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WELLS FARGO CENTER

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

AUGUST 16, 2020

CLICK HERE FOR PRELIM RESULTS

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PRESHOW

TENSLEY TAYLOR SINGS

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

​

Follow Tensley Taylor on Twitter

@TensleyTaylor

​

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MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania for UGP 22! And now, this opening contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 0-2. He stands 6’2”, and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from South Bend, Indiana, fighting out of The Sym Gym, presenting “Ironclad” Ian Clemens!

 

[Ian Clemens glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Ian Clemens hoping that the third time's the charm for his first win in his Union GP career. It will be a hard buy to get from Melendez but with the experience in the losses, he can turn this 3rd appearance in his favor. 

 

CARRICK PRICE

And he’s going to need to if he wants to stick around. Honestly, it feels like a lot of these Sym Gym guys are kinda brought in off the street. Not really sure how they end up with contracts here but hey they’re good opportunities for other people to showcase their talents.

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-0. He stands 5’9”, and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from San Diego, California, presenting “Gas Tank” José Meléndez!

 

[Jose Melendez looks very relaxed in his corner as he rolls his shoulders to keep loose.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Gas Tank Melendez coming off his debut win against Matthew Wagner which also gave him Performance of the Night honors. This is a guy I believe will begin to give the Cruiserweight Division the depth it needs. A strong standing game that comes with most Cruiserweights but I see a lot of difference with his small stature. He won’t have the reach so agility will make all the difference. Great way to start the undercard tonight! 

 

CARRICK PRICE

And with the dominance that Roscoe has really shown over the division, some new faces like you said aren’t a bad thing.

 

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ROUND ONE

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[The bell sounds and the fight gets underway. Both fighters close the distance and Ian Clemens is quick to throw a combo. Jose Melendez ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Clemens swings again, only to get countered once more! Clemens is looking bad here right off the rip. Melendez decides to launch some tentative punches to measure his distance and he takes the best of a brief punching exchange. Clemens wants to close the range and tries to grapple. Nice move for Clemens as he shoves himself over his opponent and secures a single collar tie. Melendez doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Clemens and tries to move away. Nice move from Melendez who put some distance between them.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Jose’s striking is looking crisp early on, as is his head movement. You can tell Ironclad doesn’t want shite to do with that.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Trying to pull Melendez in and slow things down is a smart tactic for Clemens. Jose came in hot. Clemens is going to need to start scoring points in the midst of it though, Melendez getting back into space is a bad omen.

 

[Clemens tries to bring the fight to the ground with a takedown and Melendez goes down. Clemens is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against the body but Melendez blocks the shots and tries to reverse the situation. Melendez launches a few punches to Clemens' cheek from the guard and those punches are effective because Clemens tries to cover his face. Clemens tries to improve position but Melendez adjusts and closes his guard. Melendez measures the resilience of Clemens' ribs with a couple of big punches from the guard. Those hits are leaving hitches in Clemens' side. Jordan Ripley stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity and both fighters continue the fight on their feet.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Good stop here. Won’t disagree with Ripley’s timing neither of them were really keeping it going.

 

[Ian Clemens moves forward looking for some grappling action and gets his opponent in a textbook double collar thai clinch! Melendez doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under and tries to move away but Clemens pushes him forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch. Melendez gets control of Clemens' neck and attempts a guillotine! Clemens shakes him off and staves off any danger. Clemens tries to control Melendez in the clinch and use his dirty boxing but Melendez pushes Clemens away to break up the clinch before he could get anything going.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Clemens is going to need to do a better job of controlling the clinch and not damn near getting himself slept. Jose doesn’t want to be in that position but shite if you’re going to give it to him he’s gonna take it.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

At this point in the fight Clemens is better off swinging for the fences with Melendez standing up. He was at least scoring and showing some aggression.

 

[An overhand right from Melendez connects that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall! Clemens stops that one with his face! The two exchange wildly now and Melendez is connecting with a few punches before faking a jab and moving forward to hit with a hook! Melendez launches a stiff jab that barely hits Clemens' face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye and Jordan Ripley didn't see it! Clemens and Melendez engage in a wild exchange of punches now and Melendez is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows. Melendez finds an opening in the defense of Clemens, launching a big hook and that could have broken Clemens' ribs!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Yeah, maybe I was wrong about the swinging for fences thing. This isn’t any better for Clemens.

 

CARRICK PRICE

Not at all, like I said before the fight it almost seems like these Sym Gym guys are just kinda brought in off the street and thrown to the wolves for show.

 

[Clemens tries to grapple and puts Melendez in a double underhook. Melendez unloads a flurry of punches and Clemens just can't get away. He pushes Melendez away, trying to keep the fight at striking range. Melendez stumbles backwards and Clemens circles to get the center of the cage. Crisp uppercut by Clemens followed by a hard jab but Melendez deflects the blows. Clemens decides to launch some tentative punches and Melendez takes the best of a brief punching exchange. Melendez launches a high kick! Clemens was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked his head off his shoulders and Clemens is cut and starting to swell on his cheek.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Melendez collects and makes Clemens pay big! That was devastating!

 

[Clemens shoots for a single leg, but Melendez shows great balance while pushing Clemens off and counters with a big hook! Clemens shoots for a double leg takedown and he hits it! Melendez is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Clemens into his guard. Clemens is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Melendez's ribs but Melendez blocks the strikes and tries to reverse the situation as he tries to roll on the ground! Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Ian Clemens! Just then, the referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds and they head to their corners.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Slow start for Clemens but a good sign for him at the end of the round with the takedown. The round overall goes to Melendez. To me he came in hot and continued doing that for the 5 minutes.

 

CARRICK PRICE

Definitely, Harpy. Outside of that double leg it was pretty much all Gas Tank in that round. I swear to god if a judge scores that any other way they need investigated.

 

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ROUND TWO

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[Round two is underway and Clemens immediately goes for a single leg takedown but again Melendez shows great balance while pushing him off and launches a furious hook! That hits Clemens' on the chin like a wrecking ball! Clemens loses balance and goes to the mat but quickly bounces back up. Clemens goes for another single leg out of desperation and Melendez fights it off. Clemens moves forward looking for some action and shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Clemens is in desperate regroup. That hook has him clouded still. Good time for the takedown attempt and the clinch but Melendez is the one that’s been connecting first.

 

[Melendez doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under and tries to move away but Clemens pushes Melendez forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch. Clemens gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown. He blocks Melendez's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Clemens is in closed guard over Melendez. Clemens is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Melendez's ribs but Melendez blocks the strikes and tries to reverse the situation. Melendez doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet. He moves quickly and now he is standing. Jordan Ripley halts the fight to stand up Ian Clemens. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Nice knee tap there but if Clemens wants to stand a chance in this fight he’s got to be able to control Melendez on the ground. Just getting him there isn’t going to be enough.

 

[Clemens tries to secure a clinch a couple of times but it's ineffective. Melendez moves backwards and circles around. Clemens goes for another single leg attempt but Melendez shows great balance and stuffs it. Clemens throws a combo, Melendez ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Clemens swings again, only to get countered once more! Clemens is looking bad here! Clemens decides to launch some tentative punches and Melendez takes the best of a brief punching exchange. Clemens lunges forward and is clinching with Melendez but Melendez quickly pushes off to keep the fight at striking range. Clemens stumbles backwards and Melendez circles to get the center of the cage.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

The only thing left is the direct hit from Melendez but the will of Clemens to stay on the feet!!

 

[Clemens throws some tentative punches and sets up a takedown. Melendez sprawls and remains on his feet. Clemens launches a stiff jab but Melendez ducks it and counters with a stiff jab that rocks Clemens! A fake with a jab and Clemens shoots for a takedown but again it gets stuffed. Clemens gets back to his feet and throws a looping right hand while Melendez jumps back and jabs. Clemens seems staggered now and Melendez runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. Clemens goes for another takedown but Melendez stops him with a brutal head kick! Clemens desperately lunges forward and tries to clinch but Melendez pushes him away. He then dives at Melendez’s legs for a takedown but Jose easily defends it at this point. Melendez countered with an overhand right that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall! Clemens' stops that one with his face! How is Clemens standing?!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Ok Melendez you hit the weight room after this fight. He should be dead. Clemens ate the entire five dollar foot long and is still breathing!

 

CARRICK PRICE

Ugh, Subway makes me sick. It can’t possibly be healthy for all that shite to sit out like that. I know it’s supposed to be refrigerated but blech. No thank you.

 

[Melendez follows it up with a brutal looking high kick and you could hear the impact from the back seats! Clemens tries to take the fight to the ground with a single leg takedown but Melendez jumps backwards and frees his leg and launches a furious hook! Clemens loses balance and goes to the mat. Clemens tries to stand up but Melendez doesn't allow it. Nothing doing between these two fighters in this position so Jordan Ripley halts the fight to stand up Ian Clemens. The fight resumes with both fighters standing. Back on the feet, Melendez launches a nasty head kick right at the buzzer! Clemens staggers but stays upright and Jordan Ripley tells the fighters to go to their corners.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Can we call it here folks? Meat isn’t as flavorful well done.

 

CARRICK PRICE

Tell my fiance that.

 

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ROUND THREE

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[Final round and these fighters are on the complete opposite sides of the damage spectrum. Meléndez looks nearly untouched and fresh while Clemens is cut up bad and breathing heavy. They close in and Melendez looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Ian Clemens' punches. Melendez goes for a low kick, then out of nowhere he follows up with a high kick! Ian Clemens seems hurt! He stumbles backward and he's an easy target for Jose Melendez!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I want to say he’s toying with him but I know he is not. Clemens is a warrior that’s for sure. How many more of these is he going to take?!

 

CARRICK PRICE

I don’t know but do they give out an award for getting your ass kicked but not getting knocked out? I mean he’s pretty much had the shit beat out of him for two plus rounds now. Gotta give the man a few extra grand don’t you? Or maybe a buy one get one free coupon at an Olive Garden or something.

 

[Ian Clemens tries a hook to the body but Melendez manages to dodge it and counter with another head kick. Clemens seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Jose Melendez! A furious flurry of punches from Melendez puts Clemens in a world of hurt! Clemens moves forward looking for some grappling action but Melendez pushes his opponent and keeps the fight at striking range. Clemens continues to bleed from that cut on his eyebrow. It could be affecting his vision. Tremendous strikes from Clemens gets blocked with confidence and Melendez launches a rapid series of punches, taking Clemens from one end of the cage to the other!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Melendez walking Clemens down from one side of the cage to the other and Clemens face is meat tenderized fresh.

 

CARRICK PRICE

How has this fight not been stopped yet?!

 

[Ian Clemens' face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes. Melendez looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Clemens' punches and Clemens is on the receiving end of a great combo by Melendez. Clemens moves forward looking for some action. Melendez struggles a bit before breaking Clemens' attempt of clinching. Clemens continues to be a bloody mess and is in survival mode as he eats a combination from Jose Melendez. Clemens is in a bad way, his legs look wobbly.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

This beating is crossing heavy legal lines people! Throw the damn towel!

 

[A shot from Melendez is seen throughout the arena! Clemens stumbles back, his corner is screaming! Jose Melendez is coming in again! A bad move from Clemens allows Melendez to land a solid head kick. The frightening power of Jose Melendez has left Clemens sleeping peacefully on the canvas!l and puts an end to this massacre!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Medical attention immediately. It’s only right with that kind of damage. Jose Melendez showing why his debut was no one-trick evening and with Ian Clemens, I would strongly recommend to him and his team to give some thought into Everest to work on his game. Terrible showing but it happens to the best and worst. I hope he finds his way accordingly.

 

CARRICK PRICE

Finally, a fucking mercy kill. It took you long enough, Jose. Christ sake.

 

[The crowd explodes into cheers and Melendez is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Clemens for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, referee Jordan Ripley has called for a stop in this fight at two minutes eleven seconds in the third and final round, declaring your winner by knockout, “Gas Tank” Jose Melendez!

 

[The crowd cheers once again as Melendez has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]

 

Winner: Jose Melendez by KO (High Kick) at 2:11 Round 3

 

Statistics: Jose Melendez

Punches 64/76 (84%)

Kicks 9/9 (100%)

Clinch strikes 4/6 (67%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 4/5 (80%)

Submissions 2/2 (100%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 91 s

 

Statistics: Ian Clemens

Punches 0/22 (0%)

Kicks 0/0 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/4 (0%)

Takedowns 3/12 (25%)

GnP strikes 0/6 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 2/4 (50%)

Time on the ground 142 s

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MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 1-0. He stands 5’10”, and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Santa Fe, Argentina, presenting Osvaldo “El Matador” Ledesma!

 

[Osvaldo Ledesma doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Osvaldo Ledesma, his debut win against Alex Cox at UGP 20 coming right back into the cage here looking to keep things undefeated. The talent in this man’s possession is rich but still needs to be cultivated. I see this fight being the exact type of experience he needs at this stage in his career against his opponent Costa.

 

CARRICK PRICE

This is honestly what this division needs. More. And I say that as someone affiliated with the gym that the Lightweight Champ trains with. A lot has been made about the noise that Delaney has been making but he needs new faces similar to what Roscoe needs in the Cruiserweights. This fight doesn’t do anything for figuring out the Lightweight contender picture, but it could do a lot to start figuring out who the next to enter into that picture might be.

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 2-1. He stands 5’7”, and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from San Juan, Puerto Rico, fighting out of the Lion's Den FC Las Vegas, presenting Erick Costa!

 

[Erick Costa is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

We have Erick Costa back into the cage after his last appearance. A lost against a legend, you aren’t a real MMA fighter until you have had that moment. Costa in full respect after his loss to Bryon McCall. What has come of that experience? We are about to find out. The Lightweight deck gets shuffled right now.

 

CARRICK PRICE

I liked what I saw out of him two fights ago, and like you said losing to Byron McCall is nothing to be ashamed of. Plenty of great fighters, legends even, have lost to him. We’ll see if Erick uses it as a learning experience, or if that loss still rings in his head and changes the way he fights.

 

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ROUND ONE

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[The round starts and both fighters touch gloves, before Costa flicks out a jab at Ledesma. He manages to connect, but it’s pretty clear Ledesma isn’t bothered by it. However, it seems to give Costa confidence, and he follows up with a huge uppercut--that Ledesma parries away with ease. Costa keeps pressing forward, throwing a few tentative punches, that Ledesma avoids and cracks him with straight counters. Costa’s aggression has Ledesma on the back foot, even as he gets the better of a brief exchange of straight punches, but when Ledesma tries to follow up with a winging overhand right, Costa’s able to get out of the way. Costa responds by flicking out a few jabs upstairs that barely make any contact, before swinging a big hook to the body that Ledesma only just manages to block in time; Ledesma’s defense on full display as Costa keeps pushing forward, keeps throwing punches, but Ledesma’s able to avoid them and throw a big counter--that Costa just, JUST manages to step to the side of.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Ledesma is waiting for it. In just the first few minutes a big piece of the game plans showing on both sides. Costa’s going to breathe fire down Ledesma’s neck and Ledesma will wait for that perfect moment to return that fire.

 

CARRICK PRICE

It’s not a bad game plan if you can manage to weather the fire that Costa is going to bring. Make him expend his energy. Make him get a little reckless and then find those tiny openings that appear when someone overextends and make him pay for it. You don’t have to be balls to the wall on fire in order to be successful in the cage. But you do have to fight your own fight.

 

[The two return to the center of the cage, gauging each other with jabs that neither really connect with; Costa throws a looping uppercut that might have connected with Ledesma’s ribs, had he not managed to get away--and Ledesma takes advantage of Costa being off balance, throwing some BIG punches that force Costa to backpeddle away. Ledesma chases him down, throwing a series of wild punches...and while most of them miss, the ones that land connect hard!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

And Ledesma’s plan winning it out giving Costa a taste of his own aggression!

 

CARRICK PRICE

Would like to see Osvaldo be a little more accurate there though. All of that patience, he really could have made Costa pay had he been a bit more precise

 

[Costa responds with a huge straight right-hand, but Ledesma ducks underneath the punch and counters with a body shot that gets Costa’s attention. Ledesma throws a quick one-two combo before digging for a hook to the body--that Costa counters with a HUGE straight punch that almost takes Ledesma off his feet! Ledesma stumbles backward and throws a high kick just to keep Costa away, before the horn sounds and Herschel Warden steps in to end the round.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Costa putting the exclamation point on the round keeping Ledesma honest, well timed straight. Both were in the battle this round but I will have to give it to Costa. He was busier and had more control during the round outside of the glimpses of Ledesma.

 

CARRICK PRICE

I’m going to go the other way, because while Costa was busier, Ledesma did a good job of avoiding the majority of Costa’s offense until the end and was able to land some good counter punches in return. Either way, it’s a much closer fight than the one prior to this and for that I’m thankful.
 

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ROUND TWO

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[Costa opens round 2 the same way he ended round 1, looking for a home for those huge straight rights that almost dropped Ledesma. However, he can’t find it in the early stages of Round 2, Ledesma bobbing and weaving out of the way of the big punches. Ledesma flicks out a few counter jabs just to keep Costa honest, but none do much damage--at least until one of Costa’s punches misses pretty wildly, and Ledesma can move in to land a huge right hand! Costa moves back and takes a moment to collect himself, before feigning a right hook and throwing a left uppercut instead! Ledesma’s caught off guard this time, and cracked with the uppercut!] 

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I feel a rock-em-sock-em coming people!

 

CARRICK PRICE

That damn uppercut made MY jaw hurt. Fucks sake. Osvaldo started off well but needs to really be meticulous about his movement and changing levels. The second he gives Costa a stationary target he’s going to regret it. Hell, I would guess he’s already regretting it.

 

[The two trade a series of jabs, none of which land with any significant impact, before Costa snaps off a leg kick that Ledesma checks with ease. Costa’s aggression keeps Ledesma on his bike, a series of body shots and jabs doing just enough to keep Ledesma’s attention...but Ledesma’s defense holds up under every attack Costa can throw at him; ducking under those big right hands, side-stepping the body shots, or checking a series of leg kicks. Costa gets, perhaps, a little too reliant on his leg kicks, and when one goes wildly off-target, Ledesma counters with a huge straight left that wobbles Costa!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

It seems as the fight goes on the game plan helping Costa could start to cost him here near the end of the 2nd.

 

CARRICK PRICE

You can really see the boxing pedigree of Ledesma playing out. He might not be throwing a ton of punches but goddamn is he hard to hit too.

 

[Costa wings a few punches, not meant for much more than keeping Ledesma back while he can regain himself; Ledesma, instead, engages, and both fighters throw wild punches, any one of which look like they could end the fight--if only any of them were landing. Costa eventually circles away from Ledesma, taking a breath to study his opponent; it’s Ledesma on the attack this time, pawing with the jab before moving in to throw a big right hook that Costa avoids and counters with a quick three punch combination! Costa adds one more to the combo, a big left hook, but Ledesma ducks under the punch and circles back to the center of the cage. Before they can engage again, the horn sounds, and both fighters head to their corners.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I give this round to Ledesma. More big shots to me but it’s a narrow give, he has to do more with the open counter opportunities Costa is giving or it’s his loss. Round Three with no clear winner in my mind, let’s make magic people.

 

CARRICK PRICE

I’m with you on giving the round to Ledesma again. Costa has been the more active fighter throughout, but El Matador has been the more efficient fighter and in my opinion that is what should really matter.

 

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ROUND THREE

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[Ledesma stars the round on the offensive, connecting with a few quick punches that catch Costa off-guard, but nothing particularly damaging. He follows it up with a big uppercut, but Costa blocks it and pushes it aside. As in the first round, the two spend a few seconds measuring each other with feint jabs and leg kicks, before Costa pushes forward with a nice jab-cross-uppercut combination, that while Ledesma’s able to defend it, it certainly has his attention. Costa throws another big leg kick, but again Ledesma’s able to avoid it and counter with a straight right!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

This is going to turn so ugly if it goes to decision I can feel it. Costa’s control of the cage will help but taking these countershots from Ledesma does not!

 

CARRICK PRICE

It’s like watching that Charlie Brown cartoon where the girl keeps pulling the hand egg out from underneath him. Every time Costa looks to push the pace and make the most of his striking ability, Osvaldo just bobs and weaves his way out of trouble.

 

[Costa counters the big right hand with a flurry of straights of his own, but Ledesma avoids the danger and circles back to the center of the cage. Costa pursues him, and gets tagged by a nice straight from Ledesma. Costa’s jab in response gets deflected aside, and Ledesma launches a big four-punch combination--but Costa’s defense holds up, and he avoids most of the impact. Costa keeps up the one-two combos, but Ledesma avoids it and keeps him off-balance, landing a big strike to the ribs that lands with a smack! Costa gets his guard back up before anything else lands, but Ledesma’s throwing a lot of punches, with a lot of impact behind them!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

It doesn’t get much better than this. I’m a ground guy myself but even I can appreciate a good boxing brawl. These two are MMA fighters but in the 3rd round, we see them both sticking to what they know best! What a treat for the fans in Philly!

 

CARRICK PRICE

Those body shots are brutal too. And now the quantity of Ledesma’s punches are increasing. Man smells blood in the water lets see if he can get the finish.

 

[Costa weathers the storm and jabs his way into Ledesma’s range, before throwing a solid three punch combination, that Ledesma just manages to avoid. Ledesma again unloads with a series of punches, which forces Costa to exchange with him--and Ledesma gets the better of the exchange, pushing Costa back a few steps with a big hook! Ledesma moves in to attack, but Costa throws a jab to keep him at bay--which might work, if Ledesma didn’t just push the punch aside and launch a huge superman punch instead!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

OOOOHH OH-OH!! Ledesma with the Christoper Reeve because fuck Henry Cavill! This back and forth is madness!

 

[Costa just barely avoids the impact by backpeddling away from the punch, but he’s clearly off balance and Ledesma keeps pursuing him. Costa’s breathing starts to get heavier as he throws another of those big right hands, that Ledesma manages to avoid. Costa takes a moment to catch his breath, studying Ledesma, trying to find any angle to attack him from; Ledesma actually looks more confident as time ticks away on the round, as Costa throws a few jabs upstairs that miss, then a body shot that Ledesma parries with ease.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

This is the final round and we know the rule, whatever is left in the gas tank...use it. Costa is starting to fade where Ledesma is shining.

 

CARRICK PRICE

Leave it all out there but you’re really seeing the differences in fighting style pay off now. The early round patience of Ledesma allows him to be more forceful now. Where Costa expended so much energy early on like you said you can just see him fading.

 

[With less than a minute left in the round, both men start throwing big punches to try to end things; Ledesma just misses with a massive straight left, while Costa’s combination of left and right hooks to the body are blocked. Ledesma pushes Costa off balance and connects with two jabs to the head, then a straight to the body--but before he can follow up, Costa unloads a huge left hand that forces Ledesma to stop his attack! He avoids the impact, but before he can try again, the horn sounds, and the fight ends.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Close fight overall. I gave Costa round one and Ledesma round two by a close margin. This round I feel that Costa kept up the aggression but didn’t have enough to stick it to Ledesma and use the aggression to his advantage. He was picked off more than getting points. As the fight wore on Ledesma begins to get the better of Costa and capped it well in this third. I’d say a split decision victory to Ledesma.

 

CARRICK PRICE

I felt like Ledesma fought his fight throughout and like all three rounds should go in his favor. But you and I both know the last thing you ever want to do as a fighter is leave it up to the judges. You never know what the fuck fight they might have been watching. Sometimes it’s not the same one everyone else in the world is. A split decision victory to Ledesma seems to be the best bet so I’m gonna rock with you on that one Harpy.

 

[The crowd roars with cheers as both fighters head to their corner. Doctors tend to both men for a while and after they finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards. All three judges score it 30-27, declaring your winner by unanimous decision, Erick Costa!

 

[The crowd cheers once again as Costa has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]

 

JUDGE MIRANDA FRANCO

Erick Costa  10 10 10: 30

Osvaldo Ledesma  9 9 9: 27

 

JUDGE MAX CARVER

Erick Costa  10 10 10: 30

Osvaldo Ledesma  9 9 9: 27

 

JUDGE OZZIE SEBASTIAN

Erick Costa  10 10 10: 30

Osvaldo Ledesma  9 9 9: 27

 

Winner: Erick Costa by Unanimous Decision

 

Statistics: Erick Costa

Punches 15/100 (15%)

Kicks 0/8 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 0 s

 

Statistics: Osvaldo Ledesma

Punches 26/50 (52%)

Kicks 0/2 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 0 s

UGP22_ITC_Decker.png

[The camera opens on Travis Decker sitting in an interview room.]

 

TRAVIS DECKER

There are many things people have said about me since I started MMA, but one thing you can’t call me, is a liar. I told you when I came back I would be a Travis no one had ever seen. I feel like I delivered on that.

 

[The camera cuts to shots of Travis’s fight against Nigel Musgrove, showing various solid hits, followed by his hand getting raised. It cuts back to Travis.]

 

TRAVIS DECKER

Even after that, there are still questions on whether or not I deserve this fight against Brendan McCarthy. The guy is number 1 in the division after beating the previous number one, and some believe that at the very least he should be fighting someone else, if not getting the shot himself. Honestly, I don’t blame them. But all of those questions will be answered once UGP 22 is over.

 

[The camera cuts to training footage of Travis, landing combinations of punches, followed by heavy kicks, and then takedown and wrestling defence.]

 

TRAVIS DECKER (Voice Over)

I knew whoever my next fight was against would be a tough one, so I have not stopped training, I have not stopped sharpening my skills. Brendan is an incredible fighter, and beating him will not be easy. But in this sport nothing is. 

 

[Cut back to Travis.]

 

TRAVIS DECKER

But the pressure is not just to win because it's a tough fight. It would be foolish not to consider that Guilliman could be waiting in the wings for whoever wins this fight, and that is something I have wanted since before I even joined the Killas. Being the Champion is what we all aspire to, but to me there is something even more. Since Aries Reid moved up to Cruiserweight and Byron McCall retired, it has left the middleweight division wide open. Brendan and I represent the current standing of the middleweight division, and in my opinion, the two best chances the division have of dethroning The Primarch and making it stick. 

 

[Cuts to Travis doing some high intensity fitness training, with brief cuts to effective striking sparring.]

 

TRAVIS DECKER (Voice Over)

This is do or die for me. I have been this close twice before, and each time it has slipped through my hands. Not this time. This time it will not be the story of Travis Decker getting so close but slipping at the final hurdle. 

 

[One more cut back to Travis.]

 

TRAVIS DECKER

The story will be that I got to that last hurdle, and went straight through it.    

 

[The camera then cuts away.]    

UGP22_McCarthy-vs-Decker.png

MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-6. He stands 6’2”, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is the number four ranked Middleweight contender in the World, presenting “Ripcord” Travis Decker!

 

[Travis Decker keeps his focus as he stares daggers toward his opponent across the octagon.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

I don’t know what the fuck we just saw out of the judges in the last fight but we’re onto the next one ladies and gents. And the first man out is a man who is not unfamiliar with bullshit from the judges. His record doesn’t reflect his ability or dedication to his craft and he’s coming in tonight with an opportunity to get Robert Guilliman scoped in. I won’t lie, that’s a Killa Party I would definitely pay to see.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I really want to recenter myself to call this next fight but boy oh boy the mess in here. Ledesma will have every reason in my mind to be upset after that one. Reset. Reset. Ok. Travis Decker is one of the best stories we have in Union in my opinion. Where most take their ball and go home after a few bumps, Decker drove his feet into the dirt harder. He’s rose to this opportunity and I agree with you Carrick, a Killa Party well worth the ticket.

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Wrestler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 3-2. He stands 5’11”, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Bangor, Northern Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is the number one ranked Middleweight contender in the World, presenting Brendan “The Hammer” McCarthy!

 

[Brendan McCarthy raises a clenched fist in the air while bouncing in place.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Standing between Guilliman and a potential championship opportunity is one of my own, Brendan McCarthy. A broken hand suffered earlier this year has really derailed the momentum that he had been building. He took a tough loss in his last fight and I’m not entirely sure his head has fully been in his camp this go round either. He’s got unbelievable ground and pound and some slick takedowns, but Decker has looked like a whole different fighter since coming back. We’ll see what happens.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

One thing that those lost moments can pull from you is a better version of yourself. It’s a coin flip a lot of times. Depends on your maturity, depends on who you have beside you, and it depends overall on just how bad you want it. How bad do you want the fight and how much you enjoy the life of a fighter. McCarthy seems to be one of the few that outrightly enjoys the fight game and if he puts the pressure aside and enjoys he’ll be exactly who he was before the injury. Perhaps even better.

 

=========================================

ROUND ONE

=========================================

 

[McCarthy and Decker move forward and touch gloves as the bell signals the beginning of the fight! Travis looks like he’s about to throw a jab to measure the range, but instead fakes it and catches Brendan on the nose with a big straight right hand! His head snaps back as he falters a step but keeps his footing as Decker follows up by throwing a combination, but when he sees McCarthy defend the strikes he gets his distance again, not wanting to over-commit. McCarthy sees the writing on the wall and wants to get this fight off the feet, rushing him and grabbing Travis Decker's left leg, trying to take him down. However, Travis shows great balance while pushing away Brendan McCarthy before tagging him with a hard left hook! Brendan avoids the follow up as he maintains distance, a cut now visible on his chin.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Normally you don’t like to see a cut on a fighter this early in the fight but McCarthy is a bit of a loose cannon and a little bit of blood being drawn is only going to make him more aggressive.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

He’s going to have to set up those takedowns better overall. It’s too early to play that game and he paid for it. I understand the move being done but he’s going to have to catch Decker more off guard.

​

[Decker fakes a punch as he tries to set up another strike, but Brendan has the fake scouted, rushing in again for that left leg as he attempts the takedown. He charges Decker into the cage, but can’t get the leverage to drop him, Travis managing to push McCarthy away and circle out to the middle of the cage.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

That takedown defense is going to spell good things for Decker if he’s able to keep it up and keep the fight standing.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

It won’t bode well for McCarthy. Travis is reading the shots well. The clinch and staying close to work his way in could be another way but Decker is really sharp right now.

 

[Travis goes in and throws a looping right hand, Brendan jumping back to avoid it as he throws a jab out, but Decker dodges and moves into the pocket, throwing a combination of jabs and crosses that hit home. He goes for a big uppercut that Brendan dodges before he attempts another takedown, but once again Travis pushes him away, this time tagging The Hammer with a solid left inside leg kick. Brendan winces from that leg kick and Travis sees the opportunity as he goes in and throws a looping left hand that lands dead on McCarthy's chin! Travis follows it up with an overhand right that rocks him, before finishing up with a vicious right hook that hits McCarthy's chin like a wrecking ball! McCarthy loses balance and goes to the mat.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

OHH!! MY GOD!! The right puts McCarthy down!! Is he out--He not out yet!

 

[Decker is standing above McCarthy but doesn’t let him breathe as he lands a clean shot on the inside of the left thigh. McCarthy tries to kick at Travis’s legs to stop him stepping in, but he avoids them before launching and connecting with another inside thigh kick. Brendan tries to kick right onto Travis’s knee, but he steps in to avoid it, almost being caught with an upkick to the head but avoids it before tagging him with not one, but two more inside left thigh kicks! Travis then steps back and allows Brendan to get to his feet, not wanting to bleed down the clock further.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

This one is starting to get out of hand early on. But if you’re Travis Decker you want to finish this fight and finish it soon. You don’t want to let a guy like McCarthy hang around and get his bearings under him.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

The fact Decker has kept the pressure going. If he stays on like he has I don’t see Brendan recollecting be--oh my he’s feeling that leg. 

 

[Brendan is favouring that left leg as Travis moves in again, faking a hook to the head in order to hit another furious low kick to McCarthy's thigh! McCarthy’s leg buckles but doesn’t give way as he shoots in for a single leg takedown, but gets rocked with a massive spinning backfist from Decker! McCarthy stumbles back as Travis comes in again, landing a vicious high kick to the head, knocking him back into the cage, but he’s still on his feet! Decker is on him and lands a big uppercut to the chin, opening that cut further as he tries to finish this fight, but Brendan manages to cover up and somehow stay on his feet, showing his toughness as the buzzer sounds to end the round, Dusty Whittaker stepping in to separate the fighters.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Blood fucking everywhere. This round clearly goes to Travis. I doubt this makes it to a third if things don’t change for Brendan and quick.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Saved by the bell if you ever have seen it. McCarthy still keeping his hands up but he’s going into round two dead at worst and groggy at best. Decker was absolutely dominant in the first frame.

 

=========================================

ROUND TWO

=========================================

 

[The round starts as Travis goes forward again and throws a leading leg front kick, McCarthy stepping back to avoid it, but it was a fake as Travis steps back down on it and spins and connects with a brutal tornado kick to Brendan’s head! McCarthy hits the ground hard! That crushing blow from Travis Decker has left McCarthy unconscious! What a finish by Travis Decker!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

THEDEVILISALIE!! WHO COMES OUT THE ROUND WITH THAT!?!? OH. MY!! He’s going to hell for that. Travis Decker with the ‘if 2020 was a kick’ ending!!

 

CARRICK PRICE

The writing was on the wall at the end of the first and holy fuck what a tornado head kick to end it. That has to get knockout of the night. I don’t care what happens. Pay Travis the extra money he just earned.

 

[The crowd explodes into cheers and Decker is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to McCarthy for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, referee Dusty Whittaker has called for a stop in this fight at twenty-one seconds in the second round, declaring your winner by knockout, “Ripcord” Travis Decker!

 

[The crowd cheers once again as Decker has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]

 

Winner: Travis Decker by KO (High Kick) at 0:21 Round 2

 

Statistics: Brendan McCarthy

Punches 0/2 (0%)

Kicks 0/0 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/4 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 103 s

 

Statistics: Travis Decker

Punches 13/21 (62%)

Kicks 8/8 (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

eMMA3_Poster.png
UGP22_Calabrese-vs-Volkov.png

MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Co-Main Event of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-2. He stands 6’5”, and weighing in at 250 pounds. He is from Saint Petersburg, Russia, fighting out of the Volkov Fighting Institute, he is a Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Title challenger, making his Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Division debut, presenting “Big Vik” Viktor Volkov!

 

[Viktor Volkov looks very relaxed in his corner as he paces back and forth.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Ohhhhhhhh yes it’s the big boys. What do you think harpy? You taking the over or under on this fight lasting a minute?

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Although I wouldn’t be surprised it doesn’t last a minute I know we all want more than that. If it goes into any round past the first one I will be shocked though. The return of Big Vik and this time with a little more sag on the sides. Looks good on him.

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 10-7. He stands 6’1”, and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, he is a former Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion, presenting “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese!

 

[Donnie Calabrese looks focused as he sways from side to side on the balls of his feet.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Donnie Calabrese might be the most loveable son of a bitch in the MMA world but as good natured as he is, he’s got an unbelievably violent streak and some heavy ass hands to him. He’s a former Heavyweight Champion for that reason and if it wasn’t for a guy like Pluggz he might be the Heavyweight Champion right now. Since losing the title, though, he’s had a bit of trouble getting his legs back under him and Viktor Volkov is the sort of big russian bear that is going to maul you if you aren’t at your best.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I love this big sonofbitch so you are exactly right Price. One of the few fighters of the new generation that gives me faith that MMA will be fine. There’s a lot of wrong in the field so to see a man like Donnie continue to step his way forward and return to Union just makes the company better for everyone. The return of new most necessary fighters in the world of MMA today! Lets go!!

 

=========================================

ROUND ONE

=========================================

 

[Calabrese and Volkov move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight. They touch gloves and this fight is officially underway. Both fighters circle around looking for angle, and Calabrese changes levels and shoots for a double leg takedown. Viktor Volkov sprawls back and manages to stay on his feet and the two pummel each other until Volkov shoves himself over his opponent and secures a single collar tie. Calabrese keeps the pressure tight and doesn’t give Volkov an inch to work with. With nothing to do, Volkov tries to shrug his way out of the clinch. He circles out and slips free of Calabrese's grip and the two circle back to the center of the octagon.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Goddamnit. I don’t normally say this but we don’t want to see takedowns and clinch work. BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF EACH OTHER.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I will have to agree. HURR UP!! Yes even the ground guy is saying it. Get to it!!

 

[Volkov shows no signs of slowing down. He looks to be in great shape at this division. Volkov throws a left hook to the body that ripples Calabrese’s ribs, then follows up swinging a big right hook to the face. Calabrese fires back and goes to the body with a couple of punishing hooks. Calabrese throws a fast combo but Volkov ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Calabrese swings again, only to get countered once more! Calabrese is looking bad here! There is a small cut on Calabrese's right cheek.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

There we go that’s better. Now come on Donnie land a few in return you got this big boy.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Volkov looks the faster of the two. If Donnie plays to his size advantage and might open a way for him here. It’s early but we know Heavyweight aren’t built for time.

 

[Volkov comes back in with a brutal combination but Calabrese doges and moves aside. The two circle around for a moment to regroup before stepping into each other and engage in a wild exchange of punches! Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands that lucky punch. Calabrese highlights the exchange with a bone shattering straight right hand. As the fight continues it seems that Donnie Calabrese is taking the best of the fight. Calabrese launches a stiff jab that barely hits Volkov's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Willie Green saw it! The referee halts the fight to give Volkov time to recover. After issuing a warning to Calabrese and allowing some time to pass, Volkov seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Tough break for Donnie there as he was really starting to build some momentum and giving Vik that breather from the eye poke that was clearly accidental was the last thing he wanted.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

He was just getting into that pocket and feeling himself. Good on Willie Green to not take it too far and issue the warning. It was an obvious accident. 

 

[They touch gloves before going back after it with a wild exchange. Both fighters are landing but without much steam behind the shots. After the back and forth, the two step back and size each other up in the center of the cage. A wicked punch by Viktor Volkov rocks Calabrese and reveals a small cut on the bridge of his nose. Calabrese answers with a looping right hand while Volkov jumps back and jabs. Calabrese seems staggered and Volkov runs in to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. Calabrese finally circled out before going back to study his opponent for a hole in his defense.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

OH! That jab from Viktor staggered him but Donnie, as always, has a heart that’s as big as his belly.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

You can see Donnie is still trying to figure out while Vik is already in comfort. This isn’t going to bode well if Donnie can’t land anything soon. Can you believe Union without these two guys? It’s not the same you hear me!

 

[Volkov charges at Calabrese throwing flurries left and right. Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots and Calabrese looks rocked! Calabrese throws a combo while Volkov punches back but nobody connects. Volkov goes with a looping right hand while Calabrese jumps back and jabs. Calabrese is looking shaky and Volkov rushes in with a bunch of jabs and crosses. Volkov launches some tentative punches and Calabrese takes the best of a brief punching exchange.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

The near middle of the first and Big Vik sticking to name. All the landing shots are big! Donnie has to regain his footing! 

 

[Donnie Calabrese's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes. Volkov's mind is definitely in the fight, Calabrese just got nailed and stumbled to the canvas! Volkov saw an opening and delivered a big right hand! Willie Green has seen enough! The fight is over! Calabrese was not intelligently defending himself!]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Man. Volkov just swarmed him at the end and Donnie looks a mess but you know he’s going to be unhappy with the stoppage. Even if it was fair, you just know that Donnie is going to hate that.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

The big boys go until the body doesn’t anymore. Willie didn’t want Donnie to see much more punishment. The docs will need to give a look at that gash dear God. Big return victory for Viktor Volkov!

 

[The crowd explodes into cheers and Volkov is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Calabrese for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, referee Willie Green has called for a stop in this fight at three minutes fifty-six seconds in the very first round, declaring your winner by technical knockout, “Big Vik” Viktor Volkov!

 

[The crowd cheers once again as Volkov has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]

 

Winner: Viktor Volkov by TKO (Punch) at 3:56 Round 1

 

Statistics: Donnie Calabrese

Punches 11/14 (79%)

Kicks 0/0 (0%)

Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)

Takedowns 0/1 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 0 s

 

Statistics: Viktor Volkov

Punches 24/43 (56%)

Kicks 0/0 (0%)

Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)

Time on the ground 0 s

BF21_Poster.png
UGP22_Meechan-vs-Lyons.png

♫

OH Y'ALL NIGGAS KILLER NOW, OH WORD?

CATCH YOU COMIN OUT YOUR FUCKIN CRIB NIGGA

YEAH, CATCH A FUCKIN BULLET NIGGA

♫​

​

[The opening lines of Prodigy's "Keep It Thoro" ring out around the arena before the beat kicks in and Lena Lyons begins to make her way down towards the cage, lowkey bopping her head to the beat, clearly feeling the music as her corner follows on behind her.]

​

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Now for the final walkins we have all been waiting for. First we have the challenger Thugga Lena Lyons, NY bred and proud. Talking about longevity, style, substance, and of course the fight. Lena Lyons has been one of the staples of MMA now for years. This opportunity right now, long overdue and just looking at her face you can see she’s more than ready for it.

 

CARRICK PRICE

It’s the ugliest goddamn woman the world has ever seen but she’s an immensely talented fighter and one of the biggest influences on me early on in my career. When shite was going wild at Slaughterhouse, she’s the one I really credit with helping me keep my head straight and focused on the things I needed to be focused on. The only part of her that might outmatch her talent, is her confidence. And, personally, I’m excited to see her on this kind of stage again. 

 

[Thugga reaches cageside, flashing a shaka at the camera before hugging several members of her team, exchanging a few words before having the customary vaseline applied to her eyebrows and facial area by the cutman. Lyons then turns to face the referee, who checks her over, making sure her mouth guard is in before sending her up into the cage. Once in the cage Lena performs a quick lap of the cage, jogging around it before being pointed to her corner, where she talks to herself for a little while as she leans back against the cage, ready to fight.]

​

♫

THE SUN

THE MOON

AND THE STARS

THEY COULD NEVER BE BIGGER

ANY BIGGER THAN YOU ARE

♫​​

​

[As "Point of View" by Twelve Foot Ninja begins to play over the PA system, Dallas Meechan makes his way to the main stage in grand fashion. Donning his gray fight kit trimmed in blue, Meechan hypes himself up by beating his chest while the crowd grows with cheers. He begins to make his way down the aisleway, soaking in the energy in the arena, and unzips his coat to reveal the Bantamweight Title while several coaches from his camp follow closely behind.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

The unsung Champion of ScrapYard. He’s fucking weird, Harpy, I’m not going to lie. The lad is just not quite right in his head. But he’s a tremendous fighter and is putting together a really impressive resume of victories and just fights in general in the Bantamweight division. Lena is going to likely be his toughest test yet. But I can speak honestly and say he’s been in the gym, night and day, relentlessly preparing for this fight. If he loses tonight it’s not going to be because he wasn’t prepared, it will simply be because on this evening he wasn’t the better fighter. But I’ll tell you what, being in the cage with Dallas and being able to be called the better fighter is a tall task for anyone.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Something I think a lot of people don’t come to realize when it comes to defenses either. It’s really hard to just pull one out of your hat. Dallas Meechan has made the Bantamweight division his doing what is really REALLY hard to do. Defend on end, night in and night out. The challengers he’s had, the challenges he had to rise above just to be able to hold the title. These are things people don’t think about when the final moment arrives. Dallas Meechan’s journey has been unlike any other Bantamweight, the sooner you respect it the better.

 

[Meechan finally makes it to cageside, where he undresses down to his tights before getting inspected by the fight official. Once he's been cleared, Meechan races up the steps and throws his arms out like an explosion upon entering the cage. He jogs over to his corner, shadow boxing along the way and playing up to the crowd.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Main Event of the evening! Sanctioned by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Miranda Franco, Max Carver, and Ozzie Sebastian, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Jordan Ripley. AND NOW, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 13-9. She stands 5’4”, and weighing in at 125 pounds. She is from Queens, New York, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, she is the number one ranked Bantamweight contender in the World, presenting Lena “Thugga” Lyons!

 

[Lena Lyons is beating herself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking herself in the face, body and legs to get ready for this fight.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 6-1. He stands 5’10”, and weighing in at 135 pounds. He is from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champion of the World, presenting “Playboy” Dallas Meechan!

 

[Dallas Meechan doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table as he bounces in place and rolls his shoulders.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

I hope this one goes the full five, Harpy. I really do. I think this one has fight of the year potential.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I can go with that bet Price. The mental strength between both sides of the cage is the reason I think it will go that way than anything else. Here’s our final fight of the night for the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champioinship!

OG_RD1.png

[The fight gets underway and Dallas wastes no time closing the distance on Lena, tying her up in a clinch and backing her up toward the cage. He throws a jumping knee with intent to end the fight quickly, but Lena gets her hands up to block the impact. Dallas keeps the clinch even as he has to re-establish his balance, but Lena blocks any attack, and prevents him from advancing his position any, and the ref is forced to step in and break the clinch. No sooner than the fight is restarted, though, Dallas feigns a punch that Lena bites on--and doubles back into a clinch! This time, he secures the Thai plum and backs Lena up toward the cage wall. Lena’s able to pummel one arm in, and eventually breaks the clinch before unloading a series of powerful hooks and body shots! Meechan stumbles backwards as he tries to circle away from Lena’s punches, but Lyons chases him down and keeps the pressure on!]

 

CARRICK PRICE

The gameplan we instilled is already showing itself. Dallas wants to work from the clinch and to try and neutralize the striking capability of the challenger. But those body shots hurt and Lena is well coached and ready for a five round fight. While those shots hurt now, they really pay dividends in the later rounds when the victim has difficulty breathing because of the work done early on. Already you’re seeing two well coached fighters out of two professional gyms.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Mmm, smart. Very very smart. Dallas knows where Lena’s strengths lie so he takes away the distance she’s good with. Otherside, Dallas keeps it close and Lena is says fine, I’ll take it to you here as well. That’s the importance of not only playing to your strengths but to be able to play to your opponents as well because the fact of the matter is no fight goes your way 100% of the time. You have to adjust and grow.

 

[Dallas eventually manages to catch one of Lena’s punches, tying her back up in a clinch before sweeping her leg out from under her and dropping her to the mat! He doesn’t follow her, though, instead just throwing a series of kicks to the leg, each one connecting with a loud slap! Lyons is able to push Dallas away after the third shot, and gets back up to her feet, but Dallas launches another kick at the same leg he was peppering moments ago--this one, Lyons is able to avoid. Lena presses forward with a series of straight punches, that force Dallas to respond with shots of his own! Each fighter lands a couple strong punches--but, at least for now, both stay on their feet.]

 

[Lena changes up her gameplan and starts to attack Dallas’s ribs, blasting him with a left hook-right hook combination that forces Dallas to once again tie her up in a clinch to try to stop the attack. He pummels for a better position, eventually catching the Thai plum once again, and forces Lena back against the cage. Dallas lands a couple knees to Lena’s side while maintaining his clinch, but Lena doesn’t look worried, as if the shots don’t affect her at all! Meechan seems to notice this, and tries to sweep her leg again--and Lena starts to stumble, but stays on her feet this time! Dallas tries to follow up with a few punches, but Lena’s able to take advantage of this new space and circle away, back to the center of the cage.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Again, you’re seeing good things from both fighters here in the first round. Thugga is absolutely expecting this to go deep, and Dallas is just patiently sticking with his gameplan, working the clinch when its there and doing all he can to punish Lyons base and strip her of her punching power. It’s like a fucking chess match, Harpy. I love it.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

The fact that so much is happening behind what you are seeing clearly with your eyes. I know the average MMA fan enjoys the heavy swings and haymakers but I implore you all. All you MMA fans of the world, really look into this craft as a whole. When you do you will come to the appreciation of this final boss battle.  

 

[Dallas throws three consecutive leg kicks to the same leg he attacked earlier, but Lyons is able to prevent each one; on the third attempt, Lena counters with a powerful straight right hand that visible staggers the champion! She presses forward, obviously wanting an early finish--but once again, Dallas ties Lena up in a clinch, putting a damper on her momentum. Dallas lands a series of powerful body shots that even Lena can’t help but react to; Lena tries to break the clinch and get back to her range, but Dallas clamps down and keeps her in control...before throwing a huge knee to the head! Lena’s visibly staggered by the impact, and Dallas takes advantage by slamming knees into Lena’s midsection. She’s able to get her arms up in time to prevent most of the impact, but the clinch isn’t doing anything good for Lena tonight.]

 

[Lena forces herself free of Dallas’s clinch and lands a powerful straight right in response! Dallas tries to keep her in check with a few leg kicks, but none of them land with any impact. Lena pushes forward, getting the better of Dallas with a series of punches--and irony starts to rear its head, as the clinching may be taking more out of Dallas than Lena; he’s breathing deep, his mouth’s open, and Lena’s pressuring him.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

That’s a beautiful sight if you’re Lena Lyons and the Real Killa’s coaches.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

That’s not a good deal at all this is the first round. This goes the distance he’s going to feel it.

 

[Lena starts to unload another combination, when Dallas abruptly leaps into the air and cracks her with a flying knee to the chin! Somehow, someway, Lena’s still on her feet, but her mouthpiece goes flying out of her mouth--not that it slows down the Killa, who responds to being dazed by a flying knee with a huge looping right hand that cracks Meechan in the chin! Dallas responds in kind, but Lena gets out of the way. The two circle back to the center of the cage before Jordan Ripley briefly stops the fight so Lena can get her mouthpiece back in.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

The fuck it spirit is in the room. Lose a mouthpiece, I’m still swinging. That’s Lena Lyons!

 

[The fight restarts the same way it started in the first place--Dallas tying Lena up in a Thai clinch yet again. He slams a few punches into Lena’s ribs, but she’s able to block most of the impact before pushing him back and circling away from the clinch. Dallas tries to get back in tight, but Lena keeps him at bay with a few jabs that tag him in the face, before she socks him with a huge straight right! Whether Dallas is rocked or not, he clearly doesn’t want to throw hands with Lena, and moves for another clinch, before the horn goes to end the round.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

What a first round. Back and forth and who knows what the judges will see as I think an argument could be made for it to go to both fighters. But there were a few big shots that Dallas absorbed from the challenger that really seemed to rock him and for that I’m going to give the round to Lena Lyons at a close 10-9.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

A lot of technical prowess in the first round between both fighters. I can see the argument but I believe it comes down to who played into who’s strengths better. Dallas is working the clinch well but Lena is getting more from him in those exchanges or at least more of the final say in them. When it comes to strictly standing the Challenger definitely got the better of the Champion. I’ll have to agree here Pricey, 10-9 Lyons.

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[Lena opens the round on the offensive this time, tagging Dallas with a couple leg kicks. Meechan looks a little more hesitant than he did in the round one, which Lena is all too happy to take advantage of, and presses forward--right into another clinch from Dallas. Dallas has more trouble controlling this one, as Lena’s able to turn his back to the cage wall instead...briefly, anyway. Dallas manages to turn Lena back, but instead of trying to hang on to the clinch, Dallas drops for a double-leg takedown! He almost gets Lena off her feet, but she’s able to force his head down and eventually sprawl out to avoid hitting the ground. Dallas keeps his grip, but Lena’s not budging, and eventually, Jordan Ripley steps in to break the position.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

A little bit of recognition where it comes to energy expenditure on the part of Dallas Meechan to start off the second. But still you can see that that extra burst to fully execute the takedown just isn’t there right now.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I give him credit for the adjustment here. After the first round using it as the foundation of a takedown. I can’t blame him at all. 

 

[On the restart, Meechan flicks out a few jabs that don’t do much but draw more effective counters from Lena--she cracks him with a straight right, which he responds to with an uppercut! Lena clearly feels that one, but lands a stiff one-two combination in response, before pressing forward with a series of straight punches and occasional hooks. Dallas keeps her at bay for the most part, but nothing he throws is particularly effective. As Lena moves in, Dallas throws a big looping right hand, which force Lena to jump back and stop her pressure--but he doesn’t connect, and Lena instead DOES connect with a counter hook before rushing in to capitalize with a series of straight punches!]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

It’s picking up once again! 

 

[Dallas drops for a double leg again, but Lena’s able to avoid the shot--however, this time, Dallas gets back to his feet, keeping control of Lena’s body until he’s got her in a double-underhook clinch. Lena tries to push away, and almost gets there...before Dallas throws another flying knee that cracks Lena just above the sternum! Dallas manages to get control of Lena’s head, cracking her with a couple uppercuts before throwing a big knee to the head! He follows it up with a few knees to the body that Lena has to cover up. Despite his advantage, Meechan’s breathing is getting heavier--and it’s clearly affecting his technique, as he tries a flying knee once again, but Lena’s able to push him aside this time!]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Good clinch work and striking there from Dallas but he’s got to settle down. He’s trying to do too much and wasting energy right now.

 

[Lena escapes the clinch and circles back to the center of the cage. Dallas follows, but wasn’t watching where he was going--Lena tags him with a brutal straight right that almost knocks Meechan down. He tries to counter with an overhand right of his own, but Lena avoids it easily and counters with a one-two combination, ending it with a big left hook! Meechan tries to regain his clinch, but Lena wants nothing to do with it and pushes him away. Dallas takes a second to catch his breath, but Lena doesn’t need that second--she pushes forward, only stopped as Meech throws a teep to the body. Lyons catches his foot, though, and cracks him with a straight left, then a huge hook to the body. Meechan stumbles back, breathing heavily as he studies Lena--who clearly feels like she has the upper hand; she pushes forward again, but catches a Superman punch to the face that almost turns her lights out!]

 

CARRICK PRICE

OH MY GOD DAMN! WHAT A SUPERMAN PUNCH AND LYONS GOES DO-.. NO?! HOW THE FUCK IS SHE STILL STANDING?!

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Please let this go five!! These two will die for it! Out of nowhere!! That was a death in the making.

 

[Somehow, despite being clearly rocked by that shot, Lena’s able to deflect Meechan’s follow up right hand and throw a leg kick of her own--albeit, a lazy one, that Meechan’s easily able to avoid. He throws a strong leg kick of his own in response, but Lena avoids it. Uncharacteristically, Lena shoots for a double-leg of her own, but Dallas avoids it--and almost lands an illegal knee, with Lena still on her knees! It misses, though, and she’s able to get back to her feet.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Woo-close call from Meechan. He’s getting his bearings back but the Champ must be careful.

 

[Whether he’s aware of the foul he almost committed or not, Dallas certainly isn’t thinking about it--no sooner is Lena back on her feet, than a spinning back kick slams into her ribs and almost doubles her over. Lena grits her teeth and tries to throw a punch to keep Dallas from approaching, but he’s able to avoid...and then whiffs on the counter shot. He tries to clinch with Lyons again, but she’s able to duck back and counter with a few weak punches. Meechan throws a 3 shot combination, a jab, then an uppercut, finishing with a leg kick, but Lena’s able to deflect all three shots. She counters with a couple straights of her own, but nothing particularly powerful--just enough to get Dallas’s attention, and seemingly remind him of what was working for him before; he feigns a punch before moving in for a clinch...which Lena wants nothing to do with, and pushes him away.]

 

[Dallas isn’t perturbed, however--this time, he feigns a body shot that definitely gets Lena’s attention, before wrapping her up in a single collar clinch and forcing her back against the cage. He tries to land a few uppercuts from this position, but Lena’s able to avoid any real damage before she shrugs her way free of the clinch. Meechan certainly knows what was working for him, as he chases that clinch, but Lena’s able to avoid several attempts, and counters with jabs and short hooks every time he gets close. As the clapper signals ten seconds left in the round, Dallas gives up on clinching for the time being and throws a MASSIVE hook...that only just misses, as Lena takes a half-step back. Before she can counter, the horn sounds and the round comes to an end.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

The first half of the second was looking a little hairy for the champion but he really turned on the pressure and showed his own striking abilities. Seems to me this fight is back to even with a solid 10-9 round in favor of the champion this time.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Bigger shots for the champ this time around and able to get a little more out of the clinch. I would say a close 10-9 overall to the champ. His moments were bigger but they were most in desperate moments, that will play later. His cardio slip is definitely showing. He needs to either pull the dress down or pull the slip up.

OG_RD3.png

[Lena starts the round by swinging a leg kick out, that Dallas avoids easily--and counters with a MASSIVE uppercut that snaps Lena’s head back! Her bottom lip is split and bleeding from the shot, but it doesn’t deter her; she keeps moving forward, landing huge punches in response! Dallas looks more than a little dazed from Lena’s response, and drops for a double-leg, but Lena stuffs the shot easily. Before he can double-down on the takedown, she backs up a couple steps, and forces him to re-engage on the feet.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Thugga’s lip is busted but she doesn’t give a fuck. She wants all the smoke that the champion can give her.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Bad Omens please? This is going to get rough real quick.

 

[Dallas throws a low kick that Lena easily blocks, then a kick to the body that she catches and counters with a big right! She follows up with a massive kick to the body of her own, that Dallas visibly reacts to. He steps in and swings a right hook at Lena’s ribs, but Lena’s able to move aside and counter with a quick pair of jabs. Again, Dallas looks like the effort from earlier in the fight is hitting him; he’s taking big, deep breaths, even as he tries to catch Lena in a clinch once again. Lena pushes him away, but before she can counter with any punches of her own, he circles out to the center of the cage. Lena pursues him, but Dallas keeps her at bay with a few punches that, while they miss, force Lena to back up just a step.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Solid counter striking from Lena there and it feels like Dallas is starting to recognize the trouble that he may be in with his gas tank at this point, and is trying to reserve a little bit of energy for the championship rounds. He’s got to be careful though and make sure it gets there.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

In the meantime, while he’s attempting to get there Lena is taking it there to him and scoring. Staying aggressive. That won’t cut it by the time the fourth and fifth come along either.

 

[Lena feigns a takedown, but Dallas doesn’t look like he actually believes she’ll shoot; instead, he moves in to try to tie her up in a clinch once again, but Lena avoids the tie-up. Dallas keeps pressing forward, throwing a huge uppercut--that might’ve been lights out, if Lena didn’t block the impact. Lena circles back to the center of the cage, goading the champion to engage again--but when he doesn’t, she shrugs and tags him with a three punch combination anyway. Dallas throws a huge hook, that Lena ducks underneath and tags him with a quick jab to the body before circling away again. He tries to get in close, but Lena tags him with a leg kick. He tries to mix it up and throws a solid body kick, but Lena takes a step back and avoids the impact. Before they can engage again, the horn goes and Jordan Ripley steps in to end the round.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

A little bit of a slower round this time but Lyons seemed to be more of the aggressor and definitely landed more significant strikes. 10-9 for her and I think she’s up two to one on the scorecards.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Outside of that uppercut to start the round that busted Lena’s lip open, the control was Lyons. 

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[Round 4 starts slower than the previous rounds; both fighters meet in the center of the cage, but spend the first few seconds measuring each other before the championship rounds. Dallas tests the range with a few front kicks, but none of them lands with any significant impact; Lena steps in and both fighters end up trading quick straight punches. Nothing major lands, but Lena definitely gets the better of the exchange; Dallas tries to change the dynamic of the fight by winging a massive right hand, but Lena’s able to avoid it. Dallas keeps his aggression up, moving in to try to tie Lena up yet again, but Lena easily avoids the clinch, and tags him with a couple jabs.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

It’s always interesting to see how fights change the longer they go on. Things are slowing down a bit and both the champion and challenger are being a little bit more measured in their approaches.

 

[A straight left punch from Dallas is easily ducked by Lena, then a series of body shots get blocked. Dallas again steps in to close the distance, but Lena tags him with a quick one-two that starts to swell up the left side of his face! Dallas backs up a step, and again Lena tries to goad him into engaging, still optimistic that she can turn his lights out; she swings a huge overhand right that misses, and leaves her open to Dallas’s huge right hook that follows. She only barely gets her head out of the way of Dallas’s shot, but Dallas follows up with a flurry of straight punches that back Lena up.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

The back and forth returns here. It’s like momentum sways with every minute passing. Dallas will have the upper and then Lena turns it right back.

 

[Lena side-steps to avoid the last punch, and counters with a huge head kick that Dallas only barely gets his hands up to deflect. Dallas bites down on his mouthpiece and keeps pressing forward, throwing a HUGE Superman punch that connects right with Lena’s nose--and while it, somehow, doesn’t drop Lena, it busts her nose up, and the camera catches blood trickling down Lena’s face. Dallas keeps pushing forward, reaching to tie Lena up, but she’s able to back up and keep the fight at range. Lena flicks out a quick one-two combo, but it’s more to keep Dallas back, no real intent to do damage.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

You’re starting to see the damage done to both fighters with the swelling on Meechan’s face and the blood that’s been drawn from Thugga. What might be the difference in this fight is the mind games that Lena is playing. Every time she smiles in the face of a big blow from Dallas it rattles him.

 

[Dallas throws a 3 punch combo: one-two, and a big left hook! Lena avoids the straight punches, then deflects the hook and circles around Dallas, looking for an opening. Dallas turns the aggression up and launches a series of straight punches--most of them miss, some of them are deflected, but he does land a few that at least keep Lena honest. Lena feigns a body kick that Dallas bites on--before Lena launches a solid head kick that he’s not ready for! Stunned, he backpedals a step or two; when Lena pushes forward, he tries to catch a punch and tie her up, but she’s able to pull her arm free before the horn sounds to end the round.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Hard to gauge that round in my opinion, Harpy. Again, it’s one that I think could go either way but the lasting image might be that last head kick that Lyons threw that dazed the champion and if it is, then she’s up three rounds to one on the scorecard. But because I can’t decide I’m going to call it an even round.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I feel the Superman punch was the bright point for Dallas giving Lena something to think about like in the previous round when he did it. But these punches are being thrown in those tight near death moments for him. Outside of that Lena was getting the better of most exchanges and exerted her will more. Then capped off the round with that kick you are speaking of Pricey. I’d say this was a slowed down version to the works done in round one. 10-9 round for Lyons. By my calculations Dallas has to go full force for 5 minutes to play this in his hands.

OG_RD5.png

[Dallas starts round 5 with a huge head kick--that Lena easily deflects. She presses forward and throws a quick series of straight punches, forcing Dallas first to cover up, then to try to counter, but Lena’s clearly getting the better of him as she lands a few solid shots. Dallas wings an overhand right that could put an end to Lena’s night--except that she takes a couple steps in, and most of the impact is stifled. Dallas takes advantage of the close range and tries to grab a Thai clinch once again, but Lena ducks her head free and pushes him away.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

The one thing that is pretty clear is the fact that Lena Lyons has completely taken the clinch game away from Dallas Meechan. He’s not been able to do much when he has been able to tie her up, and most of the time she just is able to scoot out of it with ease.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

I think the gas tank is really going to show in this round. I said if he even made it to this round he would be feeling it and after that easy clinch, he’s definitely feeling it.

 

[Dallas throws a quick right hook on the disengage, but it misses and Lena shakes her head. Dallas again tries to get the clinch, and while he’s able to keep in close proximity to Lena, he’s not in any particular control of her; he’s more just taking a second to take a couple big, deep breaths. Lena pushes him away and throws another set of four straight punches, that bust up the left side of Dallas’s face even more, opening up a cut beneath his left eye that becomes a target for Lena--every time Dallas tries to engage, Lena tags him with a right hand, right to that busted up cheek.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Lyons is opening up in this final round!! You can tell Dallas is taking every measure of air he can while staying on his feet.

 

[At the midway point of the final round, Dallas’s aggression visibly starts to slow; his attacks are still there, but he’s not pursuing Lena anymore, he’s just throwing punches that the challenger is able to easily defend. He feigns a shot before taking a step forward to throw a hook to the body, but Lena’s able to defend it and takes a step back. Lena, on the other hand, seems to believe in herself still--she presses forward, throwing a massive right hook that Dallas only barely manages to avoid, before back-peddling with a couple easy jabs. Lena’s not deterred, though; she keeps pressing forward, feigning a left hook before throwing a solid right uppercut that cracks Dallas in the jaw!]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Wow. We might have a new champion tonight, Harp. You can almost feel his will breaking and the confidence in Thugga is continuing to rise.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

This round has been all Lyons so far. This was the round Dallas needs to go all in on and it’s just the opposite. He’s gotta mount up!

 

[Dallas shuffles away from Lena to clear his head, and manages to use her aggression against her--as she comes in, he takes a deep breath before suddenly whipping around and connecting with a massive spinning back fist! Lena grits her teeth and stands her ground, but Dallas seems to get a second (or third, or fourth) wind, and he tries once again to catch her in a clinch--but this late in the fight, he can’t keep a hold of Lena, and she pushes him away and counters with a quick one-two before tying Dallas up in her own clinch! Back where he wants the fight, at least--even if he’s not in control of it--Dallas throws a few punches to Lena’s ribs before trying to trip her to the mat; she stumbles a bit, but she manages to keep herself from being taken down.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

And just when I start to write him off he finds a way to climb right back into things.

 

[Dallas throws a couple knees to Lena’s thighs, but none of them seem to worry the challenger. Again, Dallas goes for a trip takedown, but Lena keep her feet solidly on the ground. Dallas tries to land a few punches, but Lena’s got control of the clinch and prevents him from landing anything with any significant impact. A few shots land to the side of Lena’s head, but nothing powerful, and Lena presses her head against Dallas’s to force him to stand up straighter--she pushes away from the clinch and immediately throws out a series of straight shots! The first couple land, but then Dallas gets his guard up before Jordan Ripley thinks about stopping the fight this late.]

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

Ripley paying close attention there, Meechan showing he still has more than enough will in him. 

 

[He eventually manages to circle away from Lena’s attack and launches a powerful body kick, but Lena avoids it and counters with another series of straight punches. Dallas desperately counters with a series of power punches, but his technique’s getting sloppy this late in the fight, and Lena cracks him with a body kick! Dallas tries to catch her kick as she pulls her leg back, but he’s not able to get it, and instead, he reaches for a clinch once again. Lena momentarily gets caught, but ducks her head free and circles back to the center of the cage. Dallas throws a one-two combo to Lena’s body, but she keeps her guard tight and most of the impact is on her arms. Before she can engage again, though, the horn sounds, and the fight ends.]

 

CARRICK PRICE

Really, a tremendous fight throughout and I’m torn here because Lena is a friend and I love seeing her find success in the cage. But Dallas is one of my fighters and I want to see him continue to be successful as well. Trying to be objective as I can, I think we’re about to see Lena’s hand raised as champion. But the judges and I have already disagreed once tonight, and if you’re challenging for a championship you never, ever want to leave it up to them to make that call.

 

TOUSSAINT HARPER

The will of Meechan can’t be denied here. He showed tired but didn’t let him take him out of the fight and continued forward. The chess match of this main event definitely must be in the fights of the year picks. From the 5 rounds I saw I give 4 to Lena and one to the champ. Lena never faltered from her plan and while Meechan tried to implement his Lyons made him either pay or didn’t give him much in comparison. I believe we also have a new champion.

 

[The crowd explodes into cheers as Meechan and Lyons head to their corners, celebrating a brutal five round war. Doctors tend to the two fighters for a while and after they finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]

 

MIKE DEMPSEY

Ladies and gentlemen, after five rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards. All three judges score it 50-45, declaring your winner by unanimous decision, AND STILL the undisputed Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champion of the World, “Playboy” Dallas Meechan!

 

[The crowd cheers once again as Meechan has his hand raised in victory and the belt wrapped around his waist. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]

 

JUDGE MIRANDA FRANCO

Dallas Meechan  10 10 10 10 10: 50

Lena Lyons  9 9 9 9 9: 45

 

JUDGE MAX CARVER

Dallas Meechan  10 10 10 10 10: 50

Lena Lyons  9 9 9 9 9: 45

 

JUDGE OZZIE SEBASTIAN

Dallas Meechan  10 10 10 10 10: 50

Lena Lyons  9 9 9 9 9: 45

 

Winner: Dallas Meechan by Unanimous Decision

 

Statistics: Dallas Meechan

Punches 24/105 (23%)

Kicks 4/26 (15%)

Clinch strikes 6/50 (12%)

Takedowns 0/2 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 3/12 (25%)

Time on the ground 0 s

 

Statistics: Lena Lyons

Punches 52/70 (74%)

Kicks 6/9 (67%)

Clinch strikes 4/6 (67%)

Takedowns 0/0 (0%)

GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)

Submissions 0/0 (0%)

Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)

Time on the ground 31 s

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