebrating like he’s sure he won.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And this fight goes the distance! What started off as a wavering battle of technical wits, it seems as the fight pressed on, Williams dug deep and solidified himself with a masterful game plan. What do you think, gentlemen?
CARRICK PRICE
For his first fight I thought Montgomery represented himself well. He hung in there in the first but in the final two rounds I felt like Vo really showed his veteran side and just took full control of the fight. Would have liked to have seen him get the finish because, again, you never know what the judges are going to see. But I think Williams safely has this one in the bag.
JASON JACKSON
Ehh, I got it 29-28 Williams. Montgomery did his thing out there, and he was always looking for the submissions to put the fight away, but Navorro was just this overwhelming presence man. He was all over him from bell to bell and there was no room to breath, or think and react.
[Both men get cleaned up by their respective cornermen and medics while coaches pep them up. Once the masses disperse, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards. Judge Miranda Franco scores it 29-28, Montgomery; Judge Ozzie Sebastian scores it 29-28 Williams, and Judge Max Carver scores it 30-27 for your winner by Split Decision, “Warrior” Navorro Williams!
[The crowd cheers once again as Navorro Williams has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
JUDGE MIRANDA FRANCO
Navorro Williams 9 9 10: 28
Hunter Montgomery 10 10 9: 29
JUDGE MAX CARVER
Navorro Williams 10 10 10: 30
Hunter Montgomery 9 9 9: 27
JUDGE OZZIE SEBASTIAN
Navorro Williams 9 10 10: 29
Hunter Montgomery 10 9 9: 28
Winner: Navorro Williams by Split Decision
Statistics: Navorro Williams
Punches 3/11 (27%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 7/7 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 6/6 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 577 s
Statistics: Hunter Montgomery
Punches 8/12 (67%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/2 (0%)
GnP strikes 1/15 (7%)
Submissions 12/12 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 566 s
[The camera cuts to the crowd where we see Dylan Carter standing with a microphone and a smile.]
DYLAN CARTER
Here to join me tonight is a man who broke into the scene with a fire underneath of him, but recently found himself on a bit of a losing streak. He’s told me that he has a big announcement tonight that could shake the foundation of UGP. Please welcome, my guest, Mike Hunt.
[The camera zooms out to see Mike Hunt standing next to Dylan. He sports a Real Killas SnapBack and a t-shirt of his own brand. He flashes a smile before beginning to speak.]
MIKE HUNT
I’ll take it from here Dylan. Take a few steps back and watch the master do his work.
[Mike takes the microphone and steps right into the camera. His face turns to a slight scowl as he continues.]
MIKE HUNT
I’m not here tonight to hype up any fights or give my prediction. And I’m not here to moan and groan about my own round of losses as of late. I’m here to make history. I’m here to issue a challenge. I’ve been working my ass off trying to rebuild my game. Bringing in new skills in order to improve. I’ve been doing my Real Killas crew dirty with all these losses. So I need to change. I need to make history. So...
[Mike flashes a grin, cocky but with evil intent in his eyes.]
MIKE HUNT
I’m issuing a challenge to the man that has helped me left and right to get where I am today. A man who pushes me daily to be the realest Killa in the room. He’s the owner of Real Killas MMA. That’s right! FISK! I’m callin’ you out bruh! I want to raise the stakes and show the world I’m not a one and done fighter! So let’s do it bruh! You the King of the Real Killas and I want to prove I’m not a simple peasant in your Kingdom. So whatcha’ say bruh?
[Mike takes a step back and drops the microphone on the ground in front of him. He shrugs and winks at the camera before walking off screen.]
♫
THE FACE BEFORE ME FLIES
LAUGHS AT ME INSIDE
MASKS ARE MADE TO HIDE THE GLOW
SHINING EYES
DISTANCE 'TWEEN US GROWS
FEEDING LIES
♫
[With a Stoic demeanor, Harmon Janssen keeps his head down as the flashing lights illuminate the arena. His eyes near closed to keep his vision from being affected by the strobes, Janssen methodically paces down the entry, heading to cageside.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Heading to the octagon now is a man that has made a return to the professional circuit of mixed martial arts. Harmon Janssen is currently riding a two fight win streak with zero blemishes to his record thus far in Union Grand Prix. The nickname he is branded with isn’t just for an intimidation factor, this guy has some tremendous power behind those hands. However, tonight he faces a man that mirrors his style and strengths but is also more than 15 years Harmon’s junior. Will age versus youth play a factor in this one to his advantage or will it be an issue?
CARRICK PRICE
I mean, it’s always a possibility. On one hand Harmon sort of has that life experience and grit that comes along with it, but time catches up with everyone and it can catch up like lightning when it comes to one's ability to compete at a high level inside of the cage. But, on the other hand, youth and inexperience can be both a positive or a negative. Even the most well prepared fighter walks into the early fights of his career a bit naive. That can be good, because it can help to stem the butterflies that find their way into fighters stomachs once they really come to grips with the magnitude of what they’re doing. But, it can also cause them to be a bit cocky and arrogant. So, suffice it to say we’ll see.
JASON JACKSON
Harmon was on my show Microphones and Mouthpieces a while back, and he was telling us that he actually is the bouncer for a bar and that’s how he trains. He called it “real life training” or something like that. Now, I used to bounce at a bar as well, and I can tell you first hand, a drunken asshole is a vast difference from a trained fighter like Joseph Byrne. I hope Harmon laid off the whiskey, and ramped up the training for this fight because this is one where size and strength just won’t cut it.
[Janssen makes it to cageside where he strips down and allows the fight official to make their pre-fight inspections. Once he’s been cleared, he stomps up the steps and heads to his corner. As he stands in his corner, he slowly raises his head to glare out to the crowd. A slight smile appears as his right hand lifts into the air above his head, then it lowers in a slow slashing motion, making an X in front of the cameraman capturing all of the theatrics.]
♫
I WON’T DENY IT, I’M A STRAIGHT RIDAH
YOU DON’T WANNA FUCK WITH ME
GOT THE POLICE BUSTIN' AT ME
BUT THEY CAN’T DO NOTHING TO A G
♫
[The beat of “Ambitionz Az A Ridah” by 2Pac bumps over the PA system as the piano tones can be heard through the bass. Soon, the big Brit “One Punch” Joseph Byrne emerges onto the main stage with a brilliant white spotlight shining straight down on him as red and blue lasers scan throughout the building on either side of him. Byrne begins to make the walk to the octagon with his ScrapYard corner crew following behind him, and he looks focused on the task at at.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now we have the ScrapYard Heavyweight, Joseph Byrne, looking focused to continue his winning ways. After having a successful amateur boxing career, Byrne signed on to the Ireland camp to transition to the world of MMA. He stumbled in his professional debut in the 2019 Championship Grand Prix against JT Spencer, getting caught in a guillotine and forced to tap. But since then, he’s won two fights straight by knockout in the first round. How do you guys like his chances here tonight to make it three in a row against a seasoned veteran on a comeback tour? Carrick, you know him better than anyone.
CARRICK PRICE
Joey’s a guy that I spend a lot of time working with at ScrapYard and that fight with JT Spencer really wounded his pride alot and caused him to do a lot of soul searching. The end result was that he’s dedicated himself even further to his craft. Gone is his social media presence. He’s not wasting hours of the day bickering back and forth online with his opponent. Instead he’s fully focused on the task ahead. He wants this. Badly. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to work out. He’s got to go out and execute. But, I’m telling you guys, there’s a reason he’s earned the nickname one punch.
JASON JACKSON
That’s smart. Getting rid of social media and focusing solely on your craft. I think a lot of the back and forth, war of words shit can get you into a place mentally that you just don’t need to be heading into a fight like this. It always fucked with me, and pissed me off, and I came in not thinking straight. That kind of fuckery can really ruin a game plan. I dunno though man, this dude has a name like “one punch” so I think Harmon needs to hit first and hit hard and avoid getting touched here because if not? *whistles* Not gonna be a fun time for him tonight.
[Byrne finally reaches cageside, where he strips down to his gear and gets checked on by the fight official. Once he has been cleared, he turns around to give a quick fist bump to everyone of his corner mates, then stomps up the steps. Byrne enters the cage and roars with an enormous battle cry while flexing every muscle fiber in his body and the crowd roars back with emphatic cheers.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 2-0. He stands 6’4” and weighing in at 264 pounds. He is from Santa Monica, California, he is “The Man with the Hand of Fate” Harmon Janssen!
[Janssen is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins; smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his fight.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 2-1. He stands 6’4” and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from Tottenham, London, England, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is “One Punch” Joseph Byrne!
[Byrne steps out from his corner and raises a clenched fist in the air as the crowd cheers him on.]
CARRICK PRICE
I’ve got the stopwatch ready, Harpy. Let’s go.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
We are all set now for these two heavy hitters. The referee of the bout is Dusty Whittaker and he checks off with each man one last time and he’s calling for the bell! And here we go!
JASON JACKSON
Ooooooh Boy. Beefy boy brawl. Let’s go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[As Dusty Whittaker signals for the fight to begin, both men immediately move to the center of the cage with rapid quickness for their large frames. Janssen launches a body shot quickly but Byrne dodges it and catches him with a hard cross that snaps Harmon’s head to the side. One punch follows the cross up with a middle kick that lands just below Janssens ribs in a crushing blow, causing Janssen to clutch his side momentarily. Trying to respond but still clearly in pain, Harmon throws a kick that doesn’t have much behind it. Again, Bryne dodges and this time responds with an uppercut that nearly puts Harmon Janssen into orbit and definitely puts him to sleep as the big man falls backward like a tree being chopped down. Dusty Whittaker immediately jumps in and intervenes to prevent One Punch from following up but Joey had already turned to hoist himself up onto the side of the cage, gesturing up and down with his arms for the crowd that had exploded out of their seats to get even louder.]
JASON JACKSON
GOD….DAMN. YIKES! Where did his mouthpiece go? I saw it fly...
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Unbelievable! I didn’t think this one would make it past the first round, but I did not expect this one to end inside one minute! Joseph Byrne showed his terrifying knockout power in amazing fashion here tonight!
CARRICK PRICE
I FUCKIN’ TOLD YOU! LETS GO JOEY!
JASON JACKSON
Yo. His mouthpiece landed outside of the cage! Noooo fucking way! Someone save that shit as a souvenir as to why you don’t want to get hit by this motherfucker. Jesus Christ.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Byrne is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Janssen for a while before finally 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 forty seconds in the very first round, for your winner by knockout, “One Punch” Joseph Byrne!
[The crowd cheers once again as Byrne 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: Joseph Byrne by KO (Uppercut) at 0:40 Round 1
Statistics: Joseph Byrne
Punches 2/2 (100%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Harmon Janssen
Punches 0/0 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
♫
I’LL TAKE YOU TO THE CANDY SHOP
I’LL LET YOU LICK THE LOLLIPOP
GO ‘HEAD GIRL DON’T YOU STOP
KEEP GOING ‘TIL YOU HIT THE SPOT, WHOA
♫
["Candy Shop" by The Baseballs plays over the loudspeaker and Saffron Harris emerges to the stage wearing her purple and white walkout fight kit with crew members from her camp following behind. Harris looks calm and focused, almost cracking a slight grin as she heads down to the cage.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now it’s time for some Bantamweight action as we have the fan favorite Saffron Harris making her way to the octagon. Harris has had a rocky MMA career, struggling to string a series of wins together until recently. She comes in tonight on a two fight win streak after defeating Tilly-Jean Wade in a rematch by unanimous decision. This bout here is against two of the best in the 135 pound division, and you have to speculate that if Saffron Harris can win her third fight in a row and take down the former inaugural Bantamweight Champion, she will be highly considered for a shot at the strap.
CARRICK PRICE
I mean that’s what this is all about, right? The pecking order in the Bantamweight division starts to get settled after a fight like this. We know that Meechan and Aaliyah is going to be a good one when it comes. But who gets next? My guess is whoever comes out of this fight victorious. This is a big opportunity for Saffron Harris, a chance for her to give us a new look in this division and break through that sort of top three in her weightclass glass ceiling she hasn’t been able to get beyond yet.
JASON JACKSON
It’s a big comeback for Saffy in my opinion if she can come out on top in this one.. She’s struggled quite a bit, and dropped a few big fights that could’ve propelled her to title contention. This is her shot. If she can win this one then she’s made it to where she needs to be to be recognized and given the opportunity. Lauren Moore is standing in her way though, and that’s no easy feat.
[She makes it to cageside where she is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, she climbs up the steps and jogs her way over to her corner.]
♫
CALIFORNIA LOVE!
♫
["California Love" by Tupac ft. Dr. Dre bumps over the loudspeaker and Lauren Moore emerges to the stage wearing her pink and black walkout fight kit with crew members from her Real Killas camp following behind. Moore can’t help but flash her signature smile as she slowly trots down the aisle toward the octagon.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
A Real Killa. An inaugural champion. A hunter ready to strike again. Lauren Moore has never been someone who is very vocal during the lead up to her fights. She prefers to let her execution in the cage do the talking, or even let her training camp do all the hyping. Moore is an absolute beast with her grappling and ground game. She competed at a very high level while giving up twenty plus pounds when she competed in the Lightweight Division. She really hit her stride when the Bantamweight Division was created, and she’s looking to get back on top and it starts here tonight.
CARRICK PRICE
Yeah she’s real just an elite athlete. I’ve talked about it before but prior to the existence of the bantamweight division, Lauren Moore was the one fighter we really felt like put Delaney to the test on the canvas. Since then it feels like her striking has come along way and she’s really started to rely heavily on her ground and pound, or at least trust it more than she did initially. You know she’s got to be chomping at the bit to get that championship belt back around her waist, too.
JASON JACKSON
She surprises the hell out of me man. Cute, quiet, nice, sweet… but when the cage door closes she will maul you like a fucking rabid animal. Saffron has a real test in front of her tonight with this one. She’s the definition of a killer. Fuckin’ femme fatale man. I don’t know if that means what I think it means, but it sounds cool.
[Moore makes it to cageside where she disrobes and hands off her walkout kit to a cornerman so she can get checked out by the fight official. Once she’s been cleared, she gives a hug to each one of her corner crewmen before racing up the steps and jogging a few laps around the cage before posting up in her corner.]
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 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 6-5. She stands 5’5” and weighing in at 130 pounds. She is from Fayetteville, Arkansas, fighting out of Throne MMA Las Vegas, she is Saffron Harris!
[Saffron Harris raises her fists in her corner and looks ready for this fight.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Wrestler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-4. She stands 5’7” and weighing in at 135 pounds. She is from Irvine, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, she is the former Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champion, “L-Mo” Lauren Moore!
[Lauren Moore is calm in her corner and looks confident in her capabilities.]
CARRICK PRICE
Man the pre-fight stare downs always make me itch to be back in that cage.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
One more fight, again Carrick?! Hah. Alright guys, we got ourselves another battle of grapplers on hand, with the potential for a huge payoff at stake. The referee of the bout is Willie Green and he’s calling for the bell!
JASON JACKSON
Yo. This fight is going straight to the canvas. I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t. At least it’s not Hershel fuckin’ Whateverthefuck reffing. Let’s gooo.
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The bell sounds and this fight gets underway! Both fighters circle around to the center of the cage and touch gloves. Saffron Harris fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside. Lauren Moore responds in kind, faking a punch and showing some footwork moving aside. Both of these fighters are showing each other the respect they deserve and not taking risky chances off bat. Lauren Moore fakes another punch and quickly changes level and shoots for a double leg takedown! Saffron Harris is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull Moore into her guard.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
L-Mo hits a textbook double leg and brings the fight to the ground. This is a strength to both of these women, but let’s see who’s ground game is superior.
JASON JACKSON
I told you. Blooooop. Straight to the mat.
CARRICK PRICE
I love the wherewithal by Saffron to be able to pull Lauren right into her guard.
[Moore immediately works on the ground to try and escape the closed guard of Harris. After a momentary struggle, she breaks free into an open guard and takes a second to breathe. Harris moves on the ground, possibly trying to close her guard again, but leaves an opening for Moore to drop a monsterous elbow! Harris’ head bounces off the canvas and Willie Green looks on very carefully in case he needs to call this one off. Moore uses this moment to try and jump to side mount, but Harris uses her great awareness and locks her guard in. Both fighters pummel back and forth, jockeying for position, and Harris eventually decides to switch to half guard. Harris takes a moment to suck some air before unloading a vicious hammer punch to the rib cage. Moore winces in obvious pain and she moves on the ground in order to better protect herself.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Solid action on the ground here and it looks like Willie Green is going to let these girls fight.
CARRICK PRICE
I think to the casual viewer this is going to look like it heavily favors Lauren Moore right now. And that big elbow she dropped certainly is deserving of notice, but Saffrons ability to control her and keep her from getting to a really dangerous position, and also make her pay with those hammer strikes to Moore’s ribcage. If this fight goes the distance it’s little things like that that are going to pay off later on.
[Harris tries to move back into full guard but Moore keeps good control and remains in the half guard. Moore goes on the offensive now and pushes Harris' leg and moves to full mount. Moore positions herself for some ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows! Harris' reads it well and is able to block the sharp elbows. Moore doesn’t let off though, and switches up with some rapid punches and they’re clearly taking their toll on Saffron Harris! Harris tries to stand up but Moore doesn’t allow it and moves to the side mount to keep her superior position.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And the ground and pound from Lauren Moore is proving to be troublesome for the Throne MMA fighter. We know what Moore can do in this situation, Harris needs to find a way to escape.
JASON JACKSON
Bro, she is beating her like she said something about her momma. That’s all I can think about when someone is teeing off from the mount. Each punch that lands, in my mind I hear… “What. Did. You. Say. About. My. Momma. Hoe?” Goddddamn.
[Harris continues to fight her way out from the bottom, but Moore’s presence is too much and she goes nowhere. Harris however sees an opening and locks her opponent in half guard. Both fighters jockey for position and Harris senses an opening and she quickly springs to her feet! Willie Green halts the fight to stand up Lauren Moore and the fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
There it is! Saffron Harris escapes from the clutches of Lauren Moore and this fight resumes on the feet.
CARRICK PRICE
Moore is the aggressor but Saffron continues to weather the storm. She needs to start to assert herself, or use Laurens aggression against her, though if she wants to start getting traction in this fight.
[Now at the back half of the first round, Harris and Moore circle around looking for any openings or angles. Harris decides to launch some tentative punches but gets nothing from this exchange, so she moves back and takes a couple deep breaths. These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect as they size each other up in the center of the cage. Moore feints a move and shoots in for a single leg and takes Harris back to the ground.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
A great setup from Moore to hit that single leg and take this back to the ground.
JASON JACKSON
That pressure man. Saffron is breathing hard already and this shit has just started. Buckle up buttercup cause it’s going to be a long and bumpy ride. She’s about to go right back to mount and bring the thunder. She's gonna beat your ass like you stole somethin’ from her grandmama now. Yiiiikes.
[Moore lands in side mount on the ground, but quickly slides her knee across the body and gets to full mount. Moore secures a solid position on the ground and with incredible fury, she is able to slip Harris’ defense and begins dropping some heavy hands! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Saffron Harris doesn't defend herself! Harris covers her face which leads Moore to switch to the body and hammers away at the ribs! Harris tries to move on the ground and shows Lauren Moore a crack in her guard which she uses for another big elbow! Willie Green looks on intently ready to call it off soon! Lauren Moore continues to drop bombs and Harris is unable to cover herself now! Willie Green has seen enough! This fight is over! Harris was not intelligently defending herself!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
That’s it! This one is all over! Lauren Moore suffocates Saffron Harris with her vicious ground and pound to finish this fight inside the first frame! Big win for the former Bantamweight Champ!
CARRICK PRICE
Man, the crazy thing is I really don’t think there was all that much separation between the two fighters. Whatever comes next for Harris, I think her coaches need to really push her to be willing to be the one to press the action. If she does that I think she might have been more successful tonight. But, with that said, those were some brutal elbows that Lauren was dropping and she did everything that was asked of her. Well deserved victory.
JASON JACKSON
Her fuckin’ head was bouncin’ off the canvas like she was dribbling a basketball. Fuck that. You do me like that and I’m hiring some vatos to jump your ass. That was nasty. I hope Saffron bounces back and I agree. She needs to be the one to push the pace and be the first to get hers… but tonight it just didn’t go her way. L-Mo is on a Mission, and she proved that here tonight.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Moore is swarmed by her corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Harris for a while before helping her to her 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 four minutes fifty-one seconds in the very first round, for your winner by technical knockout, “L-Mo” Lauren Moore!
[The crowd cheers once again as Moore has her hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands and give each other a hug 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: Lauren Moore by TKO (GnP) at 4:51 Round 1
Statistics: Lauren Moore
Punches 3/3 (100%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 17/24 (71%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 202 s
Statistics: Saffron Harris
Punches 0/2 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 1/1 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 202 s
♫
MASTERMINDS! WE GON' GET THIS FOREVER
YOU KNOW WHENEVER WE LINK UP, MY NIGGA
THEY THINK THIS SHIT COMES FROM OUTER SPACE OR SOMETHING
NIGGA, LET'S GET THIS MONEY NIGGA
♫
["The Devil is a Lie" by Rick Ross ft. Jay-Z begins to play throughout the arena. August Pope slowly makes his way out while bouncing to keep warm in his walkout fight kit. Just behind him, security guards and his corner crew follow his lead towards the octagon.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
We are set for our first title fight of the night, and it’s one that could very well steal the show. Coming to the octagon now is August Pope, a man who has been turning heads in the deepest division and has been waiting in the wings for another shot at the title. His first chance at gold came in the 2019 Championship Grand Prix, where he went four tough rounds to then champion Jordan Parker-Kane before ultimately succumbing to an armbar by the submission specialist. I would say this is a better match-up for the Pittsburgh native, we all can expect this one to be a stand up and tee off affair.
CARRICK PRICE
He’s got the ability no doubt, but he also needs to be able to take that step up to the next level of fighter and finish them off. Tonight certainly is more in his wheelhouse, but you never know how someone is going to react under the bright lights against an opponent who is as accomplished in this company as Delaney is.
JASON JACKSON
August is Ford Truck Month. I don’t know if you guys have heard or not. Seriously though, this guy is going to be a super star one day. Is today that day? Who knows. He’s fighting for his kid and that sort of thing instills heart like no other… but he’s fighting a badass motherfucker in the reigning champion. So it’s going to be a test.
[Pope doesn’t show much emotion as he makes it to cageside and gets checked by the bout official. Once cleared, he rushes up the steps and heads straight to his corner, shadow boxing along the way.]
♫
HER BREATH BEGAN TO SPEAK
AS SHE STOOD RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME
THE COLOUR OF HER EYES
WERE THE COLOUR OF INSANITY
CRUSHED BENEATH HER WAVE
LIKE A SHIP, I COULD NOT REACH THE SHORE
WE’RE ALL JUST DANCERS ON THE DEVIL’S DANCE FLOOR
♫
["Devil’s Dance Floor" by Flogging Molly blasts over the loudspeaker and Delaney Donovan emerges to the stage wearing his Irish flag inspired walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Donovan burrows his head down while slowly walking down the aisle.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now we are finally in the presence of a man who has more wins inside a Union Grand Prix cage than any other fighter and he’s hoping to continue that legacy here tonight. Lightweight Champion Delaney Donovan is here, carrying the ScrapYard flag, and looking to add another defense to his already impressive resume. Carrick, I think you’d be a little better at talking this man up, I’ll let you take this one.
CARRICK PRICE
Well, everything you said is true, Harpy and honestly I genuinely believe that Delaney Donovan is the most well rounded fighter in Union GP today. You’re not going to outstrike him. You’re not going to out work him in the clinch. If you take him down he’s going to out grind you there. He’s got a gas tank that seemingly never runs out, a granite chin that makes him nearly impossible to knock out. The one weakness in his game is in his submissions but he’s so talented when it comes to grappling that he manages to negate all of that. He’s fought anyone and everyone that is anyone in this division outside of Takeshi Kato, who made his exit after losing to Hanako Takeuchi a year ago now. When you think of the lightweight division and this company, one name comes to mind and it’s the reigning, defending champion.
JASON JACKSON
You have no rebuttal from me. This guy is the king of the lightweights, and it’s going to take something special to dethrone him. I had the chance to sit down with him on the show this past week and he’s really a chill guy. But inside of that cage? He’s a nightmare for anyone standing across from him. Double D is the truth.
[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, it’s time for the first Co-Main Event of the evening! Sanctioned by the Missouri Office of Athletics, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Miranda Franco, Max Carver, and Ozzie Sebastian, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Jordan Ripley. AND NOW, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it’s for the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-1. He stands 6’ even and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he is August Pope!
[August Pope doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table as he stays stationed in his corner, rolling his neck with a slight grin.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 10-1. He stands 5’9” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA: LA, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion of the World, “Double D” Delaney Donovan!
[Delaney Donovan glares at his opponent from the opposite corner as he bounces in place to keep loose.]
CARRICK PRICE
August Pope looks like he’s got his emotions under control but that look on Delaney’s face says it’s going to take an effort that would make the Gods of Olympus envious in order to take that championship belt away from him tonight.
JASON JACKSON
My soul is ready for this fuckin’ fight. Lets gooooo already.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Alright ladies and gentlemen, we are all set for the first of three title fights tonight. Jordan Ripley checks off with each man and calls for the bell! Here we go! Five rounds of fury!
[Upon the referee’s signal, Delaney Donovan and August Pope touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! It starts with a big, looping right hand from the champion that hits air as Pope steps back quickly and throws a jab of his own. Before Donovan can get a bead on the challenger, however, Pope shoots for a takedown after faking a punch and promptly puts Donovan on his back. Delaney works defensively with a couple of week punches to the ribs to keep Pope from progressing further. August is able to block them with ease but it does slow the early fight down some.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
August Pope with a beautiful takedown and it's a smart move to bring the Muay Thai fighter to the ground.
CARRICK PRICE
If you’re game planning against a fighter like Delaney, this is where you want the fight to be. He’s been here before, though, and he’s going to make August work for every inch of ground he achieves.
[Looking to open up Delaney’s defenses, August fakes a few punches but Donovan’s defense is stout and he quickly wraps his arms around Pope’s to keep him neutralized. The two continue to test each other some before Donovan finally closes his guard down around Pope and then swiftly rolls on the ground with a lovely reversal. Pope’s corner screams out instructions, not wanting him to take any of the abuse that the champion can unload on him from the full mount position he now finds himself in. August rolls to his side to try and trap Delaney in his guard but Donovan shows good control and keeps his positioning. However, nothing further comes of it as Jordan Ripley stands the two fighters back up a few moments later.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Donovan was able to neutralize Pope on the ground and bring it to a stalemate. Double D is known for his standup striking, but he's got a very underrated ground game, it's just not tested too often.
JASON JACKSON
I asked him during the show if he was going to be prepared for wherever this fight may go and he said “I think so. I mean, I’m not great in every area but I’m pretty good at things that put me in a good position to win my fights.” He’s showing that here tonight. He’s right, he may not be one to go out there and hunt for the submission wins like JPK or Simba, but he’s wiley and he exudes an aura of calmness no matter where the fight takes place. On the feet, in the clinch, or on the ground.. He’s at home in the cage.
[Bouncing on his toes and waiting for the referee to allow the fight to resume, it’s clear that Donovan is fresh and has a lot left in his tank even after the work he had put in on the ground. On Ripley’s signal, Donovan immediately engages with another big, looping right hand and this time it connects but Pope shakes it off without problem and responds with a few counter punches of his own in the first real, solid exchange between the two in the fight. Quickly, Delaney launches himself over Pope after faking a punch, pushing August up against the cage where they tie up in a clinch. Delaney lands a few nasty shots before August is able to block and defend and then push the champion away to create space. Donovan is relentless, though, pushing the action and grappling with the challenger, shoving him up against the cage in a plum position. A flurry of punches comes from the champion and August Pope just cannot get away.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Donovan has got Pope trapped in the clinch and this is where he can do some serious damage. Pope is gonna want to get some separation soon.
CARRICK PRICE
This is where Double really made his name for himself in the early stages of his career. He was brutal in the clinch. Since then he’s become a much more well rounded fighter, but still this is the last place August Pope wants to be.
[He does, however, manage to shift and gain a better position, and responds with some strikes of his own. Donovan pushes Pope forward and manages to block most of the strikes, keeping him tied up and neutralized before Jordan Ripley feels that the action has stalled and separates the two fighters. As he does so, August Pope takes a few seconds to catch his breath, showing early signs of fatigue already. The two fighters circle around the center of the cage before OH BOY! Donovan catches Pope off guard with a roundhouse punch out of nowhere that has Pope looking like he was just hit by a bus! A small cut is opened up under Pope’s right eye and that same eye is starting to show signs of bruising and swelling.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Big right hand cuts August Pope just below the eye!
JASON JACKSON
Yeeeeee-owww THAT was a haymaker son. His eye is looking rough as hell. Pope has to find some way to turn off this pressure by the champ here. He needs to land a big shot of his own and get the respect back from the champion. You reach out there and touch that man on the chin hard enough and he’ll think twice about walking you down. Now is not the time to get tired. You got four rounds to go!
[Keeping the pressure applied, Donovan moves forward and launches a low kick that Pope blocks before the two go back and forth with a series of rapid fire strikes. Donovan looks for angles as he throws a few jabs but they’re countered by Pope with his own strikes. An uppercut from Delaney tests Pope’s chin but Pope shows great resolve and answers with some lovely crosses. A shovel hook by Donovan tags Pope and forces him to back away. The two circle with Donovan stalking and Pope, looking for an opening in his defenses. The champ throws a body kick but Pope deflects it with ease as the two both step back and circle the center of the cage once more, sizing each other up. Donovan engages first once more with a low kick that catches Pope’s ankle. August answers with a couple of jabs but Delaney defends those as the round comes to its conclusion uneventfully. Both men touch gloves before returning to their corners.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Great tempo here in the opening round and this one has gotta go in favor of the champion. Delaney kept up with a fast paced offense and really kept Pope on the heels of his feet.
CARRICK PRICE
It’s nice to see. Delaney has a habit of starting off a little slowly and letting his opponent get some steam in the early going. Not tonight, though.
JASON JACKSON
This is a damn good fight so far. Hopefully these sixty seconds refreshes August though because he’s looking tired already. He has GOT to find a way to slow this pressure down from Double D and make something happen.
[As the second round begins both fighters seem to be wary of the other one’s abilities, circling the cage for a number of seconds. Finally, Donovan makes the first move to try and cut Pope off with his punches and Pope reels back from the strikes, the same cut under his right eye that his corner had just closed in between rounds was opened right back up. It only seems to invigorate August Pope, however, as he retaliates with some tremendous strikes but the defensive champion blocks them with confidence and just won’t stop applying the pressure. He continues to rain punches and Pope is looking to be in some trouble. He throws a few jabs to try and back the champion off but Delaney counters with strikes of his own, bobbing and weaving as he does so, as Pope finds himself on the receiving end of another great combination from Double D. Even so, Delaney is still forced to keep his head in the game as a punch from the challenger just barely whizzes past him. Not backing down, though, the champion throws a bone shattering left hand that connects flush and fans groan, almost as though they can feel the headache that Pope was sure to have tomorrow after eating that strike.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Another fire fight to open the second round and Donovan is just pouring it on the challenger. Props to Pope though, he’s taking the hits well and working in some offense, but he’s gotta be a little more careful in there.
JASON JACKSON
BOP! That one hurt. You can see it in his face. He’s gonna play that off like he’s not phased but that was what I call a “Motherfucker punch”. Double D throwing howitzers here.
[With his corner screaming for him to defend, Pope instinctively shoots in to bring the fight to the ground and once more finds success in doing so as Delaney goes down. Similar to how events unfolded on the ground in the first round, however, Delaney is able to neutralize Pope’s efforts and without too much delay, is able to roll on the ground and reverse their positioning. To his credit, August Pope continues to try and work toward an escape but Delaney’s skill in controlling the fight on the ground is put on display here. As Pope tries to escape, Delaney relinquishes full mount and moves to side control to keep his advantageous position. The two men continue to work and eventually Delaney works his way back to full mount and from there unloads a barrage of punches that connect violently with Pope’s ribs, which start to turn red under the assault.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
August Pope hits another textbook takedown but he’s not capitalizing on the ground. He’s gotta figure something else out here or this is going to be a long night for him.
CARRICK PRICE
Like I said a little bit ago, this is where you want the fight if you’re August Pope or anyone else that is going to challenge Delaney. But it doesn’t mean that once you’re there it’s going to be easy. His ability to neutralize his opponent is so underrated.
[Trying to roll to his side to get to half guard, Pope isn’t able to keep Delaney from rolling him fully over to his stomach and taking his back. From the rear mount, Delaney tries to get one hook in as Pope struggles to break his control. It’s not to be as things get worse for the challenger as Delaney finds success, getting the first hook in and continuing to work. Pope’s corner seems to be well aware that if Donovan is able to get a second hook in things are going to get bad, and they scream for Pope to find some way, any way out of the place he currently finds himself. He isn’t able to manage it, though, and Donovan gets the second hook in successfully and begins to look for a way to finish the fight. It’s a nightmare for the challenger at the moment as he quickly adopts the turtle defense as Donovan looks to finish the fight with a round of punches.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Donovan has his back and this one could be over soon! August Pope is in serious trouble here!
JASON JACKSON
The key here is to stay calm and don’t panic. Delaney has both hooks in and is controlling the situation here. He needs to break free of one of the hooks, and turn himself into him, but that’s hard to do when you’re getting your skull tenderized by the champ.. If he panics here or waits too long to make his move this fight is going to be over. I think he’ll be okay though. Pope is smart and he has tremendous amounts of heart. I know they trained for this and this should be another day at the office for him.
[Pope is just taking a beating and he has to try and find a way to escape. He knows it. The crowd knows it. But he just isn’t able to do so and Donovan continues to throw strikes in bunches, with some finding their way through Pope’s defenses. Nice beating August Pope has received. Surprising everyone who has ever watched a Delaney Donovan fight, the lightweight champion begins looking for a rear naked choke, getting one arm over Pope’s shoulder. Pope, sensing the danger, works against Donovan’s attempt. Fatigue is clearly setting in for August but still he shows great heart to keep fighting and not just give in and let the champion steamroll him. It’s enough to get him to the end of the round as the buzzer sounds without Donovan able to finish the fight off. Jordan Ripley directs both fighters back to their corner. Donovan makes his way over to his corner calmly. As soon as Pope reaches his, the cutman begins to work on his face.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
August Pope survives the round and the cutman has work to do. Guys, Pope is showing tremendous heart out there but he cannot continue with this game plan, Donovan is in complete control out there and this fight won’t last much longer if he doesn’t switch something up.
CARRICK PRICE
Yeah, Delaney reopened that cut under Pope’s right eye early in the round and it’s really starting to look ugly. Credit to Pope for hanging in there but this one is really starting to look like a classic Delaney Donovan fight.
[As the third round begins Donovan emerges from his corner and meets Pope in the center of the cage, avoiding a kick thrown by the challenger and countering with a hook that lands flush. Pope’s head snaps to the side but he stays sharp and responds with some solid jabs. Donovan defends them and then tags Pope with a shovel hook followed by a right hand that stumbles Pope. As the camera shifts, a new cut, this one under Pope’s left eye, can be seen now. Like a shark that has smelled blood in the water, Donovan launches a rapid series of punches that takes Pope from one end of the cage to the other. He seems hurt and stumbles backward and crashes into the fence, making himself an easy target for the champion. The strikes continue to fall in impressive form and soon enough Delaney is just launching bombs. Another cut opens up on Pope's right cheek before the challenger gets tagged with a stiff left jab.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Delaney Donovan goes coast to coast with the flurry of punches! How is Pope still standing?!
JASON JACKSON
MOVE AUGUST! YOU GOTTA FUCKING MOVE SON! MOVE OR DIE!
[The champion’s mind is definitely in the fight as he centers on Pope and then throws a huge right haymaker. Bam! It connects, busting Pope’s chin open. Having seen enough, Jordan Ripley quickly intervenes, stepping in between the two fighters after determining that August Pope was just not defending himself intelligently and this fight is all over.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Jordan Ripley has called off the fight! This one is all over! August Pope had nothing to counteract the onslaught brought on by the champion and this one gets stopped before it gets any worse!
CARRICK PRICE
He hung in there as long as he possibly could. He really did. You could tell this opportunity meant a lot to him and he wasn’t going to let it slip through his fingers unless he had absolutely nothing left to give. Impressive performance by August Pope but it just wasn’t enough. And Harpy. Jason. You have to wonder now if a fighter as skilled as JPK is on the ground can’t stop Delaney. And if fighters as skilled in the stand up as Natalie King and August Pope are can’t stop him. Is there anyone in the Lightweight division who can?
JASON JACKSON
I’m not sure that there is anyone. We do have some new blood on the roster at lightweight but man… Double D is a nightmare for anyone that stands across from him. I said that and I’ll say it again. He’s well rounded and just… all around fuckin’ frightening. What a dominant performance turned in by the champion tonight.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Delaney Donovan is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to August Pope for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Jordan Ripley has called for a stop in this fight at one minute thirty-three seconds in the third round, for your winner by technical knockout, AND STILL Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion, ”Double D” Delaney Donovan!
[The crowd cheers once again as Donovan has his hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around his waist. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Delaney Donovan by TKO (Punch) at 1:33 Round 3
Statistics: Delaney Donovan
Punches 39/49 (80%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 3/8 (38%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 3/14 (21%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 273 s
Statistics: August Pope
Punches 10/22 (45%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/6 (0%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/10 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 273 s
[The scene opens with the footage from #UGP 17, with the bloody Primarch going in the final round against Asher Jrue. Asher tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo and those punches are landing uncontested to Guilliman's face. Guilliman spins around and tries a spinning back kick! Jrue ducks under and hesitates for just a moment… before firing off an unbelievable haymaker that rocks The Primarch like a dump truck! The Primarch is out!]
CARRICK PRICE (Voiceover)
Twenty minutes ago I wouldn’t have believed you if you had told me that this is what we would see...
JASON JACKSON (Voiceover)
Holy hell...
[After this, the camera shows Guilliman climbing up the Real KILLAS camp cage again, clad in an ultramarine blue tank top and white trunks, going through each step in a slow, but steady motion.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN (Voiceover)
This is it. Everything depends on this match. The records, the legacy and the history I had already made will not ever fade away - but the objective I had going into UGP #17 was halted.
[Guilliman moves to the center of the cage, where he delivers a ferocious stare to the camera, and puts his hands up on guard as if the actual fight were right there and then.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN (Voiceover)
And it is time to make that right once more.
[The camera transitions to a training session already underway, with Guilliman on a free sparring session against a partner that goes for an aggressive boxing style. The Primarch blocks a jab, dodges a left hand, then throws a spinning back kick as his opponent was about to launch a heavy right hand, which makes the sparring partner stumble some steps back. At that opening, Guilliman launches one of his trademark high kicks that the partner barely manages to guard against. Coach Carvalho, watching intently, nods and moves to break the fight up.]
BJJ COACH CIPRIANO CARVALHO
Isso assim, Robert! Não deixe que ele defina o ritmo da luta!
(That’s it, Robert! Don’t let him set the pace of the fight!)
[Another transition, this time to a close-up of the Primarch surrounded by training gear - weights, mitts and heavy bags neatly arranged as per Real KILLAS standards.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
There is an undeniable sense of irony in seeing this from the other side, after having been Champion for so long. I cannot help to be reminded of how it was when I beat Cristian Bonanno, the best there was at the time, to become the Middleweight Champion I have been - the best in the entirety of Union GP history.
[He smiles politely, but there is a visible concentration in his eyes.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
And now we come to see it again. Former Champion going against the upset fighter, just as hungry and as desperate as he was when he first won it. That’s what Asher Jrue is what will find when he steps in the cage. And that is exactly why I will be victorious once more.
[Back to the training session, Guilliman presses the attack, this time not giving the sparring partner the chance to strike as he throws kick after kick, switching from low to high, from left to right, and even adding the occasional spin. It isn’t long before the partner is backed into the cage wall and Coach Carvalho interjects again.]
BJJ COACH CIPRIANO CARVALHO
Bom, muito bom! Mantenha essa intensidade e recupere o que é seu!
(Good, very good! Keep that intensity and get back what is yours!)
[One more transition, back to the Primarch close-up, beads of sweat running down his forehead.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
Asher Jrue has showcased his skills, of that there may be no doubt. He got the belt and earned himself a rest. But whereas he has enjoyed it, I have begun working again in the KILLA grind that always remains. I have been relentless and pushed myself tirelessly in pursuit of this match and this goal alone - to go back to being Middleweight Champion and one of the best in the history not just of the Division, but of Union GP as a whole. One match, even a title loss, is not going to keep me down, as it never does the rest of the KILLAS. That’s the example we have set and the ideal that I want to exemplify. And that entails making Asher Jrue pay back dearly for the defeat he gave me.
[Another transition, this time to Guilliman pounding the heavy bag non-stop as Coach Carvalho holds it for him. Shot after shot goes into the bag with a thunderous impact as the coach nods gravely, before the camera goes this time to a close-up of him.]
BJJ COACH CIPRIANO CARVALHO
A derrota contra Asher Jrue foi frustrante, mas O Primarca colocou todas as fibras de seu ser em vingança por sua perda. Ele não terminou com o Título Middleweight e agora procura a oportunidade de ser duas vezes campeão.
(The defeat against Asher was frustrating for him, but the Primarch put every fiber of his being into avenging his loss. He isn’t done with the Middleweight Title and now seeks the opportunity to be twice champion.)
[This time the camera transitions to a ground session, where the sparring partner is trying to lock an Americana on Guilliman. The Primarch, however, keeps turning on his hip to prevent him from locking it in, and soon enough they both roll over, with Guilliman on mount position over the partner. A ground and pound session begins as the Primarch goes to hammering the partner’s guard.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN (Voiceover)
Not one moment has gone for me without having thoughts of the Middleweight Title back. Not a day has gone by without me getting in the cage determined to prove my worth for the KILLAS and for Union GP once more. Because I am, above everything else, a fighter - it’s in my very DNA. From that defeat to Edan McLeod two years ago, I have never stopped fighting - and Asher Jrue isn’t going to stop me now.
[One more cut to the Guilliman close-up, as he wipes some sweat from his brow.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
I know the amount of pressure that is in me, but does he know his own? When I was set to defend against Bonanno, when I was set to defend throughout the Middleweight Grand Prix - that pressure never stopped being on my shoulders. But I find at this point that it does not even begin to compare to the weight of having to get a title one lost back, and that is the challenge I am determined to overcome.
[Heavy blow after heavy blow does Guilliman hit on the downed partner, until Coach Carvalho comes to break it up again.]
BJJ COACH CIPRIANO CARVALHO
Bom, bom, muito bom! Se a luta for ao chão, não hesite em continuar com os golpes!
(Good, good, very good! If the fight goes to the ground, don’t hesitate to keep the shots coming!)
[Back in the training cage, the sparring match goes on both feet once more, and the Primarch resumes his offensive - this time weaving to dodge a huge left, then another back bob to avoid a backfist, and finally landing a picture perfect roundhouse kick that sends the partner reeling and having to lean on the cage wall.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN (Voiceover)
I have been Champion once before, and here is where I get the title back. UGP #18 is where I make my stand. Here Asher Jrue will fall as did Edan McLeod before. Here the Real KILLAS get another twice Champion next to Daniel Fisk Jr. and Roscoe Robinson. And most importantly of all, here is where I get…
[The camera cuts back to the empty cage, darkness all around Guilliman but for the solitary spotlight shining on top of him, and the same battle-ready, murderous look in his eyes, as he launches a single kick to the air.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN (Voiceover)
… Retribution.
[Fade to black.]
[Asher Jrue stands in his corner before his Middleweight Championship fight against Robert Guilliman. His voiceover echoing in.]
ASHER JRUE
They thought I couldn't do it. They didn't believe in me.
[Asher Jrue sits atop the cage at the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas, Nevada screaming at the top of his longs.]
ASHER JRUE
Fifty Six days later and I stand as the middleweight champion. When the odds were against me and anybody who watched thought it was going to be another Robert win. I shocked you all.
[Asher delivers some precise shots to the former champion Robert Guilliman.]
ASHER JRUE
Bang Bang !! Nooo is this kid doing the champ like this? How is he outsmarting him like that? Man is Asher Jrue the truth? Rematch?
[Asher Jrue puts down Robert Guilliman with a knockout blow.]
ASHER JRUE
And they still wanna doubt me. The same man nobody in the division couldn't touch... I took his heart at UGP seventeen. What makes anyone think I can't do it again?
[Asher is handed the Middleweight Championship solidifying his name in Union history. The voiceovers stop and now Asher Jrue is seen sitting on a stool. One light hanging over him as he looks down at the Middleweight Championship.]
ASHER JRUE
It still feels a little bit crazy. I knew I could hold this beauty one day. I just thought I still had to wait for my shot. When I got it I knew that I had to make the most of it. I wanted to end Guilliman's reign just like the guys before me. They all got cremated.
[Looking up the Middleweight Champion shakes his head.]
ASHER JRUE
I became his maker though. I became Robert's cryptonite. He didn't know what had hit him. He thought too far ahead. He looked right pass me because he thought I was just going to be another. I bet I got his attention now. I took his pride and joy. I brought something home here to 9th World. Here... tonight right here in Kansas City.
[A crowd can be heard cheering the roof off. Head trainer of 9th World Ray Delhommes steps into view and begins placing tape around Asher's wrist.]
ASHER JRUE
I'm home and I'm defending the yard tonight. Tonight the realization will finally sink in that this is my division now. Tonight I put Robert out of his misery once again.
[The light goes blank but the crowd can still be heard as the scene fades.]
♫
ANGELS OF DEATH BY DOYLE W. DONEHOO
BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[The arena lights die down for a brief moment as the chords of "Angels of Death by Doyle D. Donehoo blare throughout the P.A. system, then flicker between blue and white as "The Primarch" Robert Guilliman strides out of the entrance. The crowd grows with cheers to show their adoration for the lethal champion. Guilliman makes his way down the aisle with members of the Real Killas camp following close behind.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I won't lie, it's a little strange seeing The Primarch walk out as the challenger. The man held the Middleweight Championship for nearly the entire year of 2019. One year ago TODAY, he defeated Cristian Bonanno to win the title and go on a four defense streak before ultimately falling to the soaring star Asher Jrue. What do you guys think, can Guilliman win the title again on the one year anniversary of winning it the first time?
JASON JACKSON
I’ve got all the respect in the world for 9th World, and the fighters they produce. Pluggz, Simba, Tilly J, but here’s the thing. I sat across from The Primarch just days ago and I looked into his eyes. I saw that fire, that hunger...Guys, losing that title awakened a beast inside of Robert Guilliman. He said he’s going to smother Jrue with pressure and knock him out with a head kick. I guess we’ll see.
CARRICK PRICE
I imagine that was his game plan in their first fight and Asher was able to outlast and wear him down. I said it at the start of the show I think that those head kicks make Primarch a threat in any fight that he walks into. But if Asher is able to control the fight and neutralize Guilly’s standup like he was able to do in the first fight, I think he retains. As good as Bobby is, I genuinely believe that Asher is the class of the division. But the better fighter doesn’t always win, especially when the possibility of walking into one of those canon leg kicks from Primarch is out there waiting to become a reality at any given moment. If Robert wants to become the Middleweight Champion again, he’s going to have to connect on one of those perfectly.
[Guilliman marches down the aisle decidedly, with a heavy air of concentration about him, then salutes solemnly to the audience and staff. He finally reaches cageside, where he strips down and gets checked by the fight official. Once he’s been cleared, he enters the cage and starts a small warm-up routine.]
♫
YEAH, I'MA GO FUCK THAT BITCH
I'MA GO THRASH THAT BITCH
SHAWTY GON' SUCK THIS DICK
SHAWTY GON' SUCK THIS DICK
♫
[“R.I.P.” by Playboi Carti thumps over the loudspeaker and Asher Jrue emerges to the stage wearing his grey and yellow walkout fight kit with crew members from his 9th World camp following behind. Jrue has a relaxed look on his face as he sways back and forth down the aisle.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now the third Middleweight Champion in Union’s young history, Asher Jrue looks to make his first title defense against the man he took the title from. Simba doesn't have a whole lot of time in the octagon on the pro circuit, but he's already putting himself amongst the best. Going up against Byron McCall, beating Navorro Williams twice, and now looking to sweep The Primarch, can this nineteen year old prodigy continue to make history?
JASON JACKSON
Anything is possible. Aim for the fucking stars Harpy. This kid is a prodigy for sure. He shocked the world by starching the former champion in the last go-round and if I were a betting man? I’d think he’s coming in tonight looking to finish with his actual bread and butter, a slick ass submission. What better way to show dominance than by beating someone by knockout AND submission.
CARRICK PRICE
The biggest challenge for Simba, in my opinion, is going to be to maintain his confidence but not let it bubble over into arrogance. Don’t let it get to the point where you stop viewing Primarch as a legitimate threat to your reign as champion. I expect him to preach that he’s going to win this fight, but if he hasn’t prepared like he’s the underdog he could be in trouble. With his inexperience it’s a legitimate concern but I know the guys at 9th World have been doing what they can to keep that in check and keep his head in the game.
[Jrue makes it to cageside where he is checked by the fight official. Once he’s cleared, he races up the steps and jogs around the cage a couple times before staying put in his corner.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the second Co-Main Event of the evening! Sanctioned by the Missouri Office of Athletics, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Miranda Franco, Max Carver, and Ozzie Sebastian, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Herschel Warden. AND NOW, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it’s for the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger fighting out of the blue corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 9-2. He stands 6’1” and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Los Angeles, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is the former Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion, “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman!
[Guilliman looks focused in his corner as he takes one step out and bows, showing respect to his opponent, the fans, and the fight game.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-1. He stands 5’11” and weighing in at 175 pounds. He is from Miami, Florida, fighting out of the 9th World Performance Institute, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion of the World, “Simba” Asher Jrue!
[The crowd pops for the champion as he raises a fist in the air, looking as confident as ever.]
JASON JACKSON
He looks confident, but like you said… I hope that doesn’t turn to arrogance. Those head kicks will humble a man real fast. Lots of people have found that shit out the hard way. I’d hate for Asher to fall victim to the same.
CARRICK PRICE
You know one thing I admire about Primarch is that no matter what he always shows respect to his opponent, and to the sport. You’ve got to appreciate the humility of someone who has accomplished as much as he has carrying himself the way he does.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
We are all set and ready for this Middleweight Championship rematch! Referee Herschel Warden checks off with each man one last time and he calls for the bell! And here we go!
[The bell sounds to get the first round underway and Robert Guilliman wastes no time getting the action started. He closes the distance in mere seconds, to launch a furious low kick that lands hard on the inner left thigh of Asher Jrue. This prompts the two fighters to exchange a wild flurry of punches in the center of the cage, but the strikes don’t carry much steam behind them and very few of them seem to land cleanly thanks to both men’s champion caliber defense.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
No time to waste here, Guilly and Jrue trading blows to kick things off.
CARRICK PRICE
I don’t like that Asher is seeming to stand a bit stationary. He needs to keep moving. It won’t take many of those kicks to the thigh to turn him into a statue and that’s not what you want to be when Primarch decides to throw a kick toward your head.
JASON JACKSON
THERE WAS A FIIIIIIIREFIIIIIGHT. These two are trading early. Nothing significant but I think this sets the tone and the pace for the fight ahead.
[Jrue takes a few steps back out of the exchange, but Guilliman follows close behind in hot pursuit, as he does his best to smother the champion with pressure, and not allow him space to breathe. Asher makes the former champion pay for the pressure however, by landing a crisp straight left hand that connects solidly on the chin to stumble Guilliman a bit! “The Primarch” recoils back a few steps, and Jrue launches a massive heatseeker of a head kick, looking to knock Guilliman out with his own bread and butter. Guilliman avoids the kick by ducking under it however, and as he comes back up, he lands a beautiful counter elbow strike that splits the champion’s forehead open on impact.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Jrue trying a little trickery and taking a page out of The Primarch’s playbook, but it backfires and gets split with a counter elbow!
JASON JACKSON
That was slick. The way he came back up with that counter… It was fluid. He may be known for his kicks but don’t sleep on the hands and… er well elbows in this instance.. Of Guilliman as well.
CARRICK PRICE
Jesus Christ that elbow. Look at that cut! Shite almost reminds me of what BJ Penn did to Diego Sanchez years ago. Christ.
[Guilliman circles out to launch another monster leg kick, as he’s finding a rhythm now with his footwork. The smack of the kick lands hard on the same spot as before, and the sound echoes out loudly through the building, generating a chorus of cheers. Jrue seems to buckle a bit, but he shows tremendous heart by planting himself, and firing off a barrage of strikes to answer! The two trade again wildly in the center of the cage, until Jrue lands another nasty straight left haymaker down the pipe that backs Guilliman up quickly, and forces him to recalculate. Jrue doesn’t want to give him time to breathe however, and he steps forward…. right into a calculated head kick from Robert Guilliman! The kick sends Jrue reeling and staggering back away from the challenger! Guilliman presses forward now, with a roar from the crowd!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Asher Jrue gets rocked! He's wobbling and could be in some serious trouble here!
CARRICK PRICE
Blood is everywhere and Simba’s on his bike with Guilly lookin like he’s one of those damn wildebeests stampeding.
JASON JACKSON
BINK! JINGAAAA! He’s going dooo-- HOW IS HE STILL STANDING?! I thought for sure it was over.
[Guilliman tries to fire off another cannon leg kick, but it goes awry, as Jrue checks the kick and connects with another solid straight left hook. “The Primarch” answers back with a quick two punch combo, and both men trade again here in the center of the cage. The crowd is on its feet, as both land some brutal shots in close, neither willing to back down. Suddenly, Robert Guilliman steps back quickly to avoid a looping hook, and he fires off a lethal high kick, looking to take Jrue’s head off his shoulders. Jrue blocks decisively, as if to say, "Not today, thanks!” and he knocks Guilliman off balance enough to charge forward with a bone shattering straight left hand. Robert Guilliman hits the canvas on his ass from the impact, and he seems really hurt here. “Simba'' runs to capitalize, looking to put the fight away!]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And Jrue fires back!
JASON JACKSON
Yo… YOOOO…. THIS IS NUTS!
CARRICK PRICE
JESUS CHRIST THIS SHITE IS WILD! FINISH TH-NO WAIT WATCH OUT!
[It’s this bad move from Asher Jrue, that seals his fate. As Jrue comes in to finish the fight, he’s met by a pinpoint, rising head kick from hell. The kick, which can only be explained by comparing it to a soccer player shooting a volley into a net with a Pelé kick, lands shin-to-chin and “Simba” crumples like a sack full of bricks on the canvas, stiff as a board. Robert Guilliman pushes himself back upright and bows to the downed fighter, before walking off to his corner as the medics pour in!]
JASON JACKSON
What the FUCK was that kick? This dude just kicked him like he was scoring the winning goal of the world cup or some shit. I’ve never in my fucking life. HE CALLED THAT SHIT! Hold on man...
[Jason gives Robert Guilliman a standing ovation, and lets out a shrill whistle.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Ooh! Unbelievable! Robert Guilliman stops this fight with a head kick on the ground! I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it! The Primarch is once again the Middleweight Champion!
JASON JACKSON
From the ground!? He jumped up OFF the ground after being rocked like the casbah and sent him to fuckin’ beddy bye land. ONE year ago today he won the title and tonight he walks out with it again. What a fucking story, what a finish. Man… I’m stunned.
CARRICK PRICE
What a damn kick. Wow. Just wow. Terrible gameplan from Simba and his crew. Perfectly executed gameplan by Guilly and the Real Killas corner.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Guilliman is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Jrue for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at two minutes forty-two seconds in the very first round, for your winner by knockout, AND NEW Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion, ”The Primarch” Robert Guilliman!
[The crowd cheers once again as Guilliman has his hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around his waist. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Robert Guilliman by KO (Head Kick) at 2:42 Round 1
Statistics: Asher Jrue
Punches 13/16 (81%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Robert Guilliman
Punches 12/15 (80%)
Kicks 4/7 (57%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
[Inside the 9th World gym the scene fades into Kennard Rozier doing some shadow boxing as his voiceover begins to roll.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Finally the time has come. It's time folks. Time for me to put Donnie on his ass yet again.
[Swing here. Swing there. Kick.]
KENNARD ROZIER
It's been a lil minute since I've got to grace the people inside the cage man. I've been itching for that shit. Just waiting to hit that cage again and wreak havoc. Collect a body and get to that check... for this fight to be going down tonight in KC... man I can't be more happier. This nigga Donnie just don't know.
[As Kennard continues to shadow box the camera shifts to the Heavyweight Championship belt hanging from a wall surrounded by other amateur titles.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Everyday since I've been your Heavyweight Champion the grind hasn't stopped. My focus has never lead astray. I'm still focused on being the greatest fighter Union will ever see... I am Pluggz The Great by all means...
[The scene dissolves into a circle before shifting to the Heavyweight Champion jogging on a cold Kansas City night.]
KENNARD ROZIER
I know this life can be taken in a blink of a eye. Never will I take things for granted. That's what the Heavyweight Champs did before me. They took what being in my position is like for granted. They don't understand what it takes to be a champion. Donnie had the story. The fat ass comeback kid. Everybody loved it. They ate it up like false news, but just like that I come through and show you the real. Body after body. Soul after soul.
[Dissolving into the next scene Kennard stands in the middle of a crowd enjoying some time with residents of Kansas City.]
KENNARD ROZIER
I've worked too hard to get to this point to have it all taken away in a flash. Not in front of my people. In no way shape or form. This moment. This night was made for me. This is the party. Everyone will come out to see their great give them yet another devastating knockout. By now y'all should know that's what I do bruh. We're gonna party after. Have us a damn good time and show people why 9th World is the gym you wanna be at. Cos tonight is about representing.
[Kennard Rozier is now standing in the tunnel looking out a cage as he gets some words from his coaches as he looks ready for a fight.]
KENNARD ROZIER
This is my kingdom Donnie and you guessed it... I am your king. All kings get tested and this is Pluggz The Great first test. Defending his honor. Representing his land. It seems like all the pressure is on me. Shit, this even a nigga first main event. I won't crumble. Can't. I was made for this night. The question is...are you ready to tango with me Donnie? You ready to give Pluggz The Great a run for his money?
[The Heavyweight Champion nods his head and begins making his way to the cage before him.]
KENNARD ROZIER
Then let's dance.
[The scene begins to fade as Kennard continues his way to that cage.]
♫
I DON’T TALK I LEAD BY EXAMPLE
PUNCH HIM DOWN WHEN HE FALL GET TRAMPLED
I’M A BANDO COMMANDO SLASH RAMBO SLASH
WILL GET ON YOUR ASS FOR A BAG THOUGH
♫
[“Bando Commando” by Yavid plays throughout the arena and the crowd is on their feet. After a moment, Chicago’s own “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese enters the building and the fans are going wild! Calabrese calmly walks down the ramp with a swagger that’s infectious.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
The final fight of the night and it’s a battle of the behemoths! First up, former Heavyweight Champion Donnie Calabrese looks to reclaim the throne and even though we are in Kennard Rozier’s neck of the woods, there are still plenty of Dog Face fans here tonight.
CARRICK PRICE
And rightfully so. He’s probably the one fighter on the roster that they’re able to relate to the most. They’ve seen him struggle. They’ve seen him have to sort of scratch and claw his way up from nothing to finally become the champion only to have it taken from him shortly after by the man he’s fighting tonight. He’s the loveable underdog in every possible way.
JASON JACKSON
I’m a Dog Face fan. Right here. This guy climbed out of the trenches and made a meteoric rise to the top. He deserves to be here right now. He deserves that love from the fans. This dude is the true definition of a fighter.
[Dog Face appears stoic with concentration, just bobbing his head to the beat of his music as he makes it to cageside and gets checked by the bout official. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and heads straight to his corner, flexing for the cameras along the way.]
♫
LAME NIGGAS EVERYWHERE DO YOU SEE IT?
I FEEL LIKE RIPLEY'S DOG CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
♫
[As "Juice" by Peirre Bourne plays Kennard Rozier enter view behind a custom mask over his face. He's wearing a black and tan robe that says Pluggz The Great on the back. He slowly makes his way to the cage.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
And now for the final walkout of the night, the hometown hero and undefeated King of the Heavyweights, Kennard Rozier is here and this place is about to explode! Pluggz has dominated his opposition all the way to the title, going 5-0 and never once making it past the first round. Not only does this guy have the size and strength, but the speed and agility he possesses is not like anything we’ve ever seen before in this division. However, they say it’s hard to beat a man twice, and you know Donnie is ready to die out there, so Rozier has his work cut out for him.
CARRICK PRICE
It seems like each division is starting to show a little bit of separation between the top fighters and the rest of the group but with the Heavyweights I think the gap might be a bit wider than the rest. Donnie’s tough as nails but like you said, just the general athleticism that Rozier possesses is unlike anything else we see in the division.
JASON JACKSON
This guy is a genetic freak. He’s got monster power, professional athleticism, and you said it yourself, he’s undefeated in UGP right now. That sort of weight starts to build on you though and it can either make you, or break you. I’m hoping that the success he’s found doesn’t go to his head. Take it from me Pluggz… It does NOT end well. Stay hungry, stay humble, and you very well could go down as a legend in this game. Right now though? You need to get past Big Don and he’s ready for war.
[Kennard stares at the cage while his coach Ray Delhomme's takes off his robe giving him some last notes. Kennard turns around and hugs everyone in his corner before stepping up the steps toward the cage. He turns around and takes off the mask he was wearing and throws it in the crowd. Turning around Kennard crouches telling himself a few things before stepping in the cage.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Main Event of the evening! Sanctioned by the Missouri Office of Athletics, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Miranda Franco, Max Carver, and Ozzie Sebastian, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Dusty Whittaker. AND NOW, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it’s for the Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 7-5. He stands 6’1” and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is the former Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion, “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese!
[Donnie Calabrese doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-0. He stands 6’5” and weighing in at 235 pounds. He is from Kansas City, Missouri, fighting out of the 9th World Performance Institute, he is the reigning, defending, undefeated, undisputed Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion of the World, “Pluggz” Kennard Rozier!
[Kennard Rozier is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.]
CARRICK PRICE
You know we talk a lot about Real Killas and we talk a lot about ScrapYard but this is the second championship fight of the evening that has featured a 9th World fighter. I think we should take a moment to acknowledge the quality of fighters they’ve got there in their gym. I’d still whoop all their asses, but they’re pretty good.
JASON JACKSON
Me and you VS their whole gym. Let’s go.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
It’s the rematch we have been waiting for since October! Two of the biggest and baddest men are ready to drop bombs and leave a path of destruction in their wake! Our referee in charge is Dusty Whittaker, who signals to each man one last time and calls for the bell! This fight is underway!
[Rozier and Calabrese both move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight. There’s no love lost between the two, and they forgo the ceremonial glove touch to get right to business. Calabrese immediately uncorks a huge right hook that’s aimed at the torso of Rozier, but Kennard moves out of the way to make Calabrese miss a step and over extend on the punch. “Pluggz” uses this opportunity to charge at Calabrese, throwing a flurry of hard alternating hooks at the body and the head of his rival. Somehow, “Dog Face” Donnie manages to block the majority of the shots, and he backs out to get some room to breathe. Kennard pushes forward, circling around Calabrese to work some level changes and feints to open up some offense. One feint in particular opens up a shot for “Pluggz”, and the reigning champ lands a monsterous left hook that likely would’ve knocked any other man slick the fuck out. Not only does Calabrese shake it off almost instantly, but he also dips in with a power double to drive Rozier off his feet high into the air, and then back down to the mat with authority. Donnie lands in the champion’s guard, and “Pluggz” instantly wraps him up with his legs to close the guard and control the position off his back.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
No need to feel each other out here, these guys come swinging for the fences but Donnie takes this fight to the ground with a nice double leg takedown and puts Rozier in his realm.
CARRICK PRICE
And he needed it too. I’m not sure Donnie was fully aware of what he was doing and think that might have just been more off of instinct but whether it was or not, it worked and now he’s got a chance to put the pressure on the champ.
[Calabrese throws a few shots to the face of the champion from the closed guard, as he uses the veteran tactic of covering Rozier’s mouth with his palm to restrict breathing. “Pluggz” bides his time to find the right opportunity here in the grappling exchange. Finally, after about forty five seconds, he catches Donnie off balance and uses this chance to roll him over and reverse into the full mount position! Calabrese is in a dangerous spot here! Rozier postures up and unleashes some thunderous ground and pound shots that Donnie manages to block, for the most part. Calabrese wants no part of this, and he tries to escape from the full mount, but Kennard Rozier is not having that shit. Instead, he moves over to side mount to keep his superior position, and lands a few knees to the body of the former champ for good measure. Rozier’s cornermen are yelling for him to stand up and make Donnie fight on his feet, But Rozier either ignores the fuck out of them, or doesn’t hear them over the roaring sea of fans. Donnie attempts to move Kennard back into his guard, but “Pluggz” decides to slide his knee across and jump back into the mount position! Donnie Calabrese tries to execute the same reversal Rozier had done earlier in the round, but Kennard sees it coming and rolls with him to wind up taking his back! “Pluggz” gets both hooks in and things are looking dismal for Donnie Calabrese.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Kennard Rozier has obviously been working on his ground game. He’s got Donnie in a very vulnerable spot right now.
JASON JACKSON
That was an expert sweep to take the back there. This is definitely a bad spot to be in but like I said earlier in the night, the key is to stay calm here. Break that seatbelt grip and get your ass free of one of those hooks and then you can get the hell outta dodge. Breathe and don’t panic. That’s what I’d be telling him if I were his coach.
[Calabrese has to overcome adversity here, and he showcases some stellar Jiu-Jitsu, as he rolls and maneuvers himself out of the bad position by breaking the seatbelt grip and turning to land himself back in Rozier’s closed guard. Other than a few short elbows to the head of the champion, the action stalls out here on the ground, and Dusty Whittaker halts the fight to stand the fighters up. The crowd roars in agreement with the decision, and the two resume the fight on their feet.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Nice roll for the former champ to tilt the control in his favor, but gets nothing out of it and this fight gets stood back up.
CARRICK PRICE
Come on now I wouldn’t say nothing he got a few elbows in. These fans want to see a knock out though and Dusty Whittaker is clearly more concerned about giving them what they want than giving Donnie a chance to get his ground game going.
[Donnie turns up the heat and presses forward, throwing a haymaker that barely whizzes past the chin of the champ. Kennard sways away from the near fight ending shot, and counters with his own that lands flush on Calabrese's chin like a wrecking ball! Calabrese is clearly rocked and he loses balance, tumbling to the mat like a drunken Winnie the Pooh. Rozier moves in cautiously to hover over Calabrese, who is covered up and trying to recover and he launches a series of kicks to the legs of the former champion, each resulting in a loud POP that echoes out through the crowd. There’s a visible welt that begins to form on Donnie’s leg, and he gives a wince as he fires back a kick of his own aimed at Kennard’s knee, clearly telling him to fuck off. Rozier dodges it, and fires back another huge leg kick that sounds worse than the others combined. This causes Donnie to power himself back standing and he wastes no time shooting in to drive “Pluggz” back against the fence to try for a takedown. Rozier utilizes a textbook whizzer and keeps himself upright until the buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner, and the two have to be separated as they commence chirping with each other.]
CARRICK PRICE
TALK THAT SHIT! Fuck yes, I love that.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
A nail biter here to start things off. Both of these guys showed some solid work both standing and on the ground, I’d hate to have to score that round.
CARRICK PRICE
Me too. But, more importantly, I’ve recently been informed that fuck is a bad word. Is that true? Harpy? J? Anyone? Can we put that shit up on a poll somewhere?
JASON JACKSON
Fuck is definately a good word. A solid foundation of my daily vocabulary. When did it become a bad word?
TOUSSAINT HARPER
I’ll see if our social media interns can get right on that.
[The second round gets underway and Kennard Rozier dashes forward to launch a vicious high kick right away! Calabrese eats the kick to the face and his left orbital immediately begins to swell up like a balloon. Kennard follows up with an inside kick to the chewed up leg of “Dog Face” and Donnie buckles a bit, but he summons his inner bad motherfucker and swings for the fences with a huge haymaker! Rozier jumps back to avoid the shot and launches another pinpoint, NASTY head kick that lands solid.]
TOUSSAINT HARPER
We got bombs going off here! Kennard Rozier unleashes those head kicks and it looks like Calabrese’s eye is instantly swelling. That’s not a good sign for Dog Face.
CARRICK PRICE
No… no it’s not. I’ve never seen a man essentially jump on the railroad tracks and run straight into an oncoming train but that’s apparently what Donnie’s gameplan is in this round.
[Calabrese's eye is swollen shut now, and he staggers backwards out of instinct to try and survive the bad situation. Kennard, smelling blood in the water, stalks forward with level changes and feints, looking for the one big shot to close the show. Calabrese, feeling pressured, moves to shoot for another power double but Kennard Rozier has it scouted and he delivers a crushing knee that collapses Calabrese to the canvas. Donnie covers up, clearly hurt badly, and Kennard begins swarming him with stacked shots from the standing position! Dusty Whittaker is asking Calabrese to defend himself, and Donnie seems to be blocking a good number of the shots, but it’s clear that he’s hurt pretty badly. Dusty Whittaker jumps in between the fighters and stops the punishment for Calabrese, and Donnie almost instantly begins to protest the stoppage. The crowd erupts in a mixed chorus of cheers and boos, and The reigning champion walks off to celebrate with his team as the doctor comes in to take a look at Donnie’s eye.]
JASON JACKSON
He’s gonna stop it… yep. I knew it. Man… you hate to see it go down like that.
TOUSSAINT HARPER
Dusty Whittaker stops the fight and it doesn’t look like Donnie agrees with the call at all!
CARRICK PRICE
He might not and I can understand why. He was still defending himself but even so there’s a point when the referee has to protect the fighter. We saw what Donnie’s eye looked like. We saw that he was basically just standing there eating whatever Rozier was throwing at him. He might have been trying to cover up and protect but he wasn’t doing anything to assert himself. He can be mad about the call, and make an argument that it was early. But Pluggz came out and ran through him like a bull in this round and that’s not on anyone except for Dogface for not finding a way to stop him from doing so.
JASON JACKSON
Just means we potentially get to watch this fight a third time down the road. I think now though, Dog Face needs a few fights to work his way back up because he was outclassed tonight. I hate to say that but it’s the truth. Time to start the climb back up the ladder but he’s done it before. Big ups to Pluggz for coming out here and dominating this fight. That was a champion caliber performance.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Rozier is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Donnie 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 forty-five seconds in the second round, for your winner by technical knockout, AND STILL Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion, “Pluggz” Kennard Rozier!
[The crowd cheers once again as Rozier has his hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around his waist. Rozier extends a hand out to Donnie, but Calabrese simply shakes his head and heads toward his corner, still fuming about the stoppage. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Kennard Rozier by TKO (Punches) at 0:45 Round 2
Statistics: Kennard Rozier
Punches 4/8 (50%)
Kicks 11/11 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 5/7(71%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 146 s
Statistics: Donnie Calabrese
Punches 0/2 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 3/5 (60%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 238 s