WALTER PYRAMID
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
OCTOBER 6, 2018
[After the opening intro video finishes up, we transition into the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California which is packed with 4,250 fans in attendance. The crowd is on their feet cheering in anticipation for the night’s bouts. Camera angles pan around the building from one point to another, catching fans, athletes, and celebrities in attendance. We then transition to meet Patrick Carson and Nora Bauer standing cageside.]
PATRICK CARSON
Welcome ladies and gentlemen, we are live on the Battleground Network at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California and this is Boss Fight #1! I'm Patrick Carson and alongside me is the ever so beautiful Nora Bauer.
NORA BAUER
You clean up nicely, Patrick.
PATRICK CARSON
Thank you, Nora! Folks, tonight is the first of many events where we showcase the up-and-comers of Union GP. We have five fights scheduled this evening with two of those coming from the Light Heavyweight Round Robin series.
NORA BAUER
And not only that, our opening fight is two debuting Light Heavyweights who unfortunately missed out on the sign-up deadline to declare the first Light Heavyweight Champion. We have a world-class striker in "The Natural" Edan McLeod taking on "The Technical Wizard" Sang-Hyun Lee. McLeod has had some experience at the highest level of MMA, while Lee is just now getting his feet wet in the sport. Two clashing fighting styles, it's sure to be an exciting affair.
PATRICK CARSON
From there, we have a Cruiserweight contenders match between Hailey McIntyre and the debuting Amedea Rao. If you remember, McIntyre was eliminated in the Cruiserweight Tournament after getting caught with a vicious head kick from Hanako Takeuchi in just 20-some odd seconds. Tonight she looks to erase that blemish and make her back in the title talks. Meanwhile, Rao is looking to start her UGP career off on the right foot. "The ShatterStar" is a solid all-round competitor who can hang around at any level of the game.
NORA BAUER
After that, we have our first Light Heavyweight Round Robin fight between Kira Izumi and Aeron Roberts. Both of these fighters are sitting at 0-2 and are desperate for a win. A loss tonight pretty much seals their fate in this series.
PATRICK CARSON
And then our Headline Fight, our second Light Heavyweight Round Robin fight is between two impressive fighters sitting at 1-0. "StrangLA" Simon Bishop takes on Jeremiah "Bullfrog" Ford in a fight that has gained a lot of buzz in the media leading up to this fight!
NORA BAUER
Some have called it a "dream match", although I think that's a bit premature. At any case, these two have displayed some great technique and earned impressive victories in their Union GP debuts. Big question coming out of this one is who goes to 2-0 and ties it up with the mauler Cristian Bonanno?
PATRICK CARSON
Bonanno has certainly been one of the most impressive fighters so far in these tournament and round robin fights. But finally, our main event of the evening pits two Cruiserweights who went to hell and back at UGP #1, but unfortunately both succumbed to defeats. MMA Newcomer Kaelan Laughlin takes on multi-promotional Xabier Belazco in a hunt for their first victory.
NORA BAUER
Both of these fighters showed a lot of grit and a ton of heart in their Union GP debuts. In fact, they were favored fighters leading into the night, but as anyone who's a fan of this sport, ANYTHING can happen inside that cage!
PATRICK CARSON
No doubt about it, Nora. That's what makes this sport so exciting to watch. Anything can happen to anyone at anytime! Now folks, it's time to kick off this show! So let's toss it over to Mike Dempsey awaiting inside the octagon!
♫
IRIDIUM BY THE SIDH
BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
["Iridium" by The Sidh blasts through the arena. The Scottish fighter comes out from the back with his corner following behind him. Edan bounces in place with his blue and gold fight kit on. Edan has a cool and calm swagger in his step. His collected face doesn't break as he makes his way to the cage.]
[Edan takes his tracksuit off and hands it to his coach. He hugs each member of the camp, then turns to the official. He closes his eyes as he gets checked. He opens his mouth to show his mouth guard. The official gives him the go-ahead and Edan darts up the steps. He turns to the crowd and flexes for them. Edan keeps flexing as he circles the canvas. He stops in his corner, does some fancy footwork and throws some loose strikes. He then begins to pace from side to side until the fight begins.]
PATRICK CARSON
Making his Union Grand Prix debut, Edan McLeod is no stranger to the octagon. He’s got experience at the top level and is sure to play a factor against his opponent. It’s hard to tell what you’re going to get from Edan on a personal level. Sometimes he’s humble and quiet, sometimes he’s brash and arrogant.
NORA BAUER
I think it all comes down to his opponent. He’s not overly chirpy but isn’t afraid to dish out a tongue lashing and work the psyche. But this guy has some world class hands thanks to his extensive boxing training. However he doesn’t utilize the kicking game all too often, which can leave him a bit predictable standing. On the ground he’s got phenomenal Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique, but struggles to get his opponents on the ground as well.
♫
MISTAKE BY DRUG RESTAURANT
BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[“Mistake” by Drug Restaurant blasts over the loudspeaker and Sang-Hyundai Lee emerges to the stage wearing his green and black walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Lee has a focused stare in his eyes as he makes his way down the ramp. He makes it to cageside where he is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, he jogs up the steps and calmly takes his place in his corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
Another debut to Union GP, Sang-Hyun Lee is known as “The Technical Wizard”. Outside of the octagon, this guy is a fun loving, carefree guy. But when he steps into the cage, he flips a switch and is ready for war.
NORA BAUER
Lee is coming in with very little MMA experience, which will be interesting to see how this factors in against the more seasoned McLeod. But he’s a phenomenal submission artist and can roll with the best of them. However, he’s a more defensive fighter and his striking game leaves a lot to be desired. I don’t know how well he can defend against McLeod’s superior striking game.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California for Boss Fight #1! And now, this opening fight is scheduled for three rounds in the UGP Light Heavyweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer with a record of 0-0. He stands at 6’1” and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Froghall, Aberdeen, Scotland, fighting out of The Factory, he is “The Natural” Edan McLeod!
[Edan raises an arm to the cheering crowd, then goes back to shadow boxing. He looks calm but knows he has a tough fight coming up.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a wrestler disciplined in Hapkido with a record of 0-0. He stands 6’ even and weighing in at 185 pounds. From Daegu, South Korea, he is “The Technical Wizard” Sang-Hyun Lee!
[Lee paces back and forth as he raises a fist in the air.]
NORA BAUER
This should be a great first match tonight. Two clashing styles; one is an aggressive offensive striker, and one is a defensive grappler. 56% of the fans that took our social media poll believe that Edan McLeod walks out of this one victorious.
PATRICK CARSON
Alright folks, we are all set for this fight to begin. The referee of the opening bout is Roy Rivers. He checks off with each fighter one last time and calls for the fight! This bout is underway!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Edan McLeod and Sang-Hyun Lee touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! An overhand right from Edan McLeod that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall! Lee's stops that one with his face! How is Lee standing?! Lee launches a kick but McLeod avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook McLeod launches a rapid series of punches that grazes off Lee's arms.]
[Lee staggers backwards. McLeod wants to finish this and continues launching bombs! Lee stumbles back, his corner is screaming! Edan McLeod is coming in again! Sang-Hyun Lee shoots for a double leg takedown! Edan McLeod sprawls and manages to stay on his feet. Lee steps forward and McLeod catches him with an uppercut to the face and then a quick hook!]
NORA BAUER
Edan McLeod is just going berserk on Lee! He’s not letting up!
[McLeod throws a hook that hits its mark. Lee's right eye is beginning to swell with a small cut above his brow. Lee launches a kick but Edan avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook! McLeod throws a looping left hand that lands on Lee's chin! That stops Lee in his tracks! McLeod begins to launch a barrage of punches over Lee!]
NORA BAUER
McLeod is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion! He has a high motor that helps him fire on all cylinders from beginning to end.
PATRICK CARSON
This is getting worse by the second for Lee! He’s gonna have to do better at defending these punishing attacks. Lee's corner looks worried!
[Edan McLeod is opening up on Lee and raining down combinations! McLeod's mind is definitely in the fight, Lee just got nailed! McLeod saw an opening and delivered a big right hand! Edan McLeod tries a nice one-two combination and delivers flawlessly! McLeod launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook! Lee blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Sang-Hyun Lee's cheek! Lee stumbles and the falls to the mat!]
[McLeod is standing while Lee is on the ground on his back. McLeod launches a kick to Lee's thigh that resonates with a loud pop! Edan creates space and allows Sang-Hyun Lee to stand up. Back to the beginning! Sang-Hyun Lee is standing now.]
[McLeod launches a furious hook that hits Lee's chin like a wrecking ball! Lee loses balance and goes to the mat. McLeod is standing while Lee is on the ground on his back. You can see Lee's blood making stains on the mat. McLeod moves backwards and gestures for Sang-Hyun Lee to stand up. Lee climbs to his feet and is standing now.]
PATRICK CARSON
Sang-Hyun Lee is bleeding badly from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
[Pulverizing punch to Lee's head! Sang-Hyun Lee's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes. Bone shattering straight right hand from Edan McLeod! Lee launches a kick but Edan McLeod avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook! McLeod throws a looping right hand that stops Lee in his tracks! McLeod launches a furious hook! Lee loses balance and goes to the mat.]
[McLeod is standing while Lee is on the ground on his back. McLeod launches a kick to Lee's thigh with a loud pop! And another! Edan circles around, and a third kick! McLeod finally moves back and gestures for Sang-Hyun Lee to stand up, and Lee is now standing. Edan McLeod just won't stop and continues to rain punches! Lee may be in trouble! McLeod tries a hook to the body and hits Lee in the ribs.]
[Edan McLeod fakes a move and moves laterally. McLeod sees an opening and delivers a big right hand! Lee shoots in and is holding Edan McLeod's left leg. He's trying to take him down. McLeod shows great balance while pushing away Sang-Hyun Lee. Edan McLeod looks to counter! Edan McLeod tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo and those punches are landing clean! Finally the buzzer sounds and Roy Rivers tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.]
PATRICK CARSON
This round is clearly for Edan McLeod. He just put on a clinic!
NORA BAUER
Outstanding work by McLeod. The cutman is working on Lee's face right now, trying to stop the bleeding. He took a beating in that opening round. He’s gonna have to rework his strategy. He clearly cannot stand up with The Natural.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[Both fighters close the distance and circle around. Lee follows McLeod only to get counter punched in a big way! McLeod seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent. Pulverizing punch to Lee's head! Nice punches from Edan McLeod. Lee staggers backwards. McLeod wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!]
[Lee throws a lazy kick but McLeod dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit! Edan follows up with a brilliant combination that forces Lee to try and defend better. Edan launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook! Lee blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Sang-Hyun Lee's cheek! Lee stumbles and the falls to the mat! McLeod is standing while Lee is on the ground on his back. McLeod launches a kick to Lee's thigh! McLeod creates space and allows Sang-Hyun Lee to stand up. Back to the beginning! Sang-Hyun Lee is standing now.]
[Edan McLeod is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent. Shovel hook by Edan McLeod tags Lee. Lee just got nailed! McLeod saw an opening and delivered a big right hand! Edan McLeod throws a looping right hand and connects clean! Lee moves backwards and Edan McLeod is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.]
PATRICK CARSON
This is getting bad. Lee is a bloody mess and Edan is taunting him now.
[The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage. McLeod has found an opening in the defense of Lee, launching a big hook. An overhand right from Edan McLeod that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall! Bang! Lee's stops that one with his face! How is Lee standing?!]
[The two exchange wildly, and McLeod is connecting with a few punches. Brutal combination from Edan McLeod! Lee is in a bad way, his legs look wobbly! McLeod throws a looping right hand that lands on Lee's chin! That stops Lee in his tracks! Lee topples to the mat! The ref calls the fight!]
PATRICK CARSON
It’s all over! Edan McLeod caps off an amazing performance with a brutal strike that ends the fight.
NORA BAUER
That was a mercy shot, Patrick. McLeod completely dominated this fight. I’m surprised Lee made it out of the first round with the punches he was taking.
[The crowd is roaring with excitement as McLeod celebrates his victory with his corner. Doctors tend to Lee for a moment before helping him back up to his feet. After doctors and cutmen finish their work, the two fighters meet in the middle of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Roy Rivers has called for a stop in this fight at 3 minutes 13 second of the second round for your winner by knockout, “The Natural” Edan McLeod!
[The crowd cheers as McLeod has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters embrace with a handshake and say a few words to each other 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: Edan McLeod by KO (Punch) at 3:13 Round 2
Statistics: Edan McLeod
Punches 62/81 (77%)
Kicks 6/6 (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: Sang-Hyun Lee
Punches 0/3 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/2 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 76 s
PATRICK CARSON
Superb display of technique and MMA knowledge by Edan McLeod. Absolutely brutal attacks and fierce aggression!
NORA BAUER
Sang-Hyun Lee had a nightmare here today. He looked completely over-matched and couldn’t work any offense. Hopefully he takes this one in stride and learn from it. Big congrats to Edan and his camp!
IN THE CROWD
[The camera pans around the arena and fans until it focuses on former MMA Champion James Shark who sits in one of the front rows cageside. He receives a positive reception from this crowd as they cheer out loud. He nods his head to the camera and smiles. “You already know what it is, Irish Rose!” he says before winking at the camera and laughing some.]
PATRICK CARSON
Folks it's always great to see some of today's biggest stars and athletes attending our shows. But tonight is a special one, one of the men on the Mount Rushmore of MMA, James Shark, is in the house!
NORA BAUER
He's the founder of Slaughterhouse gyms and precisely the Vegas branch owner as well. Great to see Shark in attendance tonight. I'm assuming he's off diaper duty tonight with his beautiful newborn at home and got the chance to enjoy his Vegas Ambassador Kaelan Laughlin in the Main Event tonight!
♫
REVENGE!
I’M SCREAMING REVENGE AGAIN
WRONG!
I’VE BEEN WRONG FOR FAR TOO LONG
♫
[“Mouth for War” by Pantera blares over the loudspeaker and Hailey McIntyre emerges to the stage wearing her black and gray walkout fight kit with crew members from her camp following behind. Hailey has a scowling fierce look on her face as she slowly prowls down the aisle. She makes it to cageside where she is checked up by the fight official. Once she’s cleared, she races up the steps and jogs around the cage a couple times before staying out in her corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
The Rising Phoenix is coming off of a heartbreaking loss to Hanako Takeuchi where she got caught with a vicious head kick in the opening seconds of the bout. Hopefully she’s learned from this and can better protect herself and build up some offense tonight.
NORA BAUER
If you’re a fan of McIntyre’s it was definitely hard to see her go down like that. But that kinda thing can happen to the best of them. Takeuchi saw an opening and capitalized to the fullest. I’m sure Hailey’s camp at RAW Graps worked on her defense, and like you said Patrick, protect herself from shots like that.
♫
MY LIFE TRAPPED IN BETWEEN
A WHISPER AND A SCREAM
A SUICIDE MACHINE OF MY OWN MAKING
♫
["Painless" by Fozzy shreds over the loudspeaker and Amedea Rao emerges to the stage wearing her red and white walkout fight kit with crew members from her camp following behind. Rao burrows her head down while slowly walking down the aisle. She makes it to cageside where she is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, she climbs up the steps and calmly takes her place in her corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
Another fighter making their debut in Union GP, Amedea Rao looks to make a great first impression tonight. She’s not typically one to be loud and talk a lot of trash. She’s humble, a student to the game, and has that old school mentality.
NORA BAUER
From what I’ve been told from coaches at the Union GP Performance Institute, Rao is a solid fighter and well rounded in all aspects of the fight game. She’s a jack of all trades, but a master of none. I’m excited to see what she brings to the table.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following is scheduled for three rounds in the UGP Cruiserweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Wrestler disciplined in Krav Maga and Kenpo Karate with a record of 0-1. She stands at 5’8” and weighing in at 155 pounds. She is from Seattle, Washington fighting out of RAW Graps Gym, she is “The Rising Phoenix” Hailey McIntyre!
[Hailey McIntyre looks a bit uneasy as she steps out from the corner and raises a fist in the air before going back to bouncing in place.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Wrestler and Muay Thai Kickboxer with a record of 0-0. She stands at 5’7” and weighing in at 130 pounds. She is from Denver, Colorado, she is “ShatterStar” Amedea Rao!
[Rao paces back and forth in her corner while raising a fist in the air to the cheering crowd.]
NORA BAUER
Listen to the crowd here tonight, you can definitely tell they are fully behind Hailey McIntyre. 82% of the fans that took our social media poll believe that she walks out victorious.
PATRICK CARSON
She certainly has a following wherever she goes. The referee of the bout is Dusty Whittaker. He checks off with each fighter one last time and calls for the fight! And here we go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[McIntyre and Rao move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight! McIntyre goes with a looping right hand while Rao jumps back and jabs. The Rising Phoenix seems staggered and Amedea Rao runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. The Rising Phoenix launches a furious low kick but Amedea Rao blocks it Rao fakes a punch and shoots a takedown, but McIntyre sprawls and remains on her feet. Rao gets sloppy and Hailey tries to take advantage with a lightning fast low kick from! Rao blocks the kick!]
[McIntyre feints a low kick and switches targets and lands a superb body kick! Crushing shot to Rao's body! Hailey jumps in the air and tries a flying knee! Crushing shot! Rao regroups and launches a furious low kick to McIntyre’s left leg! Hailey counters with a left hook and grazes the chin of Rao. Amedea fires back with a nice one-two combination! McIntyre thinks fast and pulls guard. The Rising Phoenix is in open guard over Rao. She fakes a move and then tries a kneebar! Rao struggles to free herself! Rao rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of her own she escapes. Rao climbs to her feet and is standing now.]
PATRICK CARSON
Great back and forth attacks here in this opening round!
NORA BAUER
Both of these women have something to prove tonight, and they aren’t holding back!
[Rao is standing while McIntyre is on the ground on her back. Hailey launches an up-kick intended for Amedea Rao's head and lands flush, snapping it backwards due to the impact! After a few moments of stalling, Dusty Whittaker halts the fight to stand up McIntyre. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
[Hailey McIntyre takes a few seconds to catch her breath and seems hesitant as if she would give the initiative to her opponent. McIntyre decides to launch some tentative punches and she takes the best of a brief punching exchange. McIntyre fakes a punch and shoots a takedown! Rao didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground! McIntyre is in open guard over Rao but quickly moves to half guard.]
[McIntyre sits over her knees and pushes away Rao's leg! Hailey is able to put away her leg and then jumps to side mount. Rao tries to turn away and scramble out. Hailey takes her back and locks up a rear naked choke! She can't lock it up. Rao spins out and gets back to her feet! Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people in the Walter Pyramid are cheering on the fighters.]
[Hailey shoots for a double leg takedown and hits it! Rao is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull McIntyre into her guard. McIntyre is in closed guard over Rao, and she works on the ground with her fingers over Rao's face. Rao shakes her head and continues fighting on the ground. Hailey tries to escape from closed guard, struggles to free her leg for a bit and then jumps to half guard!]
[Rao tries to turn in and scramble out. McIntyre timed her perfectly and locks up a guillotine! Rao immediately slips her head out and manages to gain top control. Amedea looks to counter! Rao measures the resilience of McIntyre's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard. Those hits are leaving hitches in Rising Phoenix's side.]
PATRICK CARSON
A great ground game unfolding right in front of us from both fighters! This is what it’s all about!
[Hailey isolates Rao's left arm looking for an armbar but she manages to sit up and pull her arm out of danger! Hailey McIntyre lost her dominant position. Amedea is in open guard over Hailey now. Amedea Rao tries to finish with a leg lock! Punishing hold! The Rising Phoenix is able to break the lock!]
NORA BAUER
Close call there for Hailey! It looked like she was in trouble there for a second.
[Rao moves to full mount. Rao suddenly holds McIntyre's arm and tries an armbar but Hailey breaks free and is now in a closed guard over Rao! Rao gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. McIntyre spins out, but Amedea was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke! McIntyre is too quick and managed to back out of danger. Hailey tries to get some advantage after her opponent’s missed move. Hailey opts to go after her opponent and jumps inside Rao's guard. Rao fights back with her feet, forcing McIntyre to try something else. Hailey passes Rao’s guard momentarily but Amedea regains full guard. The buzzer sounds and the referee separates the fighters.]
PATRICK CARSON
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Hailey McIntyre.
NORA BAUER
It was definitely a competitive first round. Both fighters worked some offense, but I think McIntyre was more aggressive and controlled the pace.
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ROUND TWO
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[Both fighters close the distance and an immediate inside leg kick from Rao lands clean. McIntyre showing excellent timing, blasts Amedea with a right hand. Great hook by Hailey McIntyre! Amedea Rao is caught off balance and slips to the ground! McIntyre moves backwards and gestures for Amedea to stand up. Back to the beginning! Amedea is standing now. Solid kick to the leg from Hailey McIntyre that visibly pains Rao. Body kick from McIntyre that just misses. Hailey fires back and throws a hook that hits its mark.Body kick from McIntyre lands right below Rao’s ribs. Rao fakes a punch and launches herself over Hailey! Great move by Rao who pushes her opponent under a troublesome Thai clinch.]
[The fighters are clinching and Rao is starting to bleed. McIntyre fakes a punch to Amedea’s ribs and then tries to trip her. Rao loses balance for a moment but remains on her feet after a small struggle. After a stalemate, the referee intervenes to break the clinch.]
[McIntyre throws a hook that hits its mark. McIntyre shoots in and is holding Rao's right leg... She’s trying to take her down. Rao loses balance and goes to the ground. Hailey is in side mount over Amedea and Hailey goes for an Americana! Punishing hold! Rao's arm is getting wrenched! Rao struggles to free herself! That Americana looks tight! You can see the pain reflected in Rao's eyes… Rao breaks free!]
PATRICK CARSON
Amedea Rao was in a dangerous spot there! McIntyre nearly sealed the deal!
[Hailey McIntyre is in side mount over Amedea Rao and Rao tries to turn away and scramble out. Hailey takes her back and locks up a rear naked choke but she can't lock it up. Rao spins out and gets back to her feet. McIntyre fails here and it's time for Amedea Rao to fight back! Rao attempts to trap Hailey in her guard. Rao manages to switch to full guard.]
[Hailey McIntyre is in open guard and Rao hasn’t stopped bleeding. McIntyre passes to half guard. Rao launches a few punches to McIntyre from the guard. McIntyre sits over her knees and pushes away Rao's leg! Hailey is able to put away her leg and then jumps to side mount.]
[Hailey isolates Amedea’s right arm looking for an armbar but Rao manages to sit up and pull her arm out of danger! McIntyre lost her dominant position. Rao is now in open guard over McIntyre. McIntyre reaches under and rolls for a kneebar! Rao blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard. After a back and forth struggle, Rao throws a couple clean shots to the body and shifts to side mount. McIntyre attempts to trap Amedea Rao in her guard and Rao moves to closed guard over The Rising Phoenix. Amedea Rao tries to pass to half guard and McIntyre can't prevent her opponent from passing. Rao now looks to work from half guard. McIntyre reaches under and rolls for a kneebar! You can see the pain reflected in Rao's eyes... Rao hyperextended her leg!]
[Rao somehow manages to slip out and gets back to half guard. Amedea Rao aggressively and repeatedly punches The Rising Phoenix. She needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight! McIntyre is moving on the ground but Rao is able to control the situation and winds up in a side mount. Rao doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and gets back on her feet. Dusty Whittaker halts the fight to stand up McIntyre. The fight resumes with both fighters standing. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and the fans are cheering them on.]
[Hailey goes with a looping right hand while Amedea Rao jumps back and jabs. McIntyre seems staggered and Rao runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.]
PATRICK CARSON
Two down, one to go. I think McIntyre is 2-up in rounds over Rao.
NORA BAUER
I see your point, but I feel like Amedea Rao delivered some more significant strikes and kept safe from McIntyre’s submission attempts. Too close to call.
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ROUND THREE
=========================================
[Both fighters slowly step to the center, and a good front kick from McIntyre lands clean! Rao stumbles backwards after that one! Hailey rushes in and catapults with a powerful superman punch! McIntyre launches a hook to the body and Rao stops that one with her ribs! Rao closes the distance with her opponent wanting some action. Rao looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Hailey McIntyre's punches. The Rising Phoenix is countered and is now on the receiving end of a great combo by Rao! McIntyre launches a furious low kick that connects! Hailey decides to launch some tentative punches but she takes the best of a brief punching exchange.]
PATRICK CARSON
Rao is pushing through but she is a bloody mess!
NORA BAUER
She has an unbreakable spirit, Patrick. She’ll do whatever it takes to earn that first victory!
[The two exchange wildly and McIntyre is connecting with a few more punches. McIntyre decides to launch some tentative punches and Rao takes the best of a brief punching exchange. Rao tries to take the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown but Hailey jumps backwards and frees her leg. Rao misses a step and Hailey sees an opportunity to counter her! McIntyre launches a furious low kick!]
PATRICK CARSON
Brutal kick by McIntyre! It looked like Rao hyperextended her knee there!
NORA BAUER
McIntyre is looking like a hellbent warrior out there! She knows she needs this win to keep her name in the title contentions.
[Amedea Rao paws at McIntyre and Hailey answers with solid punches! McIntyre goes with a looping right hand while Amedea jumps back and jabs. McIntyre only hits air and eats a couple quick strikes. McIntyre pushes Rao and moves away from her. She seems to be catching her breath. Hailey McIntyre tries to bring the fight to the ground and Rao goes down. Hailey McIntyre tries to finish with a leg lock! That leglock from Hailey McIntyre appears to be unbreakable! Rao fights like hell and manages to somehow break the lock!]
[ McIntyre is in open guard over Rao and she tries to improve position by freeing a leg and jumping to side mount. Hailey goes for an Americana but Rao breaks free. Rao tries to move on the ground and shows Hailey a crack in her guard which she uses for a big elbow! Rao's forehead receives a sharp elbow that rocks her head against the mat! Dusty Whittaker knows he may be calling off the fight soon! McIntyre works on the ground with her fingers over Rao's face. She seems to have encountered the eye and Dusty Whittaker saw it! Whittaker takes away one point from Hailey for an eye poke. Dusty Whittaker halts the fight to give Rao time to recover. Amedea Rao seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
[McIntyre throws a hook that hits its mark. Rao gets set off and the two exchange wildly! McIntyre is connecting with a few more punches. Hailey moves aside and launches a furious low kick! Hailey follows up with a double leg and gets Rao in a full mount. McIntyre throws her leg over Rao's shoulder in an omoplata attempt! Punishing hold! Rao struggles to free herself! This could be it! No! Amedea Rao sits up and slips her arm out using the opportunity to get side control! Amedea Rao is in side mount over Hailey McIntyre and McIntyre tries to show some ground skills and puts Rao in closed guard.]
PATRICK CARSON
Hailey McIntyre is gassing out. Her performance may be going down from here.
[Rao is in closed guard. McIntyre tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Rao! Hailey McIntyre throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar! Rao's left arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured! Crippling lock! Rao breaks the lock showing some sheer will!]
[Hailey McIntyre is in full mount. Amedea Rao's face is covered in blood. She may be having problems seeing as she wipes the blood out of her eyes. Hailey McIntyre throws the leg over and rolls it over into another armbar! That's more than Rao can stand! Her arm is outstretched and she taps!]
PATRICK CARSON
Unbelievable! This one is all over!
NORA BAUER
McIntyre was looking drained there, and with just fifteen seconds left into the fight, she slaps Rao in a deep armbar and forces the tap out! What an amazing finish by McIntyre!
[The crowd is roaring with excitement as McIntyre celebrates her victory with her corner. Doctors tend to Rao for a moment before helping her back up to her feet. After doctors and cutmen finish their work, the two fighters meet in the middle of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Dusty Whittaker has called for a stop in this fight at 4 minutes 45 second of the third round for your winner by submission, “The Rising Phoenix” Hailey McIntyre!
[The crowd cheers as McIntyre has her hand raised in victory. Both fighters embrace with a handshake and say a few words to each other 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: Hailey McIntyre by Submission (Armbar) at 4:45 Round 3
Statistics: Hailey McIntyre
Punches 21/33 (64%)
Kicks 8/11 (73%)
Clinch strikes 1/3 (33%)
Takedowns 6/7 (86%)
GnP strikes 1/1 (100%)
Submissions 15/15 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 435 s
Statistics: Amedea Rao
Punches 18/34 (53%)
Kicks 2/2 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/2 (0%)
GnP strikes 8/10 (80%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 439 s
PATRICK CARSON
Superb display of technique and knowledge by Hailey McIntyre. She dug deep and stayed persistent and comes out win a hard earned win tonight.
NORA BAUER
Rao had some absorbing moments and he contributed to the enjoyment of the people here at the Walter Pyramid. I only can thank Hailey McIntyre and Amedea Rao for an unforgettable fight! Tough break for Rao, but she showed some very good things here tonight, I think she’s on her way to making a name for herself here.
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♫
ON TO BATTLE
HERE WE ARE THE HUNTERS
RED AS FIRE
CRIMSON BOW AND ARROW
♫
["Crimson Bow And Arrow" by Epica blasts over the loudspeaker and “The Demon Queen” Aeron Roberts emerges to the stage wearing her ice blue and white walkout fight kit with crew members from her camp following behind. Roberts burrows her head down while slowly walking down the ramp. She makes it to cageside where she is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, she climbs up the steps and calmly takes her place in her corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
Aeron Roberts is running on a two-loss streak right now, but with each fight, she has improved drastically. Going from being dominated by Cristian Bonanno to losing by decision to Jeremiah Ford, Roberts has shown improvement and she’ll need to continue in that trend here tonight.
NORA BAUER
Aeron is facing another fighter who is still searching for their first win, so you know everything is going to be left out there inside the cage. Roberts showed some resilience in the ground game against Jeremiah Ford, even though he was able to handle her pretty well. Roberts stand up game is nonexistent, but I don’t think that will matter much tonight facing off another submission specialist.
♫
DIE MEETS HARD BY LING TOSITE SIGURE
BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
[As Die Meets Hard By Ling Tosite Sigure plays over the loudspeaker, Kira Izumi slowly creeps out to the main stage. He comes out wearing his blue and black walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Izumi burrows his head down while slowly creeping down the aisle. He makes it to cageside where he is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and calmly takes his place in his corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
Nora, you mentioned that Kira is also still looking for that first victory, and though he’s a little more well-rounded in the stand up aspect, he has lost by submission and knockout, so you have to wonder what he’s done to improve his game.
NORA BAUER
To give him some credit, his losses come at the hands of Cristian Bonanno and Simon Bishop. I had Bonanno and Bishop slated to be the finalists in this Light Heavyweight Round Robin series from the beginning. Kira is still wet behind the ears in MMA so with each fight he steps up to, the more he learns. Tonight he’s up against a fresh fighter like himself, with Roberts just 19 years old.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following bout is scheduled for three rounds in the UGP Light Heavyweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a wrestler with a record of 0-2. She stands at 5’9” and weighing in at 178 pounds. She is from Wrexham, Wales, she is “The Demon Queen" Aeron Roberts!
[Aeron Roberts looks calm but knows she has a tough fight coming up. She steps out from the corner and raises a fist in the air before going back to bouncing in place. Roberts looks like she's feeling the pressure.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Wrestler disciplined in Jeet Kune Do and Akido with a record of 0-2. He stands at 6’ even and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Shinhidaka, Hokkaido, Japan fighting out of Freedom Core Pro Wrestling Dojo, he is “The Prince of Darkness” Kira Izumi!
[Kira steps out from the corner and bows his head before bouncing back into the cage and keeping loose. Izumi looks like he's feeling the pressure.]
NORA BAUER
Big stakes here tonight. 87% of the fans that took our social media poll believe that Kira Izumi walks out victorious.
PATRICK CARSON
Both of these fighters are coming in with a two fight losing streak and still searching for that first win. This is do or die time for these fighters! The referee of the bout is Jordan Ripley. He checks off with each fighter one last time and calls for the fight! And here we go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The Prince of Darkness and The Demon Queen move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight! The Demon Queen grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground! Great takedown by Aeron Roberts. Roberts is in open guard over Izumi. Se fakes a move and then tries a kneebar! The Prince of Darkness rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes. The Prince of Darkness is trying to counter now! The Prince of Darkness switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle! The Demon Queen struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head out of the lock!]
[Roberts is in open guard over Izumi, and he tries to close his guard around The Demon Queen and he succeeds! The Demon Queen use some of her wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard! After a few tentative moves, she jumps to side mount! The crowd is cheering her on! Roberts isolates Izumi's right arm looking for an armbar but Kira manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Aeron Roberts lost her dominant position. Izumi is in open guard over The Demon Queen, and The Prince of Darkness moves on the ground to side mount. Aeron attempts to trap Kira in her guard, but Kira keeps control and remains in side mount.]
PATRICK CARSON
The Prince of Darkness is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
[Kira Izumi looks to mount Aeron Roberts and slides his knee across and gets to mount. Izumi is in full mount. Roberts tries to roll to her side and trap Kira Izumi in her guard again but Kira keeps good control and remains in full mount. Kira takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Roberts’ shoulder and pushes his arm against the mat! Aeron Roberts breaks that Americana attempt! After a while of nothing doing, Jordan Ripley has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.]
NORA BAUER
The Demon Queen shows no signs of slowing down. She's in great shape.
[Low kick by Aeron Roberts to maintain her distance. Bad move. That was far from landing. Roberts gets sloppy and Izumi tries to take advantage with a high kick! The Demon Queen seems to be done! The Demon Queen looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Izumi's punches. Both fighters are wildly hitting the air! Aeron Roberts moves forward looking for some grappling action and The Prince of Darkness pushes his opponent and keeps the fight at striking range. The Demon Queen shoots in and is holding Izumi's left leg... She's trying to take him down. Izumi shows great balance while pushing away Aeron Roberts.]
[Roberts fakes a punch and launches herself over Kira Izumi, but The Prince of Darkness counters with a few punches and then backpedals. Roberts tries to take the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown, but Kira jumps backwards and frees his leg. The Prince of Darkness tries to get some advantage after the missed move. Kira fakes a punch and launches himself over Aeron Roberts! Great move by The Prince of Darkness who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch!]
[Both fighters are tied in a clinch. Roberts pushes away The Prince of Darkness trying to keep the fight at striking range, but The Prince of Darkness doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Roberts. The Demon Queen and Izumi are now pressed up against the cage. The Demon Queen steps for a throw but The Prince of Darkness stays on his feet. Poorly executed technique. Kira Izumi looks to counter! Kira launches a few punches towards The Demon Queen's ribs then holds her in double overhooks! Roberts receives a couple of blows in the ribs.]
[Both fighters are tied in a clinch. The Demon Queen tries to breaks Izumi's resistance with a few punches while she tries to push him against one corner. The Demon Queen doesn't find the right way and has to improve her position. Roberts shoots and grab Izumi's ankle trying to take him down with a Heel Trip Reversal, but The Prince of Darkness sprawls and remain on his feet. Roberts fakes a punch to Kira’s ribs and the tries to trip him. The Prince of Darkness loses balance for a moment but he remains on his feet after a small struggle.]
[The Demon Queen pushes down Kira Izumi and tries to pull guard. The Prince of Darkness clumsily falls into Aeron Roberts' guard! The Prince of Darkness is in closed guard and The Demon Queen tries to roll on the ground! Izumi uses his leg to keep his position on the ground. Kira Izumi looks to counter! The Prince of Darkness struggles on the ground and tries to break Aeron Roberts's guard and now is in open guard. The Demon Queen attempts a triangle from bottom! Kira Izumi slips out. The Demon Queen quickly turns her hips over and switches to the armbar! She's throwing everything at him. Kira Izumi slips out and backs away to avoid danger. The Prince of Darkness climbs to his feet and is standing now.]
PATRICK CARSON
Aeron Roberts looks like a much different fighter, working in a bevy of submission attempts.
NORA BAUER
I commend her efforts, but Kira Izumi has been able to slip out of every one of them so far. She has to focus on her techniques.
[The Prince of Darkness is standing while The Demon Queen is on the ground on her back. Kira motions for Aeron to get back up, and she is now on her feet. Back to the beginning! The Demon Queen grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground. Great takedown by Aeron Roberts! Hard blow to The Prince of Darkness' mid-section, he seems hurt! Aeron Roberts tries to finish with a leg lock! The Prince of Darkness is able to break the lock. Roberts throws a flurry of punches at The Prince of Darkness but he is defending himself well. None of them connect.]
[The Demon Queen is in open guard over The Prince of Darkness... She fakes a move and then tries a kneebar! The Prince of Darkness rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes. Back to the beginning! Kira Izumi is standing now and Roberts quickly follows suit. Roberts tries to take the fight back down to the ground with a single leg takedown but Izumi sprawls back. The Demon Queen wants to close the range and tries to grapple, but The Prince of Darkness doesn't want any of it and he moves backwards. Jordan Ripley separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.]
PATRICK CARSON
Very close opening round here. I’m torn on who walks away on points. What’s your take, Nora?
NORA BAUER
This round is maybe for Kira Izumi, but it's close.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[As the round commences, both fighters dance around a bit looking for angles. The Demon Queen fakes a punch and shoots a takedown! Kira Izumi didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground! The Prince of Darkness tries to close his guard around The Demon Queen but he is not able to do it. Roberts tries to finish with a leg lock but The Prince of Darkness is able to break free. Roberts tries to pass to half guard but Izumi's guard is too good and she fails to pass. The Demon Queen is takes this opportunity to rest. Roberts tries to finish with a leg lock but again Kira breaks free. The Demon Queen misses a step and Izumi sees an opportunity to counter her! The Prince of Darkness switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle! The Demon Queen struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she eventually manages to slip her head of the lock! Jordan Ripley stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.]
[Roberts moves forward looking for some grappling action and The Demon Queen has her opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch! Roberts tries for a takedown but can't get it. She decides to pull guard instead. The Prince of Darkness is in closed guard. The Demon Queen tries to roll on the ground! Izumi uses his leg to keep his position on the ground. Aeron gets sloppy and Kira tries to take advantage. The Prince of Darkness tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard. The Demon Queen leans and gets Kira Izumi's arms as she brings him to the ground again.]
[The Demon Queen tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Kira Izumi! The Demon Queen catches Izumi's right arm and tries a kimura! You can see the pain reflected in Kira’s eyes… Izumi holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free. Roberts moves quick and goes for an armbar, but Izumi breaks the lock and pushes away Aeron Roberts, who rolls over her back and gets to standing position.]
[The Demon Queen is standing while The Prince of Darkness is on the ground on his back. The Demon Queen opts to jump inside The Prince of Darkness's guard. The Prince of Darkness didn't see that coming. Roberts is in open guard over The Prince of Darkness now. Roberts tries a leg lock but Kira is able to break the lock. Roberts tries to improve position. The Prince of Darkness adjusts and closes his guard. The Demon Queen tries to escape from closed guard... The Prince of Darkness waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Aeron Roberts! She is reversed and now Kira Izumi is on half guard!]
PATRICK CARSON
Great ground techniques from both fighters who seemingly have a counter for every move either throws.
[The Demon Queen switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle! The Prince of Darkness struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock! The Demon Queen misses a step and Kira Izumi sees an opportunity to counter her! The Prince of Darkness tries to get a side mount… The Demon Queen wraps her leg around Kira’s leg and prevents him from moving. Jordan Ripley has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.]
[The Demon Queen grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground. Great takedown by Aeron Roberts. The Demon Queen is in open guard over The Prince of Darkness... She fakes a move and then tries a kneebar! Kira rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes. Kira Izumi is on his feet again and Roberts follows suit. The Demon Queen steps backwards and lowers her arms while breathing heavily... She seems tired. The Demon Queen decides to launch some tentative punches. The Prince of Darkness launches a couple of jabs that are answered by The Demon Queen with a stiff cross! Solid exchange!]
[Aeron attempts a sweep single and catches Kira Izumi's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by The Demon Queen. Kira Izumi sits up and gets an arm around The Demon Queen's neck! The Demon Queen pushes Kira Izumi back to the ground. The Demon Queen struggles on the ground and tries to break Kira Izumi's guard and is in Kira’s open guard now.]
[The Demon Queen moves on the ground but cannot take advantage. Izumi throws his legs up in a triangle attempt! Roberts realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack. Jordan Ripley halts the fight to stand up Kira Izumi. The fight resumes with both fighters standing. The Demon Queen immediately shoots in and takes Kira back down to the mat! Roberts is in side mount over Kira Izumi and he tries to turn in and scramble out. Roberts timed him perfectly and locks up a guillotine! Kira slips his head out and manages to gain top control. The Demon Queen misses a step and Kira sees an opportunity to counter her! Kira launches a few punches to The Demon Queen's cheek from the guard, causing her to try and protect herself.]
[Aeron Roberts is in side mount over Kira Izumi, and Kira launches a few punches to The Demon Queen's cheek from the guard again. Roberts uses her head to cover the punches and presses her skull forward. Roberts moves to full guard and goes for an armbar! Izumi breaks the lock and pushes away Roberts, who rolls over her back and gets to standing position. Jordan Ripley halts the fight to stand up Kira. Both fighters continue the fight on their feet.]
NORA BAUER
A lot of submission work in this fight which is what we expected to see from these two. They’re both working offensively but nothing making much out of it.
[Aeron Roberts catches Kira off guard and takes him back down to the mat with a double leg. Roberts is in open guard over Izumi. Roberts pushes Kira against the fence and then tries to improve her position. Kira struggles not allowing Aeron to improve her position. The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
That round was a toss up. I’m not sure how the judges will score that round.
NORA BAUER
I agree with you, Patrick. Both tried a lot of things, but couldn’t finish it off. They’re going to have to dig deep in this final round.
=========================================
ROUND THREE
=========================================
[The final round begins and as the two fighters close the gap, The Demon Queen jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple. Roberts pushes her opponent against the fence in a plum position. Roberts tries an outer Leg Sweep… Nice takedown! Aeron Roberts is in side mount over Kira Izumi. Hard blow to The Prince of Darkness's mid-section. Kira tries to turn away and scramble out. Roberts takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke! She can't lock it up. Kira spins out and gets back to his feet. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing.]
[Kira Izumi fakes a move and moves laterally. Both fighters circle around the center of the cage. The Demon Queen looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Izumi's punches. The Demon Queen measures the resilience of The Prince of Darkness's chin with an uppercut while The Prince of Darkness lands some great crosses. The fighters back off and then size each other up in the center of the cage. Roberts takes the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown. The Demon Queen steps backwards and lowers her arms while breathing heavily... She fakes a move and then tries a kneebar! The Prince of Darkness rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes. Back to the beginning! Kira Izumi Aeron Roberts are standing now.]
[The Prince of Darkness jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple. The Demon Queen sees what was coming and ducks under her opponent and moves aside. Roberts jumps and scissors Kira Izumi's right leg in a flying heel hook attempt! Crippling lock! Kira Izumi's defense is spot on and avoids the audacious attempt. He stands up while Aeron Roberts slowly follows. Aeron shoots for a double leg takedown and hits it! Kira Izumi is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull The Demon Queen into his guard. Roberts tries to pass Kira Izumi's guard and manages to get her leg free and moves to half guard. Kira tries to turn into his opponent. The Demon Queen is locking that Twister Neck Crank. The Prince of Darkness struggles to free himself, that submission appears to be unbreakable. Roberts tries to sprawl back but she is too slow. The Prince of Darkness scrambles out and gets back to his feet! Both fighters continue the fight on their feet.]
PATRICK CARSON
For a moment there I thought Roberts had this one in the bag.
NORA BAUER
She’s showing some great toughness out there and starting to wear Kira down.
[The Demon Queen fakes a punch and shoots a takedown! Kira Izumi didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground! Roberts is in half guard over Kira. Aeron Roberts pushes Kira's leg and tries to move to full mount. Nice move by The Demon Queen who is in full mount! The Prince of Darkness is in trouble now! The Demon Queen suddenly holds Kira Izumi's arm and tries an armbar! The Prince of Darkness can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Roberts! The Demon Queen tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Kira! Aeron throws a lot of punches and some strikes get through Kira’s defense. Kira tries to roll to his side and trap Aeron Roberts in his guard, but Roberts rolls him over and takes his back!]
[The Demon Queen tries to get a hook in! Things get worse for The Prince of Darkness! The Demon Queen has one hook in and keeps working! Roberts isolates an arm looking for an armbar from the back… You can see the pain reflected in Izumi's eyes… The Prince of Darkness struggles to free himself.. The Demon Queen throws her leg over and Kira is in serious trouble! Aeron Roberts extends her hips and Kira Izumi is forced to tapout to the crafty armbar!]
PATRICK CARSON
And it’s all over! Aeron Roberts locks Kira Izumi in a beautiful modified armbar and he was going nowhere!
NORA BAUER
Tremendous effort by Aeron who stuck to her plan, working the ground game and wearing Kira down. It looked like it could have gone either way for a moment, but she persevered and secured her first victory!
[The crowd is roaring with excitement as Roberts celebrates her victory with her corner. Doctors tend to Kira for a moment before helping him back up to his feet. After doctors and cutmen finish their work, the two fighters meet in the middle of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Jordan Ripley has called for a stop in this fight at 3 minutes 44 second of the third round for your winner by submission, “The Demon Queen” Aeron Roberts!
[The crowd cheers as Roberts has her hand raised in victory. Both fighters embrace with a handshake and say a few words to each other 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: Aeron Roberts by Submission (Armbar) at 3:44 Round 3
Statistics: Kira Izumi
Punches 6/7 (86%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 2/5 (40%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 2/6 (33%)
Submissions 5/5 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 448 s
Statistics: Aeron Roberts
Punches 5/7 (71%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/2 (0%)
Takedowns 10/14 (71%)
GnP strikes 1/8 (12%)
Submissions 20/20 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 491 s
PATRICK CARSON
Big victory tonight for Aeron Roberts who stays alive in the Light Heavyweight Round Robin series. After a third loss, you have to wonder if Kira has a standing chance at this point.
NORA BAUER
Unfortunately I don’t think he does. It would take a miracle and a lot of luck in order to keep Izumi in contention. But as I mentioned, he continues to improve with each fight, so if he sticks with it, he’ll surely get there. The fans here at the Walter Pyramid will not regret paying for this ticket.
CAGESIDE
WITH DANICA MCDANIEL
[The camera focuses cageside where Danica McDaniel is standing alongside James Shark whom was seen in the crowd earlier during the show. She is facing the camera while Shark’s attention is on her body. He shakes his head and raises his eyebrows as he finally makes eye contact with the camera. He then mouths “Sexy as fuck” before Danica starts off.]
DANICA MCDANIEL
Ladies and gentlemen look who we have here! It’s none other than James Shark! We just had to sneak him away from his seat to catch up with him a little bit! James, first it’s an honor to finally meet you. But it’s been a while since we’ve seen you around the MMA scene. What are you doing here at Union GP?
JAMES SHARK
Aye, what you mean? Union is one of the hottest shows out there right now, my baby. It’s rare that you see an MMA company arrive and make its mark right off the bat but they’ve done that. I came to see the action up close and personal, enjoy the show, but most importantly come show Kaelan Laughlin some support. She closin’ off the show here tonight, the spotlight is on her, another Slaughterhouse vs Real Killas match-up, another fight with two new MMA faces, another scrap, lets get it.
DANICA MCDANIEL
Well I have to agree with you about Union GP hitting the ground running. Two shows in and things are looking bright. But I assume it’s safe to say you have Kaelan winning this one right?
[James makes a face and sucks his teeth at Danica, who just smiles at him.]
JAMES SHARK
Most definitely. I know I’m biased and I gotta root for the fighter that’s under the Slaughta banner but it ain’t got nothin’ to do with any of that, I’ve had the pleasure to see Kaelan train and the woman is a workhorse with talent out her ass. Xabier’s one hell of a competitor but this the same nigga that had his fight ruled a no contest because of a double knockout the last time I seen em. What is that? Last time I seen a double knockout was on The Simpsons. That’s embarrassing. You can’t even do that shit in video games.
[James chuckles and put his hands up innocently.]
JAMES SHARK
Look, I ain’t here to talk shit. You baiting me Danica. I don’t like that. Stop it.
[The interviewer just giggles innocently.]
DANICA MCDANIEL
What now? I wouldn’t—
JAMES SHARK
That’s not nice. Look, both these fighters is comin’ for war, I got Kaelan with the upset. The firey redheaded Irish woman is going to showcase her rapid growing MMA arsenal at this man’s expense. Win or lose she gon’ do that.
DANICA MCDANIEL
We’ll find out if you’re right soon enough. But you mentioned earlier how this is another Slaughterhouse vs Real Killas match-up, and correct me if I’m wrong but you never really addressed the drama there have you?
JAMES SHARK
There’s no drama.
DANICA MCDANIEL
The other week you went back and forth with Daniel Fisk and-
JAMES SHARK
And then we was laughin’ bout the shit thru texts after we cleared our heads. It is what it is. I wasn’t happy with the split at first. Not cuz I didn’t wanna see my mans grow but simply cuz of all the shit we had planned. The LA location was the second Slaughterhouse spot built years ago. It wasn’t just a location like Houston that we just built recently. There was history there. When I gave him ownership of that place it was special. Meant a hell of a lot. For homie to let me know he’s just gonna bounce and do his own thing with the opportunity I gave em, not even hold the place down for a year? Shit… I took it a lil personal, but that was in the beginning and this shit is business at the end of the day. I gave homie an opportunity and he saw a bigger one. It’s no beef or animosity on my end these days. Much love to him and Phe, in a way those two like a brother and sister to me. The little brother and sister that annoy the shit out me though. You know the ones you just gotta lock in a closet?
[James laughs and shakes his head.]
JAMES SHARK
Nah for real tho. It’s truly whatever. I know Samoa don’t fuck with RK but I wish em’ the best. I wanna see Fisk take his gym to new levels. I wanna see em succeed. A lot of the folks under his roster mouthy as hell but that’s what we was, that’s what I was. They’re chasin’ somethin’ here. Of course I feel like Slaughterhouse is superior, of course I feel like any time we matched up with em our soldiers will bend em over and donkey punch the shit out em but ain’t that what they feel too? Whether its professional wrestling, MMA or boxing, this is a brutal game we play and you gotta have that mindset. If you don’t think you or your team is the best you already lost. I understand.
[Danica McDaniel nods her head.]
DANICA MCDANIEL
Well James, you took a break from professional wrestling due to the birth of your daughter, any news on when you will be back and if there is a chance we see you return to MMA? Maybe, possibly… here in Union GP?
[Danica laughs, bringing forth a smile from James who shrugs his shoulders before going serious again.]
JAMES SHARK
You know… I been on the fence about the whole wrestling thing ever since I stepped away for the short while.
[James rubs his chin some.]
JAMES SHARK
I had my moments over at Millenium, had my moments in 4CW, the win over Cashe, the win over Kimitsu, but shit, I think… I don’t know. I think I’m just done with that side of things. Honestly. Real shit. Obviously the return over to wrestling was planned to be super successful and just beatin’ asses left to right but that sport is just a different animal, it’s a sport that passed me by a long time ago and I think it takes a real nigga to admit that. I shoulda left it alone years ago.
DANICA MCDANIEL
Wait is this breaking news? Are you officially done?
JAMES SHARK
Yeah, 100. Me and Perry talked about it here and there but it’s done. The stubborn ass nigga in me wanna return but the smart ass nigga in me know that I won’t get anywhere near a title with wins one week and losses the next. It’s time to hang it up on that side for good. 4CW the best wrestlin’ company in the world and I’m grateful to have been apart of it and test myself against their talent even if I feel It wasn’t at the prime of my wrestlin’ career.
DANICA MCDANIEL
And about MMA?
[James’s smile returns.]
JAMES SHARK
Aye, right now it’s just about building the Slaughterhouse Empire and focusing on the business side of things but yall know me man, I was placed on this earth to fuckin’ fight. That’s why I can never make up my mind on retirement. The door on wrestling is 110% closed. As far as MMA go though? We’ll see. Union is the shit right now and I’d be lying to your pretty face if I told you a fight over here don’t intrigue me.
DANICA MCDANIEL
So it’s a possibility?
JAMES SHARK
Like I said, we’ll see. Make no mistake about it though. I know what I am to the MMA community. My black ass might not be a draw no more in the wrestlin’ world but you talkin’ to the God Father to this new era of mixed martial arts. The last time y’all seen me in an MMA fight, I whooped on the pound for pound best fighter in the world’s ass. I beat the shit outta P3 and corrupt judging and politics forced the decision the other way. So I know my worth in this game. I don’t gotta come back. I’m sittin’ comfortably with multiple bank accounts, the best damn combat sports gym on the planet, and a beautiful family that got me when nobody else does. If I come back, It’s gonna take a big name and an even bigger cheque.
DANICA MCDANIEL
Well thank you for your time, James. Hopefully we’ll see you around here again soon, but in the meantime sit back and enjoy tonight’s show. Folks, we’ve got plenty of fights left tonight on the first ever edition of Boss Fight. Patrick, Nora, back to you guys!
♫
THIS IS THE YEAR WHERE HOPE FAILS YOU
THE TEST SUBJECTS RUN THE EXPERIMENTS
AND THE BASTARDS YOU KNOW, IS THE HERO YOU HATE
BUT COHESING IS POSSIBLE IF WE STRIVE
♫
[“Pulse of the Maggots” by Slipknot blasts over the loudspeaker and Jeremiah Ford emerges to the stage wearing his black and yellow walkout fight kit with crew members from her camp following behind. Hailey has a scowling fierce look on her face as she slowly prowls down the aisle. She makes it to cageside where she is checked up by the fight official. Once she’s cleared, she races up the steps and jogs around the cage a couple times before staying out in her corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
Jeremiah Ford is coming off an impressive victory over Aeron Roberts at UGP #2 where he scored a unanimous decision. Some have questioned his abilities before his debut, but the big thing I took away from that fight is that Ford beat Roberts at her own game on the ground.
NORA BAUER
Let’s not forget that Ford is a two-time NCAA Division I All-American. The guy knows how to control the fight on the ground. I think the biggest surprise of that fight was that he initiated the takedowns and looked very comfortable on the ground. But his opponent tonight is on an entirely different level. Bishop is known as “StrangLA” for a reason; he’s one of UGP’s best submission artists. This will be another big challenge for Ford.
♫
NIGGA WE DOING THIS SHIT FROM CLEVELAND TO LA
NIGGA WHATEVER YOU NIGGAS WANT, WE BRINGIN IT
THUG LUV, NIGGA. WHAT TIME IS IT
YO, I DON’T GIVE A FUCK WHERE YOU LAY AT
NIGGA, IT’S TIME TO SLAY THESE BITCH-MADE NIGGAS!
♫
[“Thug Luv (feat. 2Pac)” by Bone Thugs N Harmony begins thumping throughout the arena. “StrangLA” Simon Bishop slowly makes his way out while bouncing to keep warm in his all red walkout fight kit. Just behind him, guards and his corner crew follow his lead towards the octagon. Bishop doesn’t show much emotion as he makes it to cageside and gets checked by the bout official. Once cleared, he jogs up the steps and heads straight to his corner, shadow boxing along the way.]
PATRICK CARSON
Simon Bishop is coming in tonight after taking UGP #2 off due to the rotation of byes during the Round Robin. In his debut, he earned an impressive round two submission victory over Kira Izumi. Do you think the off-night will slow Bishop down at all?
NORA BAUER
Not at all. Bishop earned the rest, and besides he was able to watch Ford in action for the first time and get some film on him for three rounds. He’ll be coming into this one the same as he always does, fierce, focused, and ready to fight!
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following Headline Bout is scheduled for three rounds in the UGP Light Heavyweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Wrestler with a record of 1-0. He stands at 5’7” and weighing in at 180 pounds. He is from Oskaloosa, Iowa, he is Jeremiah “Bullfrog” Ford!
[Jeremiah Ford stays put in his corner. He looks calm but knows he has a tough fight coming up.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, disciplined in BJJ, Muay Thai, and Boxing with a record of 1-0. He stands 6’ even and weighing in at 185 pounds. From Los Angeles, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is “StrangLA” Simon Bishop!
[Bishop steps out from his corner and raises both arms in the air as the crowd cheers him on.]
NORA BAUER
Big stakes here tonight in our Headliner. Both sitting at 1-0, and both looking to catch Bonanno at 2-0. I think we can expect to see a lot of groundwork from both fighters. 71% of the fans that took our social media poll believe that Simon Bishop walks out victorious.
PATRICK CARSON
Whoever walks away here tonight stays at the top of the food chain in this highly competitive division. The referee of the bout is Dusty Whittaker. He checks off with each fighter one last time and calls for the bout! And this fight is underway!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Bishop and Ford move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight! Jeremiah Ford tries to take the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown and Bishop is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground. Ford tries to improve position and frees a leg. Ford tries to get a side mount but Bishop wraps his leg around Jeremiah’s leg and prevents him from moving. Ford fails here and it's time for Bishop to fight back! Simon Bishop manages to switch to full guard. As the fight continues it seems that Simon Bishop is taking the best of the fight. Bishop attempts a triangle from bottom, but Ford slips out. Bishop quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him. Jeremiah slips out and backs away to avoid danger. Dusty Whittaker halts the fight to stand up Simon Bishop. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
[Both fighters circle around for a bit, and then a bone shattering straight right hand from Jeremiah Ford! Simon Bishop leans forwards and gets Ford in a clinch. Bishop backs Ford up against the cage, but Ford hammers Bishop’s face and hooks his leg! Bishop is on his back after that trip. Bishop tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Jeremiah Ford! Bishop suddenly holds Ford's arm and tries an armbar! Ford breaks the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Bishop! Bishop tries to roll on the ground, but Ford uses his leg to keep his position on the ground. Jeremiah Ford looks to counter! Ford tries to pass Bishop's guard, and does pass momentarily but Bishop regains full guard.]
[Ford tries to open up Bishop with a few strikes with his right elbow… Bishop blocks a few elbows and now Ford will have to look for another option here. Bishop is trying to counter now! Bishop tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount! Ford tries to roll to his side and get to half guard and is able to create enough space to control Simon Bishop's leg. A lot of back and forth on the ground leads to nowhere, and so the referee decides to stand up the fighters.]
[Ford moves backwards and Bishop is asking him if he came today for fighting or running. Some nice shots from Simon Bishop that stun Ford. Bishop decides to launch some tentative punches. Ford launches a couple of jabs that are answered by Bishop with a stiff cross! Solid exchange!
There is a small laceration on Simon Bishop's forehead.]
PATRICK CARSON
Solid back and forth early in this round.
NORA BAUER
They may be feeling each other out a bit, but it does look to be a very even match-up.
[Crisp uppercut by Bishop followed by a hard jab and Jeremiah Ford stumbles back. A left hook from Ford falls short. Bishop is trying to counter now! Several good body shots land on Ford. Jeremiah throws a lazy kick and Bishop blocks and keeps his distance. Ford wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch. Ford moves forward and wraps up Bishop. Ford scuffles with Bishop and tries an inner leg sweep and Bishop falls hard on the mat with Jeremiah Ford on top of him.]
[Jeremiah Ford is in half guard over Bishop but Bishop tries to close his guard around Ford He succeeds! Ford tries to escape from closed guard, struggles to free his leg, and jumps to half guard! Bishop tries an armbar from the bottom! Ford breaks the lock and moves himself to side control. Simon gets sloppy and Jeremiah tries to take advantage. Ford pushes Bishop's leg and tries to move to full mount. Nice move by Ford who is in full mount! Bishop is in trouble now! The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds. Both fighters rise to their feet and give a respectful fist bump as they head to their corners.]
PATRICK CARSON
Pretty solid action here in the opening round. Both fighters put the pressure on each other and didn’t shy away from trying to develop some offense.
NORA BAUER
This round is for Bishop, I believe. He got in a lot more work on submissions while Ford didn’t get much done on the ground.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[The fighters begin making their way back to the center and Bishop is visibly still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight. The two exchange wildly with Bishop connecting with a few punches. Bishop has found an opening in the defense of Ford, launching a big uppercut! Bingo! Ford is wobbling as he backpedals out of danger! Simon Bishop attempts a sweep single and catches Ford's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Bishop.]
[Simon Bishop is in closed guard and it looks like Ford is taking this opportunity to rest. Bishop struggles on the ground and tries to break Jeremiah Ford's guard, but Ford doesn't want to free his opponent and Bishop continues in closed guard. Bishop tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard. Simon fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount. Bishop launches a few fake punches and tries to escape! Ford is covering himself! Bishop tries to force the situation and Ford gives his back!]
[Bishop is now in rear mount. Ford has given his back to Simon Bishop who is trying to get one hook in! Ford struggles on the ground trying to break Bishop's control. Ford is trying to counter now! Ford has Bishop controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape. Showing some ground skills, Bishop transitions to a side mount. Bishop is moving on the ground and BOOM! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally? Dusty Whittaker didn't see it! Simon Bishop tries a kimura but Ford quickly breaks the lock. Simon now isolates Ford's right arm and is looking for an armbar but Jeremiah manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Simon Bishop lost his dominant position.]
[Jeremiah Ford is in open guard now. Bishop tries to close his guard around Ford and succeeds! Bishop reaches under and rolls for a kneebar! Ford blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard. Bishop fails here and it's time for Jeremiah Ford to fight back! Ford struggles on the ground and tries to break Bishop's guard… Bishop doesn't want to free his opponent and Ford continues in closed guard. Dusty Whittaker finally decides to step in and stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and the crowd is amped up!]
PATRICK CARSON
These guys are putting on a clinic here, Nora! But I have to agree with you from earlier, Simon is staying aggressive with the submissions and I think the judges have taken note of it.
NORA BAUER
Ford needs to develop some offense here if he wants to win this round.
[Ford grabs his opponent by the waist and takes the fight to the ground. Great takedown by Ford. Ford looks to be in very good shape as he tries to pass to half guard. Bishop's denies him. Jeremiah is looking to posture up and open Bishop's guard, but Simon has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked. Bishop now tries to roll on the ground but Ford uses his leg to keep his position. Bishop rolls again! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount! Jeremiah counters and tries to roll on the ground… He makes a reversal!]
[Ford is back in closed guard... Bishop tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Ford! Bishop goes for an armbar! Crippling lock! That Armbar looks tight… but Ford somehow finds a way and breaks the lock and pushes away Bishop, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position. Dusty Whittaker halts the fight to stand up Simon Bishop. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
PATRICK CARSON
Amazing! Counter after counter! These guys came here to fight!
[Jeremiah Ford takes a few seconds to catch his breath. Bishop charges in and a right hand from Jeremiah Ford makes Bishop stumble back! There is a small laceration on Bishop's right cheek now. Ford just won't stop and continues to rain punches, Bishop may be in trouble! Simon fakes a punch and launches himself over Ford! Nice move by Bishop who clinches and pushes Ford against the cage! Bishop tries to take Ford down... Ford stumbles backwards and Bishop launches a few punches… One swing hits hard on Ford's jaw! Bishop comes back and launches a few punches, but this time Jeremiah dodges and moves away a couple of steps.]
[Bishop moves forward and clinches with Ford. Jeremiah tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Ford circles out and slips free of Bishop's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position. The buzzer sounds and Dusty Whittaker tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.]
PATRICK CARSON
Another exciting round by these two warriors, but I think Simon Bishop has to be confident that he won that round.
NORA BAUER
Second verse, same as the first. Bishop continuing to stay aggressive and keep the pressure on Jeremiah. But this is it, the final round! It’s put up or shut up time!
=========================================
ROUND THREE
=========================================
[The fighters stagger their way to the center and both look visibly tired. Jeremiah Ford tries to bring the fight to the ground and pulls guard. Bishop goes down. Bishop is quick with it and reaches under and rolls for a kneebar! Ford blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard. Ford is in half guard and tries to pass Bishop's guard. He manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount. Bishop tries to wok some offense, but Ford keeps control and remains in side mount. Ford is now looking to mount Bishop and he slides his knee across and gets to full mount. Bishop struggles to escape but Ford controls the tempo. Simon Bishop starts to get sloppy and Jeremiah tries to take advantage. Ford launches a few punches to Bishop. He needs to improve his position! Bishop fires out from the bottom like a cannon, and now both men are on their feet! The crowd goes wild seeing Bishop with such strength.]
[Bishop throws a hook but it fails to land. Bishop is now bleeding from a cut on his forehead. It could be affecting his vision. Nice punch by Jeremiah Ford who outboxes his opponent in this exchange. Bishop winds back and delivers a pulverizing punch to Ford's head!]
PATRICK CARSON
Jeremiah Ford is finally getting some offense going, but it may be a little too late at this point!
NORA BAUER
But Bishop is starting to look tired after fighting off his back for so long.
[Bishop shoots in and is holding Ford's right leg... He's trying to take him down but Ford shows great balance while pushing Bishop away. Simon gets sloppy and Jeremiah tries to take advantage… Ford is swinging for the fences! A hit that almost breaks Bishop's jaw! Bishop looks hurt! His movements are not very coordinated. Bishop is a bloody mess! Crisp uppercut by Ford followed by a hard jab! Bishop flat backs to the canvas! Whittaker wedges in and calls off the fight!]
PATRICK CARSON
Down Bishop goes! He's out cold! That phenomenal knockout has put the rest of Jeremiah Ford's division on notice!
NORA BAUER
Incredible focus on that combination that put Simon Bishop to sleep!
[The crowd is bursts into cheers with excitement as Ford rushes over and celebrates his victory with his corner. Doctors tend to Bishop for a moment before helping him back up to his feet. After doctors and cutmen finish their work, the two fighters meet in the middle of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Dusty Whittaker has called for a stop in this fight at 2 minutes 29 second of the third round for your winner by knockout, Jeremiah “Bullfrog” Ford!
[The crowd cheers as Ford has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters embrace with a handshake and say a few words to each other 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: Jeremiah Ford by KO (Punches) at 2:29 Round 3
Statistics: Simon Bishop
Punches 16/19 (84%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 2/7 (29%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 8/8 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 418 s
Statistics: Jeremiah Ford
Punches 10/15 (67%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 5/5 (100%)
GnP strikes 3/8 (38%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 418 s
PATRICK CARSON
What a finish to this Headline bout! This is the fight I would show people if I wanted to create new fans! Simon Bishop was controlling the fight in every aspect but Jeremiah Ford stayed calm and landed a brutal uppercut and followed it up with a clear jab to put this one away!
NORA BAUER
Jeremiah Ford just answered to more of his critics here tonight! Incredible KO victory to move to 2-0. Next up, Jeremiah has Cristian Bonanno at UGP #3! What a fight that’s going to be!
♫
YOU MADE YOUR CHOICE
I’LL TAKE MY STAND
YOUR LIFE STORY IN MY BLOODSTAINED HANDS
♫
[Xabier Belazco comes out and stops at the entrance. He closes his eyes and takes in the noise of the audience and the the feel of the moment. He opens his eyes to an intense stare at the cage, never letting his gaze stray as he walks down. He bows down before entering the cage, and places a fist on the mat before entering.]
PATRICK CARSON
Belazco is coming in tonight on a tough loss at UGP #1, where he lost to Lux Forte in a brutal three round unanimous decision. Belazco looked a bit overwhelmed in that fight, going up against a world class striker, and look a beating. However, the man never succumbed to the lashing, and stuck it out. That kind of heart will take you a long way in this sport.
NORA BAUER
He showed a lot of courage and grit in that fight. He did manage to work in some solid offense but couldn’t keep the pressure on Forte. It was a bloody affair, one that our hardcore fans absolutely love to watch. Tonight, his opponent is a more ground-based fighter, so we’ll see how well he transitions into this fight.
♫
WARRIOR!
♫
["Warrior" by Dead By April shreds over the loudspeaker and Kaelan Laughlin emerges to the stage wearing her Irish Flag colored walkout fight kit with crew members from her camp following behind. Laughlin burrows her head down while slowly walking down the aisle. She makes it to cageside where she is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, she climbs up the steps and calmly takes her place in her corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
Kalean Laughlin is also coming into this fight after a heartbreaking debut loss at UGP #1. She was showing a lot of great things in her bout with Kenzi Grey, but she got caught and tapped to a kneebar with just ten seconds left in the fight! I’m sure her coaches over at Slaughta Vegas have worked diligently with her in preparations to this main event fight,
NORA BAUER
The Slaughterhouse family don’t take in just anybody, especially Shark’s Vegas branch. Laughlin shows a ton of potential to break through into this sport and be one of those rare individuals who can compete and succeed at the highest levels in multiple sports. Kaelan showed a lot of good things in that first fight, but now it’s time to build on that and diminish those rookie mistakes.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the main event of the evening! The following bout is scheduled for five rounds in the UGP Cruiserweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a boxer and disciplined BJJ artist with a record of 0-1. He stands at 5’7” and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from San Diego, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is “The Black Knight” Xabier Belazco!
[Xabier steps out from the corner and raises a fist in the air before going back to bouncing in place. The place errupts into cheers for their hometown boy!]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a wrestler and disciplined BJJ artist with a record of 0-1. She stands at 5’6” and weighing in at 136 pounds. She is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, fighting out of Slaughterhouse Vegas, she is Kaelan Laughlin!
[Laughlin steps out from the corner and raises a fist in the air before going back to bouncing in place. Kaelan looks calm but knows she has a tough fight coming up.]
NORA BAUER
Both of these fighters need a victory tonight. My biggest focal point in this fight is the size difference. They’re both roughly the same height, but Belazco has nearly 20 pounds of solid mass on him. Will that be a factor in this fight?
PATRICK CARSON
The crowd is definitely behind their Real Killas MMA fighter! As Shark mentioned earlier tonight, it’s Slaughta vs Real Killas! Two of the biggest camp names in this industry! 52% of the fans that took our social media poll believe that Xabier Belazco walks out of the main event victorious. But listen to the crowd here tonight, I think it’s unanimous they’re behind Belazco! The referee of this main event bout is Herschel Warden. He’s checking off with each fighter one last time and calls it! This fight is underway!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Kaelan Laughlin and Xabier Belazco touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! A wicked punch by Kaelan Laughlin goes awry. Belazco goes with a looping right hand while Kaelan jumps back and jabs. That one hits but Laughlin seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of her own. Great exchange here. The two exchange wildly and Belazco is connecting with a few punches. Belazco follows Laughlin only to get counter punched in a big way! Belazco needs to stop playing Laughlin's game or he'll get knocked out! Laughlin now follows Belazco only to get counter punched in a big way! Belazco charges at Laughlin, throwing flurries left and right. Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Laughlin is rocked!]
[Kaelan Laughlin shoots a double leg and takes Belazco to the ground! Belazco tries to close his guard around Laughlin and succeeds! Laughlin looks to posture up and open Belazco's guard… Kaelan forces Xabier to open his guard. Belazco measures the resilience of Laughlin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard. Those hits are leaving hitches in Laughlin's side! Belazco throws a triangle attempt but Kaelan postures up and breaks the triangle.]
[Laughlin tries to move to full mount and she succeeds. Belazco is using some of his ground skills to escape from this… He pushes Laughlin's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard! Xabier Belazco is in half guard over Laughlin now. Laughlin reaches under and rolls for a kneebar! Belazco blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard. Belazco is looking to end this fight with strikes. He starts to pound away at Kaelan, who is barely covering up! There is a small laceration on Kaelan Laughlin's left eye now!]
[Kaelan thinks fast and manages to switch to full guard.Belazco tries to escape and struggles to free his leg but he finally does and jumps to half guard! Belazco sits over his knees and pushes away Laughlin's leg! Belazco is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount. Kaelan doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on her feet. She fights her way around and now he is standing! Herschel Warden halts the fight to stand up Belazco. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
PATRICK CARSON
A bit of back and forth on the ground here to kick things off. Belazco has managed to throws a few more strikes, which I’d imagine the judges are taking note of.
NORA BAUER
Laughlin may be letting her nerves get the best of her in this main event fight. She needs to settle down and stick to her strategy.
[Kaelan Laughlin fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut! Laughlin brings the fight to the ground with a textbook double leg! Kaelan Laughlin is in closed guard, and she uses some of her wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard! Belazco however holds Kaelan and prevents her from moving to a better position! Laughlin fails here and it's time for Xabier to fight back! Belazco tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kaelan Laughlin!]
[Kaelan tries to roll to her side and trap Xabier in her guard… Kaelan Laughlin gets her hip out and moves to full guard. Xabier Belazco is in full mount and goes for an armbar! Laughlin breaks the lock and pushes away Belazco, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position. Herschel Warden halts the fight to stand up Laughlin. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]
NORA BAUER
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
[ Laughlin has found an opening in the defense of Belazco, launching a big hook! That could break Belazco's ribs. Laughlin decides to launch some tentative punches. Belazco launches a couple of jabs that are answered by Laughlin with a stiff cross! Solid exchange! The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.]
PATRICK CARSON
This round is maybe for Kaelan Laughlin, but it's close. Xabier I think showed more offense and was more aggressive.
NORA BAUER
I think you’re right on that one, Patrick. Kaelan looked a bit hesitant out there, hopefully this next round she loosens up a bit.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[Both fighters close the distance, and quickly Xabier Belazco throws a combo! Laughlin ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Belazco swings again, only to get countered once more! Belazco is looking bad here! Laughlin decides to launch some tentative punches. Xabier Belazco takes the best of a brief punching exchange. Laughlin shoots in, holding Belazco's left leg... She's trying to take him down but Xabier shows great balance while pushing away Laughlin. Belazco is trying to counter now! Belazco launches a hook to the body! Kaelan Laughlin moves aside looking for a counter… Laughlin is swinging for the fences! An uppercut that almost breaks Belazco's jaw!]
PATRICK CARSON
Oh my god! Kaelan Laughlin comes out with a monster uppercut and Belazco looks hurt here!
[Belazco stumbles then backpedals away from anymore danger. He shakes it off and looks fresh again. He still has a lot of gas in his tank. Belazco comes back in and goes to the body… He punishes Laughlin's ribs with a couple of hooks. Laughlin decides to launch some tentative punches. A left hook from Belazco grazes the chin of Laughlin. Laughlin is swinging for the fences! A hit that rocks Belazco in the jaw again!]
[Xabier Belazco backpedals again and looks a bit frustrated at this point. A solid combination from Kaelan connects with Belazco.Quick hook counter by Xabier! Good shot! Laughlin has reasons to be worried. Laughlin fires back with a bone shattering straight right hand! Superb haymaker by Laughlin that lands on Belazco's face like a cannonball! Kaelan Laughlin throws a looping left hand that lands on Belazco's chin! That stops Belazco in his tracks! Laughlin looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Xabier Belazco's punches. Laughlin measures the resilience of Belazco's chin with an uppercut while Belazco lands some great crosses.]
NORA BAUER
These fighters are starting to open up their offense a little here, and Laughlin is getting the better exchange!
[Laughlin catches Belazco off guard and shoots in for another double leg. Kaelan Laughlin is in side mount. Belazco launches a few punches to Laughlin's cheek from the guard. Those punches sure are annoying because Laughlin tries to cover her face. Belazco now attempts to trap Kaelan Laughlin in his guard and Laughlin switches to half guard. Belazco tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kaelan Laughlin! Laughlin tries to escape from the full mount but Xabier is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position. Kaelan Laughlin attempts to trap Belazco, but he moves open guard... he takes a second to breathe. After a while of struggling back and forth on the ground, the buzzer sounds and Herschel Warden tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.]
PATRICK CARSON
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
NORA BAUER
I think if the judges look at Laughlin’s significant strikes, she takes this round. However, Belazco looked more dominant on the ground, so this one is a toss up.
=========================================
ROUND THREE
=========================================
[As the third round commences, Laughlin looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Belazco's punches. Laughlin measures the resilience of Belazco's chin with an uppercut while Belazco lands some great crosses. A brilliant combination from Kaelan Laughlin that forces Belazco to try and defend better. Belazco dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook that almost lifts Laughlin from the ground!]
PATRICK CARSON
Less than a minute in, these two are throwing bombs and Laughlin is cut bad!
[ Laughlin's face is covered in blood. She may be having problems seeing as she wipes the blood out of her eyes.Belazco follows Kaelan Laughlin, only to get counter punched in a big way! Belazco needs to stop playing Laughlin's game or he'll get knocked out! The two exchange wildly with Belazco connecting with a few punches. Belazco wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch. Laughlin pushes away Belazco, trying to keep the fight at striking range, but he doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Kaelan. Kaelan gets sloppy and Xabier tries to take advantage… He pushes away Laughlin trying to keep the fight at striking range. Laughlin stumbles backwards and Xabier circles to get the center of the cage. Belazco spins around suddenly and his backfist connects flush with Laughlin's chin! Kaelan stumbles back but then launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook! Belazco blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Belazco's cheek! He stumbles and falls to the mat!]
PATRICK CARSON
Brutal trade off and Belazco takes the brunt of it! He looks hurt!
[Laughlin is standing while Belazco is on the ground on his back. Belazco tries to hit Kaelan with a kick to her knee from the ground. Nice kick. Laughlin moves backwards and gestures for Xabier Belazco to stand up. Back to the beginning! Laughlin's mind is definitely in the fight, Belazco just got nailed! Laughlin saw an opening and delivered a big right hand! Kaelan Laughlin launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook! Belazco blocks the jabs but the last punch lands hard! Belazco stumbles and the falls to the mat!]
[Laughlin is standing while Belazco is on the ground on his back. Xabier launches an up-kick intended for Laughlin's head but she leans out of the way. Kaelan decides to jump inside Belazco's guard. Belazco didn't see that coming. Laughlin is in open guard over Belazco now. Belazco slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle! Kaelan cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount! Laughlin is trying to counter now! Laughlin tries to finish with a leg lock but Belazco is able to break free. Laughlin breathes deeply while on the ground, trying to keep calm. After a stalemate, Herschel Warden stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity. Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing.]
[Kaelan Laughlin spins around suddenly and abackfist connects flush with Belazco's chin! Laughlin steps backwards and lowers her arms while breathing heavily... She seems tired. Laughlin throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin! The strikes hit home! Laughlin steps backwards away from Xabier, seeming to be cooling down the fight a bit. Belazco doesn't stop bleeding. Laughlin wants to close the range and tries to grapple… Belazco shoots a single leg, but Kalean sprawls back. Herschel Warden sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.]
[The fighters circle around, and Kaelan takes a few seconds to recover her breath. Kaelan fires in and connects with a nice one-two combination! The buzzer sounds and the ref stops the action.]
PATRICK CARSON
Excellent round there. I don;t think there is much doubt that Laughlin won that round.
NORA BAUER
She looks gassed but is keeping the pressure on Belazco. Such great heart from this rookie fighter! Now we go where no one in UGP has gone before, the FOURTH round!
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ROUND FOUR
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[Both fighters are slow to move, having taken and received quite a beating thus far in the fight. Belazco tries a nice one-two combination that gets blocked. Laughlin moves forward looking for a hole in her opponent's defense. These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect and both are bleeding profusely! Laughlin feints and moves forward to hit with a hook! Laughlin launches a kick but Belazco checks it and keeps distance. Belazco fails here and it's time for Laughlin to fight back! Kaelan Laughlin throws a looping right hand that lands on Belazco's chin! That stops Belazco in his tracks! A shot heard throughout the arena! Belazco stumbles back, his corner is screaming! Kaelan Laughlin is coming in again! Belazco's Forehead is beginning to swell. Belazco seems a bit groggy... his movements are not very coordinated now.]
[Belazco stumbles backwards staggered and Laughlin launches aggressively over her opponent, throwing some wild punches! Belazco is knocked down after a couple of punches, hitting the mat hard! Is he out? Belazco seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Kaelan Laughlin! Laughlin is standing while Belazco is on the ground on his back. Laughlin opts to jump inside Belazco's guard. Belazco didn't see that coming. Kaelan Laughlin is in open guard over Belazco now. Laughlin moves on the ground and gets to half guard.]
[With each movement, a pool of blood from both fighters stains the canvas. The crowd are roaring with excitement, seeing two warriors give it their all. Kaelan hooks Belazco's right leg and sits back for a kneebar! That Kneebar looks tight… Belazco hyperextended his leg! That Kneebar from Kaelan Laughlin appears to be unbreakable! Belazco struggles to free himself but he simply cannot! Finally, Herschel Warden breaks Kaelan Laughlin's lock! This is over! Belazco didn't want to tap but the ref decided he wouldn't be able to escape from it avoids any further damage!]
PATRICK CARSON
And this one is all over! Kaelan Laughlin takes this one with the same move that ended her debut! I don’t believe this!
NORA BAUER
I have to give credit to our Senior Official Herschel Warden. Belazco didn’t tap, but Warden has seen enough fights to know that the only way this one was ending was by either him stopping the fight or by a broken limb! Good call on him and great execution to Kaelan Laughlin!
[The crowd is bursts into cheers with excitement as Laughlin rushes over and celebrates her victory with his corner. Doctors tend to Belazco for a moment before helping him back up to his feet. After doctors and cutmen finish their work, the two fighters meet in the middle of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at 1 minute 44 second of the fourth round for your winner by submission, Kaelan Laughlin!
[The crowd cheers as Laughlin has her hand raised in victory. Both fighters embrace with a handshake and say a few words to each other before splitting off to each one’s crew. The hard cam catches a shot of Slaughterhouse Vegas Owner James Shark entering the octagon to congratulate his gym ambassador. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Kaelan Laughlin by Submission (Kneebar) at 1:44 Round 4
Statistics: Kaelan Laughlin
Punches 40/55 (73%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 319 s
Statistics: Xabier Belazco
Punches 26/40 (65%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 8/10 (80%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 377 s
PATRICK CARSON
Incredible finish to an incredible night! All of these fighters here should be proud of what they went through tonight. Superb display of technique and MMA knowledge by both of our main event competitors.
NORA BAUER
Going from UGP #2 having 5 of 8 first round finishes to Boss Fight #1 having zero fights ending in the first, this was a great display of fighters who are hungry to climb the rankings ladder! Props to these warriors, but is not the time to get complacent!
PATRICK CARSON
You’re absolutely right about that. Folks, that’s all the time we have here tonight. Big special thanks to Long Beach and the Walter Pyramid for hosting this epic night. For Nora Bauer, I’m Patrick Carson, catch us next time only on the Battleground Network!