3ARENA
DUBLIN, IRELAND
AUGUST 8, 2021
[The opening montage comes to a close and the feed transitions inside the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. The sold out crowd pack the building, where many have immersed themselves into the pandemonium and roar out with deafening cheers. With the uncertainty of victory or defeat looming, the aura is both intoxicating and tense.]
[The main stage, where the fighters scheduled tonight grace their presence, is littered with carnage and destruction. A heavy fog sits stale, scaffolding strung in multiple directions, and the overall structure glowing red with fire, ash, and embers; something no fighter will soon forget.]
[The toll on both fan and fighter is enormous. The stage of a bloody war is set. The conquerors envision nothing but execution towards success, while the meek is flooded with doubt. Down in the trenches, Bodie Sullivan and Hall of Famer Jason Jackson stand in attention to officially kick off the night.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live here in Dublin, Ireland inside the 3Arena for UGP 28! Bodie Sullivan here and standing next to me is the man, the myth, the legend Jason Jackson! Jason, it’s great to see you again my friend.
JASON JACKSON
Here we go again, Bodie! Great to be here calling the action with you, as always, uce. We’ve got a huge show for the fans tonight, and I know they are just as ready as we are.
BODIE SULLIVAN
No doubts about it. Three championships are on the line and each title will be wrapped up in a trilogy. But before we dive into that, let’s start things off by discussing the opening fight between Xabier Belazco and Osvaldo Ledesma. Both of these guys have been on a losing skid as of late, and some have suggested this is a make or break fight for either man. JJ, do you get the sense that either of these guys could be on the chopping block?
JASON JACKSON
I’m not gonna sugar coat it, Bodie-licious. This is do or die for Xabier. He says that he’s not through, but eventually you don’t get to make that call once you go on a skid like he has. I love the guy, and I’ve enjoyed watching him do his thing, but I think a definitive loss here tonight means the end of the road for the Black Knight. Meanwhile, I think Osvaldo has everything to gain. He’s on a skid, but he is also new to the roster, and has struggled out the gate. A big win here could turn that all around. It’s all about Dante and Cass though, at the end of the day. If you aren’t impressing them? Then you are in DAAAAANGER.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Fair assessment there, ultimately it resides on the top dogs in the business. Then we move to a Bantamweight bout between Megan Reed and Everest MMA alum Terrico Harris. Reed has been quietly building up some momentum, winning four of her last five fights, with her most recent fight being a win over another Everest alum, Syn Saetang. On the flip side, Terrico Harris makes his Union GP debut after an unsuccessful bid for the Everest Strawweight Championship. There’s that speculation that he’s making this jump too soon and should hone his skills a little more, but we’ll see what he’s made of against a veteran fighter like Reed.
JASON JACKSON
Absolutely, we’ll see tonight. Out of the frying pan, and into the fire. Let’s see if Terrico can hang. The 9th World prospect is 2-1 and has shown some chops when it comes to finishing the fight with submissions. McMillian tested his chin in their bout for the Everest Strawweight strap though, and he’s in for the same treatment tonight, Bodie, because Megan Reed can BANG. She is a ruthless striker who likes to push the pressure and swarm her opponent until they drop. You won’t see her fight it out to many decisions. It’s bell to bell action, and she either finishes, or gets finished. That is why she is a fan favorite here at UGP. A catalyst for a fight of the night for sure.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Absolutely, and this is a type of fight that could really catapult the victor to the next level. Then we move into the Championship block of the card, starting with the Middleweight Title fight against Travis Decker and Zion Momo’a in our first of two Co-Main Events. This one is probably the most interesting to me of the three title trilogies, simply for the fact that the challenger, Zion Momo’a, is 2-0 against the champion. If he wins, you have to believe this completely closes the door for Decker to ever try and challenge Momo’a again. But… if Decker wins? That makes the series 2-1, could we possibly see a best of five series brewing? I know Zion placed a very bold wager at the press conference, but JJ, there are so many possible angles, what do you make of this storied rivalry between former teammates?
JASON JACKSON
The history, the animosity, the shots fired at the press conference... I’m excited for this one, Bodie. I think both of these guys belong in the “upper echelon of MMA” talk right now, along with the other four fighters in our Co-Main and Main events. You’ve got the underdog Decker, who turned his whole career around and did the unthinkable in beating Delaney Donovan to take the Middleweight title back to Real Killas after Guilliman lost it. On the other hand you have Momo’a who has looked outstanding of late, but always seems to be cursed when it comes to title fights. He is FIRED up though, as we saw at the press conference, but I wonder how the pressure from the camp change, the fallout, and the pressure of finally winning the big one is weighing on him. Maybe he is invested TOO much in this and thinks he’s going to walk through Decker, and that could be his undoing. Will the curse continue? Or will we have a new champion? Either way? I think this one I think could’ve been a headliner in and of itself and I wouldn’t be surprised if this is fight of the night.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Their first two battles garnered fight of the night honors, so there’s little doubt these two won’t put on a show for us. Then we move onto the second Co-Main Event which features the lone traditional rubber match between the champion Dallas Meechan and challenger Lauren Moore. In their first encounter, Meechan and Moore met in the 2019 Grand Prix finals to determine the inaugural Bantamweight Champion. Lauren Moore etched her name in the history books after a fourth round knockout over the rising prospect. Then the title hot-shot between Moore, Zari Aliyah, and then Meechan before their second matchup, where Meechan made his first successful title defense in convincing fashion. Now, they meet for a third time to settle the score. It’s moments like this that make MMA so much more than sport.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, needless to say, both of them fiercely want this win and they do not want to leave it in the hands of the judges. They have prepared, and sparred, and visualized every minute of this fight over and over in their minds in anticipation of how it’s going to go… but now? We get to find out. We really didn’t get much of a look into their camps but from what I've heard? It’s going to be a standup affair. Both of them want to win with emphasis, and what better way than putting your opponent to sleep? I can’t think of one. Yet again, another potential fight of the night for sure. This whole card is banger, from top to bottom.
BODIE SULLIVAN
They know each other’s strengths, weaknesses, tells, and tendencies, so it’ll be interesting to see what new tricks they bring to this third and final contest. And then finally, our Main Event features Delaney Donovan and Natalie King battling for the Lightweight Title. This trilogy is a polar opposite of Decker and Momo’a, as the challenger, Nat King, has come up short twice against Double D. The first clash was an absolute war. It took twenty-five minutes to declare Delaney a split decision win, which not only locked him in as Champion for the very first time but also became the 2019 Lightweight Grand Prix winner. That fight was also awarded as the fight of the year and one that will surely live on in fight folk lore. Their second encounter was a bit different, with Donovan ending the fight in flawless fashion with a first-round TKO stoppage. Many people believed that was the end of Natalie’s title aspirations as long as Delaney held the title. However, since then, King has completely mowed over her competition against some of the very best and as such, she earned an interim title victory when Donovan made the historic leap to become Middleweight Champ. Delaney said this was the last time he would face King, so win, lose, or draw, this is the final dance.
JASON JACKSON
The Bandit? Done? Hardly. Byron McCall, KO’d. Zari Aliyah? TKO. Neither of them made it out of the first round, and Byron is a future hall of famer. Yasmine Vermeulen made it to the second round at least but she was a TKO victim as well. Nat is a beast, But Donovan is on a different level. You don’t fight Delaney Donovan, you Survive Delaney Donovan. 9-1 in his last 10. 9-1, Bodie. That’s better than some fighter’s records. He’s champion for a reason, and I think that we are about to get another potential fight of the year tonight. I’ve been saying that a lot huh? Look, I don’t know who’s going to get fight of the night but with a card like this? The choices are endless.
BODIE SULLIVAN
It’s arguably the biggest card of the year, and we’re all in for a wild night. So with that, let’s switch gears to where the action lies inside the octagon with our very own hype man, Mike Dempsey!
JASON JACKSON
Let’s get this show on the road.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland for UGP 28! And now, this opening 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 1-2. He stands 5’10”, and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Santa Fe, Argentina, presenting Osvaldo “El Matador” Ledesma!
[Osvaldo Ledesma looks calm but knows he has a tough fight ahead of him.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
First up, the Argentinian prospect Osvaldo Ledesma. It’s been a while since we’ve last seen El Matador inside the octagon. His last fight was at Boss Fight XXIII against Zamara Ali which he came up short in by a decision. His last fight on a super card came at UGP 22, in a unanimous decision loss to Erick Costa. Although he’s lost his last two, Ledesma has gone the distance in all of his pro fights, so you know he’s ready and willing to go the distance.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, and like I said earlier, he’s fairly new here. He may need some time to hit the ground running, but one thing he CAN’T do is continue losing. He needs to put the fucking stamp on Xabier here and send him packing. It’s dog eat dog out here, uce and this guy needs to be an Argentinian PIT BULL tonight and show the people upstairs just why he was hired.
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 7-8. He stands 5’7”, and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from San Diego, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, presenting “The Black Knight” Xabier Belazco!
[Xabier Belazco looks like he's feeling the pressure as he sways from side to side in his corner.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And now we have the crafty veteran Xabier Belazco. All throughout his career, The Black Knight has been a streaky fighter. His wins and losses come in bunches, and right now, he’s riding into this fight on a three fight losing skid. You know, Belazco has consistently fought the top tier competition, however, this is a step down in the skill set level. No disrespect to Osvaldo Ledesma, but it is what it is. When you go from facing champions, title challengers, and contenders to a 1-2 fighter, it hints that you’ve lost a step. With all that said though, Belazco extinguished the whispers of any retirement talk during the press conference. He wants to continue to compete and he believes he’s ready to bounce back tonight.
JASON JACKSON
No offense, but he hasn’t really extinguished anything. He can say he wants to keep fighting and competing but a loss here? Tsk, the commission might shut that shit down. You can’t keep taking losses like that. It’s not even decision losses at this point, it’s back to back stoppages from damage. I think he needs to really think about things if he loses here. I really hope that Xabier comes out here and makes me eat my words. I hope he comes out and mollywhops this guy. No offence to Osvaldo, but that would extinguish retirement discussions. Otherwise? I’m not convinced. Either way, let’s take it down and see how the cards fall.
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ROUND ONE
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[And we’re off; both fighters move to the center of the cage as the bell sounds. Belazco studies his opponent throwing a kick to measure distance, to which Ledesma answers with a fake punch and quick footwork moving to the side. They circle around each other, faking some shots, a start that’s a bit cold compared to what we would’ve wanted out of these two tonight. Then, Ledesma cracks Belazco’s defense with a straight right hand that makes the Black Knight stumble back!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
That one got through! A straight right backs Xabier up.
JASON JACKSON
Pretty slow start here though, they seem to be giving each other's striking tremendous respect. That, or they are shitting bricks. Osvaldo is going after him here though, so if it was nervousness it is all gone!
[Ledesma doesn’t let off as he throws a left hook to the body, immediately followed by a cracking right hook that puts Xabier Belazco on his back! El Matador is relentless as he throws a kick to his opponent’s thigh to a loud pop. Belazco tries to defend by throwing an up-kick; but Ledesma leans out of the way. It’s obvious Osvaldo Ledesma doesn’t want to get to the ground with Belazco and he creates space allowing the Black Knight to get back on his feet as the clock hits 2:10.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ledesma pushes the pace here after dropping Belazco with a beautiful hook!
JASON JACKSON
Look at that! He’s letting him back up! Cheeky as fuck. Hope that doesn't come back to bite him in the ass. Xabier is in troubled waters here already though. It’s sad to watch.
[We’re back where it all started and Ledesma points to Belazco and smiles, he says something to his opponent of which we can only hear “vamos!”; Ledesma and Belazco study each other; until Ledesma throws a punch that gets deflected by Belazco; great head movement by Xabier here. The miss creates an off-balance moment that allows Belazco to grab Osvaldo by the waist and get his opponent to the ground, with a beautiful takedown!]
JASON JACKSON
He’s talkin’ to him. What did he say? Vamos? [to Osvaldo] ándale ándale! I like this guy.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Looks like he got a little too cocky here, and Belazco is able to secure the takedown.
JASON JACKSON
[to Osvaldo again] ¡Arriba, arriba! Shh, it’s cool, uce. He’s gonna get up. I told him to. I picked that up when I was the GM for a basketball team in Mexico City.
[Belazco pushes Ledesma against the fence trying to improve his positioning as Ledesma struggles with what is a superior ground game by his opponent. Belazco, in open guard, struggles with Ledesma for positioning, but finally grabs a hold of Ledesma’s leg and locks in a kneebar, but Ledesma quickly breaks the hold. Yet, this causes enough of a distraction for Belazco to jump right into open guard and launch a barrage of punches towards Ledesma, but Osvaldo’s defense holds up, buying the Argentinian enough time and inaction for the referee to get the fight back on the feet.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nice transition here by Belazco, using the Kneebar as a distraction to move into a dominant position to rain down some shots!
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, he’s not listening to me. I told him to get up. Oh… oh… Okay. The ref heard me at least.
[Both fighters are back in the middle of the cage and Ledesma starts mouthing off once more, pointing at the middle of the cage and making gestures to his opponent. They throw hands and in the exchange, Ledesma throws a kick to the body that gets caught by Belazco who quickly makes his opponent lose balance and gets him to the ground once more.]
JASON JACKSON
That's sliiiick. Nice takedown!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Belazco takes the fight right back to the ground and he takes control once again. Such an experienced grappler here. An experienced fighter in general. This man has been to war time and time again and that is his real advantage in this fight.
[They jockey for position until Belazco manages to grab a hold of Ledesma’s arm and tries for an armbar. Yet, the attempt wasn’t secure enough and Ledesma managed to sit up and pull his arm out of danger making Belazco lose position in the process. Now it is Ledesma who is over on the ground, but he can’t do much as the buzzer sounds signaling the end of the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
The round comes to an end, and what do you think Jason? Who do you think did enough to take the round?
JASON JACKSON
I scored it 10-9 Osvaldo, just on the fact that he was able to score a knockdown VS Xabier’s two takedowns. In my opinion, I just score a knockdown a little higher, but that’s not to say how the judges here see it. We’ll keep it moving though as the second is almost out and our fighters are ready to continue work.
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ROUND TWO
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[We begin the second round, right where we started the last one. Both fighters in the middle of the cage exchanging wild punches, with Belazco showing off his head movement making Ledesma look silly. El Matador rushes Belazco like a bull, but Belazco grabs him and takes him down with a double leg takedown!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Blazing exchange to start the round! Perfect head movement by Belazco!
JASON JACKSON
Nice glimpse of boxing before Belazco puts the clamps on him again and takes the fight back to the ground. Relentless pace by The Black Knight.
[Belazco is in closed guard over Ledesma, and it seems like Ledesma is just holding on in desperation. Belazco throws some weak punches to Ledesma’s side, trying to make him let go a bit to move into a better position; but Ledesma isn’t budging. The Black Knight uses his strength to get out of his current position, but the momentum is enough for Ledesma to roll on the ground and reverse position on his opponent!]
JASON JACKSON
OH! Slick sweep by Ledesma!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Osvaldo lands in half-guard, and it is off to the races. Ledesma unloads a barrage!
JASON JACKSON
He’s pummelling him. FULL SEND.
[They keep struggling, but it is Ledesma who is now throwing weak punches in hopes of baiting Xabier and letting it rain on him on the ground. Belazco struggles with Ledesma and they are scrambling, trying to get into a better position and in the struggle, Ledesma rolls Belazco to his stomach and manages to take his back!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oh no, he did NOT want that to happen. El Matador takes Xabier’s back!
JASON JACKSON
Can he get the hooks in? Belazco is doing a great job defending from this shitty position.
[Osvaldo Ledesma is in rear mount and we see some desperation in Belazco’s actions as he continues to struggle, with the Argentinian throwing punches as he can. Xabier manages to roll and get back into full guard as Ledesma struggles mightily to get to a position from which he could do damage. Osvaldo tries to free his leg, and it seems something clicked for him.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
I’m not sure how he’s managed it, but Xabier is able to get back to his guard by rolling and scrambling for position.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, it doesn’t matter though. You can tell Ledesma is just looking to take him to ground and pound town. Get it? Get it?
BODIE SULLIVAN
That was terrible.
JASON JACKSON
I’m just saying, you can pound a motherfucker’s head in from most positions on the ground.
[Ledesma STEALS A PAGE FROM BELAZCO against Tatum, as he does a cartwheel and it’s enough for him to get into side mount over Xabier Belazco! Ledesma lets some punches rain, but Belazco defends well and traps Ledesma back into his guard. Dusty Whittaker has seen enough and stands both fighters up.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
WOW! Ledesma with Xabier’s own cartwheel into side control! You can tell he’s been watching tape.
JASON JACKSON
Cheeky, like I said. This kid is funny. Nice move to take side control but awful stand up by the ref here.
[The clock says 2:35 as both fighters continue their pace, with Ledesma throwing hands and Belazco avoiding and looking for takedowns. There’s one attempt by Belazco that almost got Ledesma back on the ground, but it was a floppy attempt and Ledesma managed to counter with a low kick that catches Belazco’s ankle.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Action has seemed to slow a bit here as both men regroup and try to recover some energy, picking their shots from the outside.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah you can hear these fans though. They don’t like it. They want that action. Ledesma closing the distance with a kick and --
[The kick was enough to keep distance and Ledesma unloads a looping right hand that Belazco just manages to avoid and counter with a jab that stuns Ledesma. Belazco attacks his opponent with a flurry of jabs and looks to finish the combo with an uppercut that Ledesma just barely dodges and counters with a jab that keeps Belazco away from him for the moment.]
JASON JACKSON
WOOOOO! That uppercut was close. He almost knocked his head into orbit like that asshat Jeff Bezos.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Where’s the lie?! He barely, BARELY, avoided a fight ender right there.
[Ledesma moves away from Belazco, looking to slow his opponent’s momentum. He hits some soft jabs as he moves, looking more to keep the distance than to damage Belazco. Ledesma finally catches wind and stops his bicycle as he throws some hard jabs that get countered by Belazco and both fighters exchange wild punches. In the moment, Belazco dives for Ledesma’s leg looking for a foot lock, but Ledesma manages to step out of danger with Belazco staying on the ground.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And Belazco…..belly flops? Nice anticipation and footwork by Ledesma. He made him look foolish.
JASON JACKSON
HAHAHAHA! This man flopped like an NBA player. Give him two shots.
[El Matador wants NOTHING to do with Belazco on the ground as he steps away and allows Belazco to get back on his feet as he shouts to Belazco once more. The crowd roars as Ledesma points to the center of the cage inviting his opponent to throw. Belazco throws a punch to Ledesma that lands, but Ledesma just smiles showing no effect from that punch, then Belazco throws another and Ledesma moves his head out of the way. The sequence continues for a few seconds until Belazco sees an opening and deposits Ledesma back on the ground with another takedown attempt that doesn’t sit all that well with the crowd here.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
These fans are not happy big dog. Do you hear them? They want Belasco to keep the fight standing, Ledesma wants to keep the fight standing, what do you think?
JASON JACKSON
Hey fuck that man. It’s MMA. The ground game is part of the package. If you want to see two men stand and fight for an entire round, watch Boxing, or Kickboxing. As long as you are active and attacking on the ground, and looking to work? I say fuck that booing shit, let them fight. Eh?
BODIE SULLIVAN
Eloquently put, my friend.
[The clock hits 4:55 and Belazco tries a kneebar here right at the end, the hold seems tight but the buzzer sounds and referee Dusty Whittaker tells both fighters to get back to their corners.]
JASON JACKSON
See, attack, attack, attack. He went for that kneebar for the finish and you folks were booing. Shame on you.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Two rounds in the book, How do you score going into the third Jase?
JASON JACKSON
That’s tough. It was a pretty even round. I’d give it to Belazco for the aggression and takedowns. Osvaldo did take his back, but X was right out of it and he had a tight kneebar at the end. 10-9 Bellllllazco. Did I sound like Dempsey? I did huh?
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ROUND THREE
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[Ledesma is showing the effects of that last sequence as he wobbles a bit walking to the center of the cage. Belazco sees this as an opportunity and doesn’t waste any time shooting for Ledesma’s leg. Yet El Matador shows great balance and pushes Belazco away. It is now Belazco who is mouthing at Ledesma asking him if he came to fight to which Ledesma answers with a “come on!” gesture with both of his hands.]
JASON JACKSON
OoOoH Shit. Things are heating up here. The usually stoic Belazco is talking smack now too. Are we seeing a resurgence?
BODIE SULLIVAN
I don’t know but I am on my seat to find out. It looks like Ledesma is still feeling that Kneebar from the last round. Will this affect him as we come down the stretch?
[Both men exchange in the center of the cage, until Belazco manages to grab a hold of Ledesma and get him back on the ground. This early in the round Belazco is showing why he’s so respected by his peers, as he keeps calm and locks in an arm triangle choke on Ledesma, stepping over into half guard and then side control to torque on the submission. Osvaldo isn’t as well versed on the ground as his opponent and his face turns red from the pressure, but sweat plays its part here and allows Ledesma to slip his head out of the hold.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Excellent technique here by Belazco as he goes right back to the ground, gas tank nowhere near empty, and snatches a choke right out of the gate.
JASON JACKSON
And a narrow escape, as Osvaldo is able to slip out of the hold and recover his closed guard.
[Ledesma takes a minute in the closed guard to gather some energy, before trying to escape the position. The fighters struggle and finally Ledesma manages to push Belazco off, getting some breathing room. Belazco doesn’t give his opponent that much time, though, as he quickly looks for an armbar from bottom; but Ledesma breaks the hold and moves himself to side control. Ledesma and Belazco jockey for positioning, until Ledesma manages to slide his knee across and take Mount position. Belazco knows what’s coming and he hammers at Ledesma’s ribs from the bottom, but Ledesma manages to block them and answer with some pity-pat punches; that doesn’t seem to hurt Belazco, but are enough to bother him.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Earlier in the fight, Osvaldo was hesitant to go to the ground with Belazco. Now he’s in full mount dropping punches on him.
JASON JACKSON
Barely dropping punches. Those aren’t doing shit.
[Belazco and Ledesma continue exchanging soft blows in this position, but Belazco makes one mistake and Ledesma tries to finish the fight with an armbar. Belazco manages to slip his arm away and grab a hold of Ledesma to hold him close and stall out the action. The referee had seen enough and stood both fighters back up.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Good standup here as the action goes stale. The fighters move back to their feet and we reset here with a little under 2 and a half minutes left on the clock.
JASON JACKSON
This fight is back and forth, and I’m not really sure who’s winning right now. It’s pretty even as we come down the stretch here with the finish line in sight. Are we going to get a last minute stoppage?
[Ledesma wants to finish this fight as he throws a flurry of punches, but he only manages to land a couple that don’t seem to hurt his opponent. Belazco then counters with stiff straights, to which Ledesma answers with some punches of his own. Belazco grabbed Ledesma by the waist once more and looked to take him back to the mat; but this time Ledesma managed to keep the fight on the feet and Belazco eats a jab-hook-uppercut combo that stuns him! Xabier seems to be in trouble, as he stumbles backwards a few steps, but his fighter instinct kicks in and he circles out, avoiding any more damage.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
OOF. Big three piece rocks Belazco but he seems to recover right away.
JASON JACKSON
Osvaldo not rushing in is smart too. He’s measured and happy to go the distance as well because in his mind, he’s done enough to win the fight. Hell, both of them should feel that way. This has been a great fight.
[El Matador shows great composure as he moves in to strike and quickly moves out of the way. Belazco launches a body shot that Ledesma manages to dodge and answer with a hard cross as the clock hits 4:00. Belazco seems to be looking to cool down the pace, with Ledesma looking to end the fight with the next punch, as the latter moves in and hits Belazco’s ribs hard with a hook. Xabier is breathing heavily after the shot, but he toughs it out and looks for a desperation takedown. Ledesma sprawls and looks to throw a punch, butthe buzzer sounds ending the fight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
This one goes the distance, and like you said big man, it was one hell of a fight.
JASON JACKSON
I honestly think Osvaldo did enough in this last round to take the victory, especially with a stun like he got with that three piece. I’m gonna go, 29-28 Ledesma. Let’s take it down to Mike Dempsey to find out.
[The fight goes the distance and the exhaustion shows plain as day on both fighters’ faces as they stumble their way to their respective corners. The doctors file into the octagon and begin their inspections on the fighters as they rehydrate. A few moments pass and the medical crew begin exiting the octagon. Both fighters are instructed to return to the center of the octagon by Dusty Whittaker for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards for a decision. All three judges scored this contest 29-28, declaring your winner by unanimous decision, Osvaldo “El Matador” Ledesma!
[The crowd cheers once again as Ledesma 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.]
CARSON O'MURPHY
Xabier Belazco 10 9 9: 28
Osvaldo Ledesma 9 10 10: 29
ROWAN MacGANNON
Xabier Belazco 10 9 9: 28
Osvaldo Ledesma 9 10 10: 29
OLLIE MAHONY
Xabier Belazco 9 10 9: 28
Osvaldo Ledesma 10 9 10: 29
Winner: Osvaldo Ledesma by Unanimous Decision
Statistics: Xabier Belazco
Punches 7/15 (47%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 4/10 (40%)
GnP strikes 0/5 (0%)
Submissions 6/6 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 349 s
Statistics: Osvaldo Ledesma
Punches 15/22 (68%)
Kicks 2/2 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 2/3 (67%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 311 s
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 2-1. He stands 6’ even, and weighing in at 130 pounds. He is from Miami, Florida, fighting out of the 9th World Performance Institute, presenting Terrico “CasKets” Harris!
[Terrico Harris glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Alright now making his Union GP debut is the 9th World prospect Terrico Harris. We don’t have a whole lot of tape of him, which could go both ways. He’s a wild card but also inexperienced, but he’s got the opportunity to put his name out there on a massive card against a universally respected name in Megan Reed. During his short stint in Everest, he did challenge for the Strawweight Title, but got starched in the first round by Elliot McMillan. As we mentioned at the top of the show, his move may have come a little early, but standing at six feet tall, I’d imagine cutting to the 115 pound Strawweight limit was probably too much for the big guy.
JASON JACKSON
He may be inexperienced but he has a good camp behind him in 9th world, and I know he’s got some slick sub skills if he’s fighting under that flag and rolling with Hagen Lecktor. One thing you learn when you get hit one good time, or starched like he was? How to move your head, how to cover up and avoid that. One of the things I always told students of the game was “You win, or you learn” You take that mistake and fill in that hole. You have to always be ever evolving, and we’ll see if he’s got that in him here tonight as he takes a step up in competition.
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-4. She stands 5’2”, and weighing in at 120 pounds. She is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of Lion's Den FC Las Vegas, presenting “Firecracker” Megan Reed!
[Megan Reed 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.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Co-Founder of the Lions Den FC Las Vegas, Megan Reed comes into this fight on a two fight win streak, while also winning four of her last five. The Firecracker is known to have some solid hands to do most of her damage, but she is also a bit underrated on the ground. She stays in attack mode and can turn her opponents into pulp with vicious ground and pound. If she can score the win here tonight, you have to imagine she’ll be looking at someone in the top five next to make a serious push toward title contention.
JASON JACKSON
Like I said at the beginning of the show, Megan is a bulldog. She sets a relentless pace, and likes to push the action and go out on her shield. We’ll see if Terrico can weather the punishment, or if he folds under the pressure. With a win here, I think a top 5 fighter is the next logical step on her path to title contention once again.
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[Megan Reed and Terrico Harris move forward as the bell signals the start of the fight. Not wasting any time, both fighters start unloading on each other! Both Reed and Harris are landing some big shots and this one could end at any moment! Reed looks to be in very good shape, throwing some tremendous strikes, but Harris starts to block her with some confidence and then launches a rapid series of punches, taking Reed from one end of the cage to the other!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Fireworks here to open the fight! Huge shots landing from both fighters as Harris pushes the pace and gains the upper hand.
JASON JACKSON
Smart tactic. Take the pressure back to her and see if she can withstand it. Nasty combos by Harris!
[The brutal combinations from Terrico Harris continue to pour and Reed is in trouble with her legs looking wobbly! She manages to stay upright by leaning on the fence before finally circling out and creating some space. Harris keeps the pressure on and looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Reed's punches. Harris doesn’t get hit with anything significant but Reed steps away with a bit of swelling already all around her face.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Rough waters early for Reed, as she is looking worse for wear already.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, Harris was tuning her up there for a moment. But she’s not backing down. She keeps moving forward and looks ready to trade again.
[Despite the early lashing, Reed shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to circle out and baits Harris in. Reed perfectly times her attack by grabbing Harris by the waist and takes the fight to the ground with a textbook body lock takedown. On the ground, the two jockey for position until Terrico manages to close his guard around Reed. The two continue to struggle and Harris suddenly rolls to get to full mount over Reed!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Not a good position to be in here for Reed. She secured the takedown but lost dominant position via a beautifully timed sweep.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah Bodie, this kid is dangerous on the ground. She might want to rethink the takedowns if she makes it out of this.
[From the bottom, Reed tries to create some space to escape, but ends up leaving herself open for Harris to go for an armbar. Reed wiggles her arm free and nearly gets on top, but Harris uses her momentum to get back in a full mount position. The two continue to pummel back and forth for control before Reed tries to roll to her side and get to half guard. Unfortunately for her, Harris carries her over to her stomach and backs her back!]
JASON JACKSON
Awesome Jitz on display here from both fighters as, OH ARMBAR!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Reed is able to get free, and they continue working for position in a human chess match.
JASON JACKSON
Mistake by Reed, and Harris takes her back!
[Despite the concerning position, Megan Reed stays calm. Reed tries to roll and escape from the bottom but Harris uses his legs to keep control and drops a few big punches to the side of the head for good measure. Reed fires back with some punches to the ribs and Harris winces from the blows. This leaves enough of a pause in the action for Reed to roll and transition to a side mount. However, Reed cannot hold on for long as Harris repositions himself and gets to full mount and begins dropping bombs from up top.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nice move by Reed to get herself out of trouble and roll to side control but Harris wasted no time reclaiming the Mount.
JASON JACKSON
Terrico is dropping the HAMMER on her right now. Those punches are nasty.
[Reed is unable to cover herself up so she makes a move and gets to half guard. Harris isn’t bothered by this though as he works himself to side mount, then jumps back into full mount. Reed tries to stand up but Harris doesn’t allow it, so she then tries to roll to her side to get back to half guard, but Harris shows off his solid ground game by taking her back once again!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Dominant control on the ground by Terrico Harris. He’s cool, calm, and collected as he keeps up the pressure and winds up taking the back again.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, this is that 9th World shit. They are wizzes on the mat. NIce work here by Harris to take the back once again.
[The body language from Megan Reed is a little more concerning this go round as she tries forcing her way out without properly setting anything up. Harris manages to keep control of the situation then begins dropping some razor sharp elbows in rapid succession! Reed's getting rocked here, but she keeps her composure under pressure and manages to roll out and get to her feet! Harris is quick to follow her up and both fighters continue the fight standing to the sound of a cheering crowd. Reed doesn’t look too interested in engaging with just seconds remaining, and the two circle around the center of the cage until the buzzer sounds to mark the end of the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
What an opening round! Megan Reed looks hurt and frantic here in the closing seconds of that round and Terrico looks like he could go 4 more. What a pleasant surprise out of the newcomer here tonight.
JASON JACKSON
Indeed. He’s looking like he belongs. A lot of people said he stepped up too early but he’s hanging with an experienced fighter, and Bodie, I even think he took that round. 10-9 Terrico Harris.
=========================================
ROUND TWO
=========================================
[In the opening moments of the second frame, Terrico Harris is quick to close the distance while Megan Reed is a little more hesitant to engage. After circling around looking for any angles, Reed’s apprehension allows Harris to wrap around her waist and fold her over with a body lock takedown of his own. As the two hit the mat, Harris lands in open guard over Reed and both fighters immediately struggle for position.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Strange to see Megan Reed looking timid out there. I almost wonder if she got hurt in the last round?
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, I’m not sure but Harris is all over it. I think she may just be out of gas. Harris is in full control right now.
[It’s evident that Megan Reed is trying to push past a wall of exhaustion from the bottom. She tries to close her guard to secure the situation, but Harris doesn’t allow it. Reed continues to work at closing her guard, but over and over again Terrico Harris controls the situation and it looks at this point Reed is running on fumes. Megan Reed continues to work at closing her guard until Terrico Harris fakes a move and goes for a kneebar! Harris gradually progresses to secure the lock while Reed tries to kick her leg free. It only takes a few seconds, but the intensity feels like a lifetime as Reed slowly succumbs to the crippling leg lock. The wave of thriving pain is too much for Reed and she’s forced to tap! Dusty Whittaker steps in and pries Harris off to call an end to the fight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
That’s locked in. Jesus that looks painful. She needs to tap.
JASON JACKSON
There it is! It’s ALL OVER! Terrico Harris by Kneebar here in the start of the second round. 9th world Jiu Jitsu on display yet again. This gym, and this fighter are for real ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Union Grand Prix.
[The crowd booms with a very mixed reaction as Terrico Harris celebrates the big win against the long-time fan favorite. The medical staff pour into the octagon and the majority of them head to Reed to tend to her. A few moments pass and Megan Reed is finally helped up to her feet. Once the medical experts exit the cage, 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 one minute in the second round, declaring your winner by submission, Terrico “CasKets” Harris!
[The crowd cheers once again as Harris 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: Terrico Harris by Submission (Kneebar) at 1:00 Round 2
Statistics: Megan Reed
Punches 3/7 (43%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 2/2 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 246 s
Statistics: Terrico Harris
Punches 19/22 (86%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 10/12 (83%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 246 s
♫
THIS SHIT I'M DOING IS BIGGER THAN YOU, DO NOT INTERFERE
I'M SO FAR AHEAD OF YOU N----, IT LOOK LIKE I'M NOT EVEN HERE
ALTHOUGH MY ROAD IS NOT EVEN CLEAR, I DON'T SEE NO OTHER OPTION TO STEER
I'M GOING OUT AS A LEGEND, YOU KNOW IT, MY ENVIOUS ENEMIES DROPPIN' A TEAR
♫
[“Be11a Ciao” By Hopsin floods through the speakers, and after a few moments Zion Momo'a emerges from the tunnel to a roar from the fans. He looks dialed in as he makes the walk to the cage, mouthing along to the song while showing the fans some love, specifically making a point to walk over to dap up his Agent and put his hat on Levi’s head backwards. He pauses to have some final words and dap up his cornermen and entourage before turning and making final preparations to enter the cage.]
♫
YOU SHOULD KNOW I GET IT POPPIN' BY MY NAME (I DO)
MAN, THESE HOES AIN'T NEVER ROCKIN' WITH NO LAMES (THAT'S YOU)
BITCH, I'M MARRIED TO THIS MOTHERFUCKING GAME (DAMN RIGHT! IT'S TRUE)
IF YOU REALLY THINK YOU GOT ME IN YOUR AIM (THEN SHOOT)
LET'S GO
♫
[After passing final inspections, Zion makes the climb up the stairs and runs straight at the opposite side of the cage to run up the cage and does a back flip. The crowd gives another pop and he pounds his chest with his hand and raises it into the air to show them love once more.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
The energy in this building surpasses “electric” Jason. The roof literally feels like it might come off of this place as we reach the first of our 3 main events. The Union GP Middleweight title is something that has long eluded this man as 2 of his 3 losses have been for this very belt. There’s some talk about him being cursed, and He’s even told Travis in the weigh-ins “Hey, if you beat me? I’ll leave Middleweight altogether.” That is the definition of an all-in bet, and part of me can’t help but wonder if maybe that is best for this young man if he loses. Maybe he should move elsewhere, or maybe he runs it back like I said before in a best of five. Either way, this trilogy fight is seeded with a deep dislike for one another, and I don’t think we will have to wait long for the action.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, you said it. They don’t like each other, and they want to get in there and air it out in the cage. The time for talking is over. Both of these guys are two of the best fighters in the world. This could be over in seconds, or it could be a 5 round war. There’s no telling what we are going to get. I do know one thing though, Underdog no more! Right? Decker told Zion and the world that this title isn’t going anywhere tonight and he is about to make the walk to do his due diligence in backing up those words against “The Buzzsaw”
♫
I CAN FEEL IT COMING IN THE AIR TONIGHT, (OH LORD)
AND I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT, FOR ALL MY LIFE, (OH LORD)
CAN YOU FEEL IT COMING IN THE AIR TONIGHT, OH LORD, (OH LORD)
♫
[The crowd erupts again as “In the Air Tonight” By Phil Collins begins to play throughout the arena, and Travis Decker steps out of the tunnel, the spotlight gleaming off the Middleweight title around his waist. He looks ready for war as he marches toward the cage with his team. He doesn’t acknowledge the fans, or anyone else, except for Zion Momo’a, who his eyes are glued on the entire time.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Here comes the Union GP Middleweight King, and that look… man, he looks like he is ready to maul someone tonight. We mentioned it before, he told the world “this belt is going nowhere” and seeing this man’s gaze as he makes the walk out here to defend what’s his? I believe he means what he says. Momo’a had tried to get into his head leading up to this fight. He tried to prod him at the press conference and elicit a reaction but, I don’t know if it was the reaction he hoped for.
JASON JACKSON
Nah, because “Ripcord” looks like he’s ready to kill someone’s whole family right now over that belt around his waist, as he should. He’s got that Chris Benoit look in his eyes, Bodie. This fight is going to be one for the fuckin AGES. I’m so excited.
♫
WELL, IF YOU TOLD ME YOU WERE DROWNING
I WOULD NOT LEND A HAND
I'VE SEEN YOUR FACE BEFORE MY FRIEND
BUT I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW WHO I AM
WELL, I WAS THERE AND I SAW WHAT YOU DID
I SAW IT WITH MY OWN TWO EYES
SO YOU CAN WIPE OFF THAT GRIN, I KNOW WHERE YOU'VE BEEN
IT'S ALL BEEN A PACK OF LIES.
♫
[Decker makes his way into the cage, and the two fighters meet in the middle for a ferocious stare down right away. The crowd is in a frenzy, as the ref and a few security guards have to pull the fighters apart and force them to their corners so that Mike Dempsey can do the official introductions.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the first of two Co-Main Events of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it’s for the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 9-3. He stands 6’ even, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Los Angeles, California, fighting out of the 36th Street MMA, presenting the former Union Grand Prix Middleweight Title Challenger and the number one ranked Middleweight Contender in the World, “The Buzzsaw” Zion Momo’a!
[Zion raises his hand and salutes, before bouncing back and forth on his feet, ready to fight while staring holes through Travis Decker.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 7-5. He stands 6’2”, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of the Real Killas MMA, presenting the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion of the World, “Ripcord” Travis Decker!
[Travis Decker is pacing back and forth in his corner before the fight begins, shadow boxing and talking to himself and his corner to get ready for this war.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
It’s time to go. They barely made it through the introductions but now it’s time to settle it all inside the cage. Are you ready Jason?
JASON JACKSON
Oh I’m ready. I’ve been waiting for this one all night. Let’s get this bitch underway!
[Decker and Momo'a move forward to meet in the center of the cage, as the bell signals the beginning of the fight. Momo'a jabs at Decker, but the punch is deflected and it hits his chest instead. Travis Decker answers back right away however, with a vicious kick that lands hard on Momo'a's ribs! Zion feints to close the distance and he launches a smooth lead uppercut that Decker blocks away. Zion circles out, and Decker steps forward with a solid head kick that is narrowly blocked. This prompts Zion to put his hands up to goad Travis into an exchange. At first, Decker seems hesitant, but finally he obliges the cheering fans and the two exchange wildly as the crowd comes unglued.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Just what we expected right out of the gate. No feeling out, no touchy-feely, just straight up bad blood and action.
JASON JACKSON
I love it. He told him, “Let’s fucking go!” and Decker thought about it for a second and was like “fuck it!” and now they are TEEING off on each other!
[Decker, getting the worst of the exchange, steps back out of range quickly, but Zion gives chase. This allows Decker to follow up with a nasty front kick to the chin of the challenger, using Zion’s uncharacteristic over-aggression in this fight against him! The shot snaps Zion’s head back, and he charges forward to secure a clinch that allows him to clear away the cobwebs.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
This is a much more aggressive Zion that we are used to seeing and he-- OH BIG KICK! He’s hurt! Momo’a is HURT.
JASON JACKSON
Nice front kick by Decker. He’s using those long legs and Zion’s over aggression to capitalize. He;s making Momo’a come to him, and then setting the trap. Good recovery though from the Vet Momo’a. Grabbing on to clear away the little fuzzie wuzzies.
BODIE SULLIVAN
The what?
JASON JACKSON
Don’t ask.
[Working from a single collar tie, Zion clings on tightly and begins looking to soften Decker up with some dirty boxing. Decker is well aware of Zion’s power, and he wants nothing to do with the position, so he breaks from the clinch and moves back out to striking range. This move creates distance for him to throw another solid kick that lands just below the ribs of Momo’a. Zion retaliates with a stiff jab, but Decker sways out of the way and lands another solid kick to the body of the challenger.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Another kick to the midsection of Momo’a, as Decker stays at range and prods at him from the outside. He’s not letting Momo’a really load up on anything. It’s a very smart tactic.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, He’s really working the body of The Buzzsaw right now. I see a welt forming already. Zion needs to get some of his own kicks rolling. I know he has generates some incredible power with his kicking technique.
[Momo'a looks for angles now, as he throws a few jabs that are parried away by Travis Decker. Zion quickly shows his boxing prowess though, by slipping an incoming punch, and testing the resilience of Decker's chin with an uppercut. Decker lands a great cross in response, and a few seconds later, a lightning fast inside leg kick from Momo'a is checked hard by Decker. This seems to do some pretty significant damage to the challenger, as he immediately begins to limp pretty noticeably after the checked kick.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nasty uppercut by Momo’a, the same type that ended the last fight with Decker. Travis is fighting like a man possessed though and eats it like a champion.
JASON JACKSON
Eeeek. That checked kick was brutal. I think something happened to his leg there. He’s not moving right and the pain on his face tells me he just fucked up.
[Zion’s footwork gets a bit more sloppy due to the decreased mobility, and Travis Decker tries to take advantage of this, as he launches a wicked fast 3 punch combo. Momo’a is able to block two of the punches with ease, but the last punch, a looping overhand, lands solidly on the chin! Momo'a stumbles backwards a few steps and the falls to the mat on his ass. Decker moves in quickly, standing over Zion , who is working on recovering while on the ground. Decker looks like he might try to drop down with a diving punch, but a narrowly avoided up kick by “The Buzzsaw” changes his mind. This gives Zion the space he needs to clamber back to his feet, trying his best not to put pressure on the visibly bruised and swollen lead leg.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
ZION GOES DOWN, BUT HE IS NOT OUT! Beautiful overhand tags him in the jaw here and puts him down on his ass in the center of the cage.
JASON JACKSON
Whew! Decker almost got his face kicked in with that upkick though. I think it’s best to let them stand back up. Zion’s leg is clearly damaged and if I were Decker? I’d be making him stand on it, and I’d be kicking the hell out of it.
[Travis Decker fakes a level change, and he closes the distance to uncork another massive looping right hand. Zion Momo'a does his best to jump backwards out of the way, but his leg doesn’t allow him to move completely out of range in time. The punch connects solidly to the side of Momoa's head, but he eats this shot like a pro, and counters back with a few solid punches of his own in a blazing exchange that backs Decker up.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Mobility issues for Momo’a as he eats another huge punch here. He’s got such incredible heart that he still wants to fight. He doesn’t care if he’s only got one good leg. This kid wants this title, and he’s willing to fight through whatever it takes to get it.
JASON JACKSON
He’s not even backing down or going on the retreat. Zion Momo’a is firing back at Decker, with one good leg. I don’t see him being able to go long like this though, so if he’s going to win this fight, he’s going to have to pull a rabbit out of a hat, and quickly.
[Decker begins to target the lead leg of the clearly injured Momo’a, going for another brutal leg kick in an attempt to take it out completely. Zion avoids the targeted shot though, and he begins answering back with straight right hands down the pipe each time that Decker attempts to close the distance. This frustrates Travis, who finally has had enough. He launches a barrage of punches at his rival, pushing the pace as he attempts to back Momo’a down and retake the center of the cage. Momo'a shows tremendous heart as he weathers the storm, and he refuses to back down as both men engage in a wild exchange in an attempt to be “king of the hill” in the center of the octagon. Both fighters are connecting with some HARD shots here, and the crowd is at a deafening roar, as they know that the fight could end with a single well aimed punch.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Neither man is willing to quit, Neither man is willing to back down. Each one of them wants to be the champion so badly when the smoke clears that they are leaving it all out there.
JASON JACKSON
This can’t keep going at this pace though. Someone is going to drop.
[A right cross from Momo’a swells up Decker’s eye, causing him to step back and regroup. This prompts Zion to TRY and charge forward in an attempt to follow up, but this mistake makes him the recipient of a pin-point high kick, courtesy of one, Travis Decker. You could hear the impact from the kick all the way up in the cheap seats, but Momo’a somehow eats it and stays standing! Decker follows up with a solid leg kick to the injured leg of Momo’a, catching him by surprise. The challenger’s leg buckles, and Zion is seen barely able to put pressure on his leg as the buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Not good. Momo’a ate two big kicks at the end of the round there. One to the head, and another to that injured leg that seemed to buckle him. I’ll be surprised if he comes off the stool to start the second round. He looked to be in some real pain.
JASON JACKSON
That’s the fighter mentality though. He was probably telling himself “ I need to just make it to the end of the round.” and he did, but now? He’s gotta go back out there and do it again, and I don’t know if his leg will hold up. If I was his coach I might think about throwing in the towel and calling it to save the damage. But that could bring resentment. It looks like he’s going to fight though. Eh, I don’t know about this but here we go…
[Decker and Momo'a come out to the center of the cage to start round 2 with another boxing exchange. Decker lands an uppercut that connects solidly, forcing Zion to backpedal a bit. The champion chases Momo'a, launching a few perfect follow-up strikes that manage to bust “The Buzzsaw’s” nose! Blood is now pouring down the face of Momo’a, who struggles to stay standing on his banged up leg.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Rough start for Momo’a who is on the receiving end of some shots that bust his nose open pretty good. That’s going to make it a bit harder to breathe if this fight goes into later rounds.
JASON JACKSON
He keeps eating shots like that and this fight ain’t gonna go later into this round. He’s gonna get knocked the fuck out.
[Decker uses the injury as a tactic once again, and he goes for a low kick feint, but faster than the speed of light, he changes it to a question mark kick that lands solidly, causing Momo'a's jaw to visibly swell. Zion covers up against the fence, using it to keep him standing as his injured leg begins giving out as he does his best to keep himself upright. Decker does not relent. A barrage of head kicks are fired off in succession, one after the other, each slamming into the body and arms, and leg of Momo’a as if he were a heavy bag, while Zion does his best to block the onslaught, Willie green is all over the action. Green is asking Momo'a to defend himself, but Decker keeps the pressure on, attacking the closed block of Momo’a and keeping him pinned up against the fence for just a few more moments until Willie jumps in between the fighters and stops the fight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
AND THIS ONE IS ALL OVER! Travis Decker REMAINS your Middleweight champion by way of TKO, and you really have to feel bad for Zion. All the hype, all the preparation, all the energy to get back here and to lose again on the big one. Hopefully he makes a speedy recovery and nothing too serious is wrong with his leg because I’m interested to see where he goes from here.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, tough night, but that’s how it goes. I think it was maybe a bit of an early stoppage since he was still defending himself but props to Decker for turning up the heat and realizing that Willie is a ref that is prone to stopping fights before a lot of unnecessary damage can occur. The ref knew Zion’s leg was messed up and he stepped in to-- oh. I think we got a situation in there. Zion looks upset.
[The crowd explodes into a mixture of cheers and boos as Travis Decker is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Momo’a can be seen protesting the stoppage, shouting and cursing at the ref. Security eventually has to step in and usher Zion back to his corner though, once he forcefully shoves official Willie Green during their heated argument. The challenger is livid, and he can be seen Gronk spiking his Vitamin Water bottle off the canvas as he continues talking shit to the ref, and Travis Decker. Doctors eventually tend to Zion, much to his displeasure, placing a splint on his leg, before helping him to his feet. After the doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Looks like Momo’a is unhappy with the stoppage as well and he got a little physical with the Ref. That’s likely to be a fine for him on top of the loss.
JASON JACKSON
When it rains, it pours, but hey… you can’t put your hands on an official. I know it’s a rough night but go to the hospital, get an Xray, have a drink and sort it out. I think the pressure got to him here tonight. I hope he makes a quick recovery and gets back to the Zion we all know and love.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Willie Green has called for a stop in this fight at one minute twenty-four seconds in the second round, declaring your winner by technical knockout, AND STILL the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion of the World, “Ripcord” Travis Decker!
[The crowd is a mix of boos and cheers once again as Decker has his hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around his waist. Momo’a refuses to shake Decker’s hand and even goes as far as to extend a middle finger in his face and spit blood on the ground at his feet. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Travis Decker by TKO (High Kick) at 1:24 Round 2
Statistics: Travis Decker
Punches 20/29 (69%)
Kicks 12/14 (86%)
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: Zion Momo'a
Punches 7/18 (39%)
Kicks 2/3 (67%)
Clinch strikes 0/4 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 21 s
♫
CALIFORNIA LOVE!
♫
["California Love" by Tupac ft. Dr. Dre bumps over the loudspeaker and Lauren Moore emerges to the stage wearing her pink and black walkout fight kit with crew members from her Real Killas camp following behind. Moore can’t help but flash her signature smile as she slowly trots down the aisle toward the octagon.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Making her way to the octagon now is the former and inaugural Bantamweight Champion, Lauren Moore. Moore captured the title against Dallas Meechan in their first meeting. She used a perfectly executed game plan of implementing takedowns and ground and pound. She pummeled her way to a fourth round KO win, but fell to Zari Aliyah in her first defense. When she got her second crack at Dallas, he had the strap and a much improved game plan, as he brought the series to 1-1 with a second round TKO victory. Moore took time off to heal several injuries sustained in that fight, but since returning she’s won two straight and looking to cap off an exciting rivalry against The Scottish Slugger with a victory and a second title reign.
JASON JACKSON
She’s got a huge test in front of her here, but if anyone has the tools to beat Dallas Meechan again and make things interesting, it’s L-Mo. I’m curious to see whether she employs the same game plan and looks to take this to the ground, or if she stands and bangs it out until one of them falls. Either way, she looks supremely confident as she makes the stride to the octagon.
[Moore makes it cageside where she disrobes and hands off her walkout kit to a cornerman so she can get checked out by the fight official. Once she’s been cleared, she gives a hug to each one of her corner crewmen before racing up the steps and jogging a few laps around the cage before posting up in her corner.]
♫
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.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Listen to the crowd, this man right here is Ireland’s favorite stepchild. You know Ireland and Scotland have had a heated rivalry that spans across so many different fields, but they have brought Playboy in as one of their own. The guy has been sensational from the jump, taking on the very best of the best and continues to outperform the competition. Tonight he has the chance to go 2-up against the only person to hand him an L, and if he can succeed in winning this rubber match against Lauren Moore, I think you have to start putting Dally’s name in the GOAT discussions.
JASON JACKSON
I think you already have to, if we’re being honest. Very few have the skill set or the charisma that Dallas Meechan possesses. He’s a staple here in UGP and the banner wouldn’t be the same without him representing it. Dallas seems to be able to adapt no matter where the fight goes, and he learns from his mistakes and ensures that the outcome never happens again. I think if he wins here tonight we maybe should consider a super fight between him and Delaney if he’s able to pull off the win as well. I think that would be a huge fight for both men. Right now though, they both have massive tests in front of them and Dally has his sights set on Lauren Moore and defending his title.
[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 second and final Co-Main Event of the evening! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it’s for the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Freestyle Wrestler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 8-4. She stands 5’7”, and weighing in at 135 pounds. She is from Irvine, California, fighting out of the Real Killas MMA, presenting the inaugural Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champion and the number one ranked Bantamweight Contender in the World, “L-Mo” Lauren Moore!
[Lauren Moore stays focused in her corner despite the very mixed reaction from the crowd. She bounces on the balls of her feet and rolls her shoulders to keep loose and doesn’t react to the feedback in the slightest.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 8-1. He stands 5’10”, and weighing in at 135 pounds. He is from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, presenting the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champion in the World, “Playboy” Dallas Meechan!
[Dallas Meechan struts his way toward the center of the octagon as the crowd goes wild. Meechan locks eyes with Moore and playfully nods his head with his arms spread out then slowly retreating back into his corner.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And now we are all set and ready to find out who takes home the trilogy in this Bantamweight Championship fight. Glory, legacy, pride, respect, bragging rights, and so much more at stake.
JASON JACKSON
The crowd is chomping at the bit, and I don’t blame them. I’m ready, you’re ready, the fans are ready, and I KNOW after a long camp and agonizing wait, the fighters are more than ready. So, let’s get things rolling.
[The fight gets underway, and Moore decides to launch some tentative punches out the gate in an attempt to find her distance and gauge Meechan’s reaction. He doesn’t bite, so Lauren circles out and looks for another opening. Dallas feints a left hook as he steps in toward Moore. Moore stays within range, so Dallas closes the distance completely and secures a thai clinch. Moore doesn’t want to be here at all, and she tries to pummel out of the bad position, but Dally holds on for dear life and punishes her with a few knees to the thighs and body of the challenger.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nice work in the clinch here from Dallas Meechan. He’s surely looking to grind her down early and take some of the wind out of her sails.
JASON JACKSON
You’ve got to. As she’s a wrestler, she has got pretty good cardio. You start grinding down that cardio though, and it makes the takedowns fewer, and harder to finish.
[Moore tries again to shrug free of the clinch, but it’s no good, and she eats a nasty knee to the face for her troubles. Meechan shows no signs of slowing down and he begins launching a flurry of punches in close, peppering Lauren hard! Using this as a distraction of sorts, Dallas tries to surprise Lauren with a slick takedown attempt, but Moore is able to stumble backwards and stay on her feet! Dallas Meechan chases her, hoping to catch her off balance with a huge shot! One hook hits Lauren square on the jaw and seems to rock her a bit, but she’s able to weather the storm and get back to range so she can work.
Dallas isn’t having it though, and he presses forward with a beautiful flying knee strike that lands flush and drops Moore to the mat!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Fast pace set by Dallas Meechan, and He’s pouring it on Moore! BIG SHOT!
JASON JACKSON
More is rocked but she’s still sta-- OH WHAT A KNEE! L-MO IS DOWN!
[Meechan stands over Moore, unleashing leg kicks while avoiding the upkick from his opponent. One, two, three, four, FIVE leg kicks land in succession to Lauren’s thigh as she remains on the ground. Each kick emits a loud pop, and after the second kick, a huge welt starts to form on the fighter’s leg. After a few more moments the crowd begins to boo at the limited action, so Jordan Ripley halts the fight to stand the fighters back up.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Those kicks are doing damage, Jason.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, no shit. Putting the giant welt on her leg aside, did you HEAR those kicks? It made me cringe. ME. I’m on the fence about the stand up though. He was working her leg. Don’t pander to the fans when a fighter is legitimately working.
[Meechan closes the distance quickly and gets back to work, securing double underhooks and doing his best to try and muscle Lauren back against the fence. Moore isn’t having it though, and she ducks under his arm and throws a quick uppercut on the disengage that is blocked away at the last second by Meechan. Both fighters circle around the center of the cage, and Moore catches Dallas off guard by charging forward with a textbook single leg takedown! The fighters hit the canvas hard, and Moore moves immediately to side control! Dallas, sharp as ever, notices the bad position right away and uses a butterfly to work back to closed guard. With a flash, he uses an expert sweep to grab a leg and roll Lauren, ending up in full mount!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Beautiful Jiu-Jitsu display by Dallas Meechan as he sweeps and ends up in full mount. He really is skilled in all facets of this game.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, I gotta admit, that was impressive. Now he’s gotta look to posture up and rain holy hell on her.
[Meechan postures up, despite Moore’s best attempt to hang on to him and not let him sit up. Lauren tries to scramble to recover half guard, but Meechan uses this scramble to take her back, getting one hook in! Moore defends well though, keeping wrist control and stalling out until the round concludes and Jordan Ripley steps in to separate the fighters and send them to their corner.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Well that was an exciting round one and I don’t think there was any debating who got the nod in that one, right?
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, that was all Dally Meechan. Playboy came out the gate strong and is controlling this fight early on. 10-9 Playboy.
[The round begins with a glove touch, as the two fighters show each other respect after the hard fought previous round. Meechan moves forward looking for some action and he shows some excellent wrestling skills as he secures an over-under clinch and drives Moore back against the cage. The crowd comes unglued here as Dallas Meechan pummels to a single collar tie and is absolutely violently punishing Moore with uppercuts in close! Moore is taking more than she can endure and it’s clear that the fight could end soon if Moore is unable to escape the bad position. Moore’s face is bruised and bloody as Meechan ferociously tees off in the clinch.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
HUGE SHOTS FROM DALLAS MEECHAN! LAUREN IS IN REAL TROUBLE!
JASON JACKSON
FULL SEND! FULL SEND! He’s giving her everything plus the kitchen sink. She’s bloody. I think this is done…
[Dallas pushes off Lauren, creating separation to start launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Moore dips under a hook, and tries to escape, but her legs are jello and she stumbles a bit as Dallas chases and continues raining punishment. Moore collapses against the fence on one knee, and Dallas keeps up the assault, kneeing Lauren over and over to the body until Jordan Ripley has seen enough. The fight is stopped to save any further damage, and Moore collapses the rest of the way to the mat, covering her face with her hands in disappointment.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
DALLAS MEECHAN LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. The Rubber match is concluded and we have our victor and king of the Bantamweights. Wow. That fight didn’t go at all like I thought it would.
JASON JACKSON
You can say that again. Blinked and it’s over, right? Dominant performance by the champion here tonight, and a rough night for the challenger. Hopeful L-Mo bounces back soon, but for now, Dally boy reigns supreme.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Dallas is met with thunderous cheers as he climbs up the fence and flexes in celebration. Meanwhile, doctors pour into the octagon to tend to Moore. They do their inspection and above all else, Moore looks to be okay and it assisted back up to her feet. The medical staff file out of the cage and then both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Jordan Ripley has called for a stop in this fight at one minute six seconds in the second round, declaring your winner by technical knockout, AND STILL the 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 title wrapped around his waist. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Dallas Meechan by TKO (Knees) at 1:06 Round 2
Statistics: Dallas Meechan
Punches 3/3 (100%)
Kicks 6/6 (100%)
Clinch strikes 19/28 (68%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 75 s
Statistics: Lauren Moore
Punches 0/3 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/5 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 166 s
♫
BRACE, SHIFTING AGAIN
I SHOULDN'T KNOW BUT I DO
STAB, A HAND IN THE DARK
SEEDS THE KILLING FIELD
♫
["Shira" by Glassjaw begins playing over the PA system, and the crowd grows loud with cheers. Soon, the dual-sport competitor, Natalie King, emerges on to the main stage. Her sights are clearly focused on the octagon ahead of her, as she doesn’t waste any time drawing closer with her corner crew following close behind her.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Making her way cageside now is the interim Lightweight Champion, Natalie “The Bandit” King. King has been one of the scariest fighters, not just in the Lightweight Division but in all of MMA, to ever step foot in the octagon. Everyone that has gone toe to toe with her, has met their maker in devastating fashion. No one has gone past the second round with The Bandit… EXCEPT for one fighter, Delaney Donovan. Double D has proven to be the kryptonite to the possible ceiling of King, and after their second fight where Donovan won in convincing fashion, many people believed that was the end of King’s title aspirations. But, she continued to decimate everyone in front of her and proved to be the number one contender in the division. Now coming into this fight on a four fight winning streak since her second loss to Donovan, she understands the magnitude of this fight tonight. No question, this is her last shot at the champion, and she knows she has to leave it all out there.
JASON JACKSON
She is ready for war, Bodie. She believes that she is the rightful Queen of the division and she’s here today to make amends to her record and write the two blemishes that Delaney left each time. She needs this win, not just for the title, but for her legacy. To prove that Double D does not have her number, and that SHE is the best fighter at 155 pounds. Can she do it? Time will tell, but like you said, this is presumably her last shot as her dance partner has said he’s not fighting her again if he wins the third time.
[King finally reaches cageside, where she strips down to her gear and gets checked on by the fight official. Once she has been cleared, she turns around to give a quick hug to everyone of her corner mates, then dashed up the steps, skipping every other level with her crazy long stride. King enters the cage and immediately throws a spinning heel kick, which fires the crowd up even more. She then calmly heads to her corner, where she awaits for the fight to begin.]
♫
HER BREATH BEGAN TO SPEAK
AS SHE STOOD RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME
THE COLOUR OF HER EYES
WERE THE COLOUR OF INSANITY
CRUSHED BENEATH HER WAVE
LIKE A SHIP, I COULD NOT REACH THE SHORE
WE’RE ALL JUST DANCERS ON THE DEVIL’S DANCE FLOOR
♫
["Devil’s Dance Floor" by Flogging Molly blasts over the loudspeaker and Delaney Donovan emerges to the stage wearing his Irish flag inspired walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Donovan burrows his head down while slowly walking down the aisle.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And now, the final walkout of the night, it’s the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion, Double D—Double Champ—Delaney Donovan. Two-time Fight of the Year recipient, tied with the most Fight of the Night bonuses, tied with the most wins in Union GP history, tied with the longest winning streak in Union GP history, most title defenses in the Lightweight Division, and the only simultaneous two division champion in Union GP history. With a resume like that, what more is there left to do? Somehow, Delaney Donovan continues to find the drive to stack onto this future Hall of Fame career. During the lead up to this night, Donovan wasn’t reserved about expressing his reluctance to fight King a third time. This is a guy who wants to be challenged. He wants fresh faces. He wants to continue to develop. He’s got all of the makings to be that generational fighter that will be revered as the icon for this era of MMA.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, we’ve not seen many people with the resume and skill set that Delaney brings to the table. He reminds me a lot of myself when I was coming up, and you see where I’m sitting today. Look at this ring. Hall of fame. That’s where he is headed as well. There’s a few more stops on the itinerary before he gets off the ride though. Next destination, The Bandit. He’s looking to come in here and put the stamp on this trilogy with emphasis. He wants to sweep her and prove to the world that Natalie King doesn’t hold a candle to him. He’s said this is the last time he’s going to fight her, and I know he’s looking to make the last one just as explosive as the previous two.
[Donovan makes it to cageside where he is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and calmly takes his place in his corner while shadow boxing along the way.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Main Event of the evening! Overseen by the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Carson O'Murphy, Rowan MacGannon, and Ollie Mahony, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Herschel Warden. AND NOW, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it’s for the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Dutch Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 10-2. She stands 6’ even, and weighing in at 147 pounds. She is from Newark, New Jersey, fighting out of RAW Graps, presenting the former Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion and the current Union Grand Prix Interim Lightweight Champion of the World, Natalie “The Bandit” King!
[Natalie King looks like she has been waiting for this fight forever as she paces from side to side in her corner.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 13-2. He stands 5’9”, and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, presenting the former Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion and the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion of the World, “Double D” Delaney Donovan!
[Delaney Donovan doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table. He’s calm, cool, and collected despite the pandemonium surrounding him by the crowd.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And here we go! The final fight of the night. It’s a shot at redemption for King and cementing a legacy for Donovan, and it will all be decided in twenty-five minutes or less!
JASON JACKSON
It all comes down to this. Redemption vs legacy. Champion vs Challenger. Let’s take it down to Herschel for the face off and get this final bout of the night underway.
HERSCHEL WARDEN
Alright fighters, we’ve gone through the rules in the back. Protect yourself at all times, follow my instructions, touch gloves and let's have a good, clean fight.
[Donovan and King touch gloves without hesitation and bow their heads in respect before racing back to their corners. Herschel Warden checks off with each fighter one last time and then calls for the bell!]
[Delaney Donovan and Natalie King close the distance and touch gloves in the center to get this fight started. King uses her reach advantage early and wraps Donovan in a plum clinch and pushes him up against the fence. The two pummel inside the clinch, and King sees an opening to deliver and land a devastating flying knee! King's knee lands perfectly on Donovan's chest, and he nearly folds over from the pain. Donovan tries to duck under to escape, but King presses into him and the fence to keep control. King looks very comfortable here and starts punishing Donovan’s thighs with several knees. Donovan senses some urgency and manages to circle out and slip free from King’s grip.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Another fighter looking to use the clinch early here to grind out their opponent. Gnarly knee from King hits Donovan in the solar plexus and that looks like it hurt.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, but good awareness and perseverance for Double D to get out of that bad spot and circle out.
[Both fighters circle back to the center before engaging in a wild exchange of punches! King is getting the upper hand, utilizing her reach. She throws a looping right hand while Donovan jumps back and jabs. King only hits air with the big right and Donovan circles away to regroup. King is looking to push the pace and cuts off Donovan with a liver kick, but Donovan drops his arm to block the kick and then pushes her back. King steps forward still but catches an uppercut to the face from Donovan, then a quick hook! King stumbles back on her heels and Donovan goes to shoot a takedown but stops in his tracks to avoid a wild kick from King.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
HERE WE GO. They are turning it up to eleven and this was the type of action we expected between these two.
JASON JACKSON
Great striking and awareness by both here. You can really tell that these are two of the ELITE level fighters of this company. The technique and precision of each strike is just… world class.
[King launches a hook to the body but Donovan moves aside and lands a solid counter uppercut. King and Donovan then step into each other and exchange wild punches. Neither one lands anything significant until Donovan starts going to the body with a couple of pummeling hooks. The tides are beginning to turn to Donovan’s favor, and because of that, it looks like King tries to jump into a clinch, but instead she eats another big uppercut. King now decides to backpedal to recover her breath and reveals some swelling around her nose.]
JASON JACKSON
I love that Donovan is working the body like he is. That’s one thing I used to teach. When the hands go up, then you bring those punches down to their body. They’ll drop them pretty damn quick and then you can go back up stairs.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Instinct. The hands drop because no one wants to keep getting hit in the body. My brother used to hit me in the body as a teenager because it wouldn’t leave visible marks on my face for our parents to see. They suck.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah they suck, and your hands move down to block them without thinking. That’s when, bada-bing, you go upstairs and ring their bell.
[King is slowing the pace of the fight down a bit now and circles around her opponent. King sees an opening and pummels her way into a clinch. Donovan tries shrugging his way out, but King keeps her grip on him. The two jockey inside for control before Donovan pushes off of King and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots! King stumbles backwards but Delaney Donovan chases her down and continues the rain of blows! The crowd erupts into cheers as King is pressed into the fence, but her instincts kick in and she connects with an equalizing flying knee to the chest and Donovan drops to the mat!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Incredible pace here still as these two trade back and forth still. One minute, The Bandit has the upper hand, the next minute Donovan is lading a barrage.
JASON JACKSON
Well The Bandit just landed a brutal knee that dropped Donovan to the canvas! The champ is down!
[King is standing while Donovan is on the ground on his back. King cautiously steps in and launches a kick to Donovan's thigh that connects with a loud pop. She launches another but Donovan checks that kick. Another kick gets checked and it’s an intense standoff. Delaney Donovan doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet but he can not do it because of King's movements. Donovan continues to check kicks and eventually King steps back and gestures for Donovan to stand up.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
King is letting Double D back to his feet. It’s almost like she is toying with him.
JASON JACKSON
Awh, so nice of her to let him up. Don’t play with your food, Kitten. It might come back to bite you.
[Donovan gets back to his feet with around a minute left in the round. He shows off some great footwork, moving in to strike and moving away afterwards. Donovan moves in again and the two engage in a chaotic exchange. Donovan is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few more blows. King decides to circle away to slow the pace down a bit, but Donovan is the one trying to push the pace now. Donovan gets a little careless as King catches him in a double undertook clinch!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
The quick pace continues as Donovan pushes forward. Another exchange here!
JASON JACKSON
Donovan comes out on top of that one but he over commits to chasing King down, and gets clinched up for his troubles.
[Both fighters are tied in the clinch but King is the one to go on the offensive first. She fakes a few punches to set up a quick knee right up the middle! Donovan gets rocked right in the sternum a third time this round and he’s definitely in some significant pain. King goes to throw another knee but Donovan pushes off of her and that knee goes nowhere! King tries to retaliate with a punch but Donovan evades the strike and lands flush with a counter uppercut! With just seconds remaining, the two exchange wildly still in the clinch and King is connecting with a few more punches. The buzzer sounds and Herschel Warden separates the fighters. Both fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
What a round. These warriors are not playing patty-cake out there by any means. Both are looking to finish this fight, but that first round had to go to someone. I feel like King takes this round, who do you got?
JASON JACKSON
I honestly do not know, and I’m glad I’m not a judge. I think it was dead even. Donovan pushed the pace and landed a significant amount of strikes, but King landed some big ones that visibly rocked Delaney. It could go either way.
[Natalie King opens the round with a solid low kick. Donovan deflects it, fakes a punch, and shows some footwork moving aside. King moves forward and tries to clinch, but Donovan ducks up and puts some distance between the two. King tries to close in and eats a bone shattering straight left, but fires back with a hook to the body. King looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Donovan's punches and both fighters are wildly hitting air. King fakes a move and launches a liver kick but Donovan blocks it just in time and circles away.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Both fighters are so calculative. Each looking for that possible crack in the other’s armor.
JASON JACKSON
Beautiful left hook by Delaney though. I can tell this kid was trained by Carrick Price, because a lot of his techniques look like stuff I used to do with his mentor, when I was his mentor.
[Both fighters reset their mind frame and slowly close the distance. Donovan goes with the element of surprise and wrapping King in a clinch, but she reads it perfectly and ducks under to move aside. As King tries circling back in, Donovan catches her with a massive uppercut then begins unloading with a wild barrage. Donovan is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few more blows and backs King up. Double D fires in with a looping right hand while King jumps back and jabs. King looks staggered on her feet and Donovan rushes in to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses!]
JASON JACKSON
Double D on the attack here and he’s got Nat reeling! Is he going to be able to finish!
BODIE SULLIVAN
The Bandit King is in big trouble here as Donovan locks in for the kill.
[Donovan continues with the attack, faking a move and launching another nice uppercut that lands clean on the button. King stumbles around and before she knows what to do, she gets rocked with a roundhouse punch. The Bandit is on her bicycle now and shows a nasty cut on her chin and over her right eye. She looks like she wants no part in engaging right now and simply wants to try and recover. Donovan hesitates for just a few seconds before rushing in and engaging in a fierce exchange. Donovan connects with a few stinging punches and Nat King tries to slow the pace down by clinching. Donovan pushes off of her and lands a clean hook to the chin off the break.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
King is busted open here and bleeding pretty badly. Donovan is not letting up and he stays on the att-
JASON JACKSON
OH!! OH!!!! BIG HOOK TO THE CHIN! She is absorbing some real damage. This does not look good.
[A little over halfway through the round, Natalie King is a bloody mess! However, this doesn’t stop her as she and Delaney engage in a wild exchange of punches! Nat gets a few shots in, but Donovan is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few more strikes. King's face is covered in blood and she may be having problems seeing as she wipes the blood out of her eyes. King decides to launch some tentative punches to find her range but Delaney fires back fast and takes the best of a brief punching exchange.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Vision is becoming an issue for King now as she tries to clear her eyes of the blood, but Delaney keeps pouring it on here. Her corner might even be thinking about throwing in the towel. She’s taking some abuse.
JASON JACKSON
If someone threw in the towel for me in a title fight over a little blood, I’d burn down their house. She wants to fight Bodie. She’s not done yet. She may be gassed, she may be beaten up, but she’s not defeated. Not yet. That’s what makes her who she is.
[Natalie King is looking gassed as her movements become more sluggish and flat. She tries to grapple into a clinch but Donovan easily moves aside, keeping the fight at his striking range. King stumbles forward and Donovan charges at her, throwing flurries left and right. Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots and King is getting rocked! King continues to bleed from all of the cuts on her face while Delaney continues to land some tremendous shots. King tries to level the playing field with a vicious middle kick, but Delaney reads it perfectly and dodges the missile of a kick then fires back in with a stiff right hand that makes King stumble back. King could be in some serious trouble here as she struggles to stay upright.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
I’m not really sure how this fight is still going. I’m not sure how she’s still standing, and I’m not sure why the ref hasn’t stepped in.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, Uce. This is wild. She’s getting mauled out there. Mauled. It looks like a murder scene, with all the blood. Like that one horror movie. The one with all the blood.
[Donovan goes to circle in to capitalize but King launches a high kick in desperation. Donovan convincingly blocks it then wags his finger as to say “Not today!” This playful taunting doesn’t sit well for King as she tries launching a middle kick but Donovan blocks that kick too and counters with a kick of his own right in the rib cage. A leg kick from a reeling King fails to land and the most prevalent sight is that fact King is staining the mat with every movement from the unsettling injuries to her face. King looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Donovan's punches. King is on the receiving end of a great combo by Donovan just as the buzzer sounds. The referee stops the action and before King can make it to her corner, the cutman meets her and immediately begins working on stopping the bleeding.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Big, big rebound for Delaney and you gotta praise the toughness of King. This one should’ve been over. At worst, it's one a piece, but honestly I could see this being a 10-8 round for Donovan and up on the cards 19-18.
JASON JACKSON
By a long shot. But she hangs in there and shows that heart and resiliency. This is why they get paid the big bucks, kids. 10-9 Donovan, 20-18 as we head into the third.
[As the third round begins, King has been worked on extensively during the break, but still she continues to bleed profusely. As the two close the distance, she tries to grapple but Donovan sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside. King misses her step and Donovan cuts her off with a barrage of punches. She manages to bob and weave through most of the strikes and then tries working behind her jab. Nothing significant lands and this allows Donovan to setup and connect with a big swinging shovel hook. King is staggering now and Donovan needs to push forward to finish the fight!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
HUGE HOOK AND KING LOOKS LIKE SHE’S ON DREAM STREET!
JASON JACKSON
She’s out on her feet. They need to stop this.
[Donovan decides to launch some exploratory punches to dial in his range and takes the best of a brief punching exchange. King continues to stumble around and she's an easy target! Donovan runs to capitalize and launches a barrage of punches over a dazed Natalie King who almost cannot stand! One after another, Donovan is punishing King!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Herschel Warden is surprisingly letting this one go, but he could be sto —
[Herschel Warden should be doing something soon as he watches very intently! Donovan winds back and lands the knockout blow that he wanted! King is down! King has been absolutely destroyed here! A great victory for Delaney Donovan!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
OOH! IT’S OVER! BIG SHOT FROM DELANEY SHUTS THE LIGHTS OUT FOR NATALIE KING!!! WOW!
JASON JACKSON
Daaaaaaamn. Damn. That was ugly. That was a motherfucker punch. He slept that girl. Oh my god. Someone get her some milk.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Delaney Donovan is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Immediately after the referee waves off the fight, the medical staff pours in frantically and checks on Natalie King for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at one minute twenty-one seconds in the third round, declaring your winner by knockout, AND STILL the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion of the World, “Double D” Delaney Donovan!
[The crowd cheers once again as Donovan has his hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around his waist. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Delaney Donovan by KO (Punches) at 1:21 Round 3
Statistics: Delaney Donovan
Punches 67/90 (74%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 4/6 (67%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 60 s
Statistics: Natalie King
Punches 6/37 (16%)
Kicks 4/17 (24%)
Clinch strikes 5/7 (71%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/3 (67%)
Time on the ground 0 s
[As the graphic pops up on the screen Delaney pulls a ScrapYard MMA t-shirt on over his head and tugs it down around his torso as he’s guided to the center of the octagon by Bodie Sullivan. The crowd rises in volume and Delaney raises both of his arms in the air, a smile wide on his face as he does so. It takes a few moments but eventually the Lightweight Champion returns his attention to Sullivan and leans in to listen to his question.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ladies and gentlemen, I’m standing here with the winner AND STILL Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion, Delaney Donovan! Delaney, another outstanding win here after suffering a loss your last time out. Absolute masterful performance. How are you feeling right now?
DELANEY DONOVAN
Well, I’ll tell you what, Bodie, it wasn’t my best fight. Nat caught me early on with some nasty knees to the chest and really at that point it was just about weathering the early storm, y’know? And I don’t think there’s anyone in this business who weathers those sorts of storms like I do. Just ask Travis. Lad kicked me in the head a billion times and I still didn’t go down. That’s just who I am. It’s who I’m always going to be. It was a quick crash course in the pace of the Lightweight division. So yeah, even as prepared as I was it was an adjustment. But by the time the first round was reaching its end I really felt like I was getting my feet back under me and I think the second round showed that and was capped off by the finish in the third.
BODIE SULLIVAN
You’ve answered all the questions, and you silenced all the doubters. You’ve dispatched Natalie King three times in a row now. How do you feel about being the winner of all three of your trilogy fights against The Bandit? You indicated before that if you beat her you’d never fight her again. Do you stand by that?
DELANEY DONOVAN
I said before the fight that I didn’t feel like there was ever really an interim champion. I think Dante put that belt on her too quickly. That’s nothing against Nat but it’s not like I haven’t defended this championship regularly. It’s not like I haven’t beaten everyone who has stepped into this cage with me in the Lightweight division. So like I said before the fight… I’m not fighting her again. If Dante wants to strip the belt from me that’s his prerogative. But I will not step into this cage with Natalie again. There’s no reason for me to do so.
BODIE SULLIVAN
I doubt there’s any talks of stripping you of the title, especially after your performance tonight. So now that you’ve dispatched Natalie King and effectively closed the book on that storied rivalry, who would you like to see next?
DELANEY DONOVAN
I mean.. I think a fight against the Scotsman at the top of 135 would be something everyone here would love to see right?
[Delaney pauses to let the crowd cheer excitedly.]
DELANEY DONOVAN
I think that’s still a little ways down the line, though. Because right now there’s only one fight in the world I want. There’s only one blemish in the lightweight division on my record. I don’t know where she is. I don’t know what she’s been doing. But I don’t care. Someone find Hanako and tell her Delaney Donovan wants to see her in the cage, if she still got the stones for it. We can go to Tokyo if that’s what she needs.
BODIE SULLIVAN
I think I can safely speak for everyone watching here in Dublin and everyone at home around the world that we would absolutely love to see you two run it back! Delaney, it was a pleasure as always calling your fight here tonight. Any last words? Anything else you’d like to say to the fans here or at home?
DELANEY DONOVAN
I just want to say thank you to all the fans here tonight. I know not everyone understands what it means for a big night like this to be here but it means the world to every man and woman of Irish blood to be able to show the world just how proud we are of where we’re from, and how seriously we take the fight game. I’ve always been about building. Building myself up. Building my life up. Building the ScrapYard brand up. Building the Lightweight division. Building the company. But nothing means more to me than building mixed martial arts up and bringing greater exposure to all the fine fighters here. I love fightin’ in front of each and every one of you.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Thank you for your time, Dela—
DELANEY DONOVAN
I’m not don’t yet Bodie, fucks sake. Thank you to Travis, Zion, Dallas, Lauren and Natalie for being willing to come here and fight. Thank you to ScrapYard and especially to Carrick Price and Jimmy MacDougal for their continued guidance. Thank you to Ruby, my wife, and our two beautiful children. I love you both. And last but not least…. FUCK. ROBERT. GUILLIMAN. Good night everyone!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ladies and gentlemen, there you have it from your Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion, Delaney Donovan!
[Delaney and Bodie shake hands and Bodie quickly disperses out of the octagon to give Delaney and his team the undivided attention inside the octagon as the feed fades out.]