TACOMA DOME
TACOMA, WASHINGTON
SEPTEMBER 26, 2021
[The opening montage comes to a close and the feed transitions inside the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington. 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 and give each other a fist bump to officially kick off the night.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here in Tacoma, Washington inside the Tacoma Dome for UGP 29! We are celebrating three years of existence this week with a massive lineup tonight. Hello everybody, Bodie Sullivan here and standing next to me as always… the man, the myth, the one and only Jason Jackson! Jason, it’s always great to be in the company of a living legend and call some fights with you my friend!
JASON JACKSON
Always happy to be here in good company while we bear witness to some CARNAGE, Uce. We have a huge night of fights here for you loyal UGP Fanatics! You wanna break it down for them, Bodie-licious?
BODIE SULLIVAN
Absolutely, JJ. For the first time ever, we plant the Union flag here in Washington state. Three title fights headline the top of the card, but before we get to those, let’s dive into our opener first. Kicking the night off we have a Bantamweight bout between two top contenders clawing their way into title contention as Lena Lyons takes on Kelsi Morrow. You know, Jason, Lena Lyons is that type of fighter that just has that aura where people are just drawn in to watch her fight. She’s got a ton of heart, she’s well respected all throughout the sport, and never disappoints—win, lose, or draw. After beating the notorious Blue Barrera in the Main Event of Boss Fight XXVI by a five round split decision, Lyons is looking to stack back-to-back wins against a very formidable opponent tonight.
JASON JACKSON
Lena is a pioneer of this sport. She’s a former teammate and a former opponent as well. I’ve mixed it up with her in the gym, and on the big stage. She’s a fighter. By nature, by heart, and by blood. But Kelsi Morrow is too. This is a sleeper for fight of the night. If you are an MMA fan and have been paying attention in the last 5 years, I don’t have to tell you how lit this fight is. Both women are veterans of the game with their eyes set on digging in and fighting their way back toward the top. This is the perfect fight to set the tone for the night. I predict fireworks here. I wouldn’t be surprised to even see it go the distance in a full out war. It’s great seeing Kelsi back out there and what a perfect person to welcome her back, Bodie.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Next up, we got a Middleweight bout that Union GP President Dante Reed has said is all but officially a title eliminator between the former two-time Middleweight Champion Robert Guilliman and the rising Englishman Nigel Musgrove. “The Primarch” has been a mainstay at the top of the 185 pound class, but suffered back-to-back losses for the first time in his career when he lost the Middleweight Title to Delaney Donovan, then had the opening round exit to Cal McCluskey in the Openweight Championship Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Nigel “The Magic Man” Musgrove has patiently been climbing the ranks, and has finally earned the biggest opportunity of his career. If Musgrove can topple the 2019 Fighter of the Year, you would have to believe it’s a safe bet that he fights for the title next.
JASON JACKSON
The Middleweight Division here has always been stacked; and for the longest time, Robert Guilliman had the division on lockdown. Unfortunately, for 200+ days, this division essentially grinded to a halt at the hands of Delaney Donovan. Now though? The landscape has drastically changed, if you couple that with the sudden exit of Zion Momo’a, and the belt being brought back into legitimate contention by Travis Decker? The title picture is blown wide open! Primarch is coming into this fight looking to land a head kick and earn a shot at becoming Union’s first 3-time Division Champ. It’s not a secret. He will tell you what he’s going to do. He’s going to kick your head into the cheap seats. Standing in his way though is Nigel Musgrove. In case you folks forgot, Nigel beat the current Middleweight Champion Travis Decker in his debut here at UGP, albeit by decision. However, he also suffered his first loss to Decker as well, and that was by TKO due to… you guessed it? A head kick. Nigel is looking for a rubber match with the champion, but first? He has to get through the man that, at one time, many were calling the possible “GOAT” at middleweight.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Both of those guys have a lot of reason to leave it all out there and secure a win here tonight. Now we make our way into the first title bout of the night as Kennard Rozier looks to defend his Heavyweight Title against the towering Twin Cities MMA product, Owen Barnes, in our first of two Co-Main Events. Kennard Rozier is coming off his first professional loss in the highly touted Super Fight against Roscoe Robinson, and many are wondering how he will respond. Rozier has been a dominating force since debuting, and has decimated all title challengers. And yet, this is quite literally the biggest challenge he’s faced. Owen Barnes stands at 6’8” and tips the scales at the 265 pound limit, and he boasts a very similar brawling style as the Champ. I’m setting the over/under bet line for this fight finishing at five minutes. Does anyone dare to bet the over?
JASON JACKSON
Nah. I’m not losing my money. It would stun me if this fight makes it outside of 3 minutes. These are some biiiig boys, and they come bringing the thunder. I’m very interested to see how Kennard handles this loss. It’s all smooth sailing when you are high on that mountain, but when you hit that avalanche, and you come tumblin’ down…do you have it in you to rise up and keep climbing to make up for what you’ve lost? Or do you fold? I mean, he’s still the champion Bodie, for now. He’s still got that. He didn’t lose his belt so it wasn’t as deflating, but hey… a loss is a loss and a loss fuckin’ sucks. It makes you question yourself. Kennard has to put that behind him though, rip off that rear view mirror and keep driving forward. He’s got a mountain ahead of him to climb, and tonight? That mountain is Owen Barnes. A man who is 5-1 and has been devouring any competition put in front of him. The Viper is still hungry though, and he’s got his eyes set on gold here tonight.
BODIE SULLIVAN
After that, our second Co-Main Event features the self-proclaimed King of 135, Dallas Meechan looking to defend his Bantamweight Championship against the white hot rising star, Gianna Howard. Some pundits have questioned Dallas for taking this fight so soon after defending his title in a trilogy bout against Lauren Moore at UGP 28, but he’s a man who stays ready and never backs down from a challenge. Gianna Howard represents a new wave of fighters coming into Union Grand Prix, as she built herself up in Everest MMA and became the inaugural Strawweight Champion. Since her move up, she has made it loud and clear that her goal is to become a Champion in two promotions. She has her chance here, but she’s got the task of taking down the face of the 135 pound division.
JASON JACKSON
What hefty task it is, Bodie. It’s not really just “self proclaimed” is it? Dally is THE KING of the Bantamweights. I mean, Zari Aliyah, Arnie Huynh, Lauren Moore, Lena Lyons… We lined them up and he knocked them down. At 9-1 with 7 of those being finishes, and 6 of them being post fight award winners? It’s hard to argue. I do know this though, I’ve been watching Gianna since Everest and I gotta tell you. It may be bold of me saying this but I think if anyone has a shot of Dethroning Dallas at this point, it’s going to be Gianna. She’s fresh, she’s dangerous, and as long as this fight avoids the clinch, and the ground? I think it might actually favor Howard. However, if Dally gets her down, it’s all over. Unless she’s been working hard on her ground game in the gym. We shall see.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Dallas is lined up to do what so few true icons of this sport can attain. Clean out one generation of fighters and stuff the new generation. And finally, our Main Event of the evening features arguably two of the very best in the business right now as Roscoe Robinson looks to defend his Cruiserweight Championship against the reigning G2 Grand Champion Gauge Lattimore. In case you’ve been living under a rock and just tuning in, Roscoe Robinson is coming off one of the biggest Super Fights this sport has ever seen, when he handed the Heavyweight Champion Kennard Rozier his first loss and etched himself as arguably the GOAT of MMA. However, tonight he goes toe-to-toe with a man who is steamrolling on an unbelievable 17-fight win streak that includes some of the very best in the business. Gauge Lattimore has soared from obscurity into an undeniable force and tonight he has a chance to take down a future Hall of Famer to become a two-promotion champion. However, Roscoe Robinson is at an all-time high and shows no signs of slowing down.
JASON JACKSON
We all know how I feel about Roscoe. I don’t have to come out here broadcast after broadcast and say it. The man is a beast. When he beat me, he took the torch and he has run with it like Derrick Henry, running through defenders on Sunday, Bodie. Roscoe is the real deal, and Kennard Rozier found that out the hard way just like I did. You can be the cock of the walk, and the baddest motherfucker in the yard, but one day, someone will always have your number. Is this the night where we see Roscoe’s number called? I can sit here all day and say “This is a huge test for Lattimore.” OF COURSE IT IS. These are two of the baddest men on the planet, each of which have the power to cut your lights off in one shot. Each night out there is a huge test. This is where real fighters are made or broken. Will Gauge Lattimore be able to shock the world, and stun one of the greatest fighters of all time the way that Roscoe Robinson did when he submitted me? Or will we see him fall short of glory? I have no idea, but I’m fucking stoked to find out.
BODIE SULLIVAN
And with that folks, let’s toss it over to the hype man of Union Grand Prix, Mike Dempsey!
JASON JACKSON
Take it away Mikey.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington for UGP 29! And now, this opening contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Savate Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 7-3. She stands 5’7”, and weighing in at 135 pounds. She is from Sacramento, California, fighting out of Throne MMA, presenting the number six ranked Bantamweight Contender in the World, Kelsi “Gold Star” Morrow!
[Kelsi Morrow looks like she has been waiting for this opportunity forever as she bounces in place to warm up.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Alright folks, to kick things into gear we begin the night with Kelsi “Gold Star” Morrow, a seasoned competitor who was once on her way to earn a title shot, but has been in a rut as of late. She began her Union GP tenure ripping off four impressive wins, but now she’s lost her last three fights. Morrow is nearing the end of her contract, so obviously it’s best to go into those renewal discussions on a hot streak and she has a chance to get things right against a big name here tonight.
JASON JACKSON
Most people don’t know this about Kelsi, but in her offtime, she is actually a pre-k school teacher! Personally, I think that it's a bit harder for someone who juggles a day job like that while competing, compared to someone like her opponent, who has been all-in on MMA for the vast majority of her career when you have the time to dedicate to around the clock training, 2 or 3 times a day, it makes a HUGE difference. Look, we can debate on whether this has hindered Kelsi’s career or not until the cows come home. We really don’t have a lot of time for that right now, and maybe we can get into it on our next podcast Bodie, but I will say this. Kelsi Morrow has been a game competitor her whole career, no matter what her training and work situation has been like. She is a veteran fighter, and the fact that she helps mold and shape our future while teaching them RESPONSIBLY about fighting and martial arts says a lot to me as a father and a former fighter myself about who she is as a person. I’ve always been about leading the next generation to be better than you are today, and I think she is a perfect representation of that. I have tremendous respect for both of these ladies. As a fighter, and as a person, both of them set clear examples of how you should conduct yourself. I think both of them have a shot at a W here, and it’s really going to be up to fate how this plays out. At the end of the day though, both of these women can hold their heads high at what they’ve accomplished in life, and in career. Win or lose.
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 14-11. She stands 5’5”, and weighing in at 135 pounds. She is from Queens, New York, fighting out of Paris Combat, presenting the former Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Title Challenger and the number five ranked Bantamweight Contender in the World, Lena “Thugga” Lyons!
[Lena Lyons is calm in her corner. She looks confident in her abilities as she paces back and forth.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Listen to the crowd here and it’s very clear that everyone in this building is a fan of Lena Lyons. As you mentioned, JJ, Thugga is a pioneer in the sport and she’ll always draw in a loyal fan base to all of her fights. She doesn’t do much talking, just let’s her work inside this cage speak for itself. I can’t think of a better fighter to set the tempo for this monumental event.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, there’s been a lot of nay-sayers out there, 9th world specifically, when it comes to Lena Lyons. To them I say, stop smoking crack and watch some film. Yes, since coming to Union GP, Lena has had her ups and downs. That much is certain, HOWEVER, Lena was doing this while most of you were still popping pimples and buying proactive from Suite Life of Zack and Cody commercials. Let’s be real here. Lena is a future hall of famer in the pioneer wing, and it’s because of women like her, and women like Cass Madrigal, and Marissa Kane, that these new generation of women fighters are treated like equals. Ten years ago, women in MMA would not have had opportunities like they do today. It’s a goddamn shame. But it’s people like Lena, Marissa, Cass, Paige Holloway, Nero, Elena, women who broke into the sport and made a difference and showed the world that not only could they fight? They could fight against the men of this sport and SUCCEED. To discount Lena Lyon’s career is sheer stupidity. I said what I said. Fight me.
BODIE SULLIVAN
I don’t think they want the smoke, big guy. Without further ado, let’s head down to get this huge night of fights underway before Jason hulks out on us.
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ROUND ONE
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[The fight gets underway to the sound of the bell. As Lena Lyons and Kelsi Morrow close the distance, Lena quickly spins around with a backfist, but Morrow ducks under. As Lena resets her feet, she connects with a bone shattering straight right that rocks her opponent and Morrow circles out to avoid any follow up. The two circle around as they calculate their distance, and Lena swings for the fences with a big haymaker! She just narrowly misses and stumbles off balance, which gives Morrow the opening to land a stinging calf kick that visibly pains Lyons.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Lena Lyons is coming out swinging but it cost her. Great awareness for Kelsi Morrow to dodge and counter.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, it looks like Lena is wasting NO time in going for the grand slam. She wants to knock Kelsi into next week with those big shots. Good leg kick there by Morrow. Take away the legs, and you diminish the power. Vet move.
[Lena shakes off the pain and circled her way back into range. She tags Kelsi with a quick one-two combo and then shoots in for a single leg takedown. Morrow is still reeling from the strikes, but manages to keep her balance enough to lean against the fence and peel Lyons off her leg. As the two break off from the failed takedown, Lena shows no signs of slowing down and connects with a big swinging hook to the face! Kelsi bounces back into the fence and Lena throws an uppercut but Morrow just narrowly slips it. Kelsi fakes a punch to back Lena off enough for her to shuffle to the side and create some space to regroup.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ooh big shot from Lena Lyons! She saw that tight window after being denied the takedown and took full advantage.
JASON JACKSON
Yikes! It looks like it’s all Lena here early, and Kelsi is just trying to survive. She needs to create some distance and counter strike. Right now Lena is super aggressive and pushing forward. Kelsi needs to do something to make her second guess that, or Lena will walk her down all night.
[Lena cuts her off and throws a solid combination, but unfortunately for her, most of them don’t land. Morrow takes the opportunity of her opponent leaving herself wide open and delivers a middle kick that connects right below Lena’s rib cage. That kick initially looked like it took some steam off Lena as she backs up and holds her sides. In actuality, though, it wakes her up as she steps back in and feints a low kick then switches targets and lands a superb body kick! Morrow hunkers down, wincing in pain, and Lyons follows up with an uppercut that lands solidly and gets the crowd on their feet.]
JASON JACKSON
OOF! Big shot by Lena shortly after getting backed up herself by a liver kick.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Lyons rips the body and rocks Kelsi Morrow with an uppercut and Morrow is seeing stars! Pun fully intended.
JASON JACKSON
You should be ashamed of yourself. That was terrible of you. No gold stars for you, Bodie.
[Morrow looks a bit dazed from the big shot but side steps out of range to recover. The two circle back to the center of the cage and it seems like they are cooling the fight down a bit as we near the halfway point of the first round. Lyons eventually steps in and throws a looping right hand while Morrow jumps back and jabs. Lena tags her opponent but Morrow seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of her own and we got a great exchange here. Morrow fakes a punch and shows some solid footwork moving aside to change up her angle. Lyons launches a stiff jab while she’s on the move but Morrow dodges it.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Great recovery from Kelsi Morrow who was looking like she might get finished but rallies back and strings some solid offense together.
JASON JACKSON
She’s not out of it yet. The heart of Kelsi Morrow is one of her strongest assets. There is no quit in her. However, she really needs to do a bit more rallying here if she’s going to have a chance at a comeback. She will need to keep avoiding those shots, and start giving back as good as she’s been gettin’ because if not? No amount of heart will sway a judge.
[Lyons fires off a furious low kick that chops at Morrow’s thigh, but despite the big kick, Morrow fires back with a nice one-two combination. Morrow gets off balance when she fails to land a follow up leg kick and this allows Lena Lyons to change levels and take her down with a textbook double leg.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oh man, great takedown by Lena Lyons as she timed that level change to perfection. She made that look too easy.
JASON JACKSON
I’m telling you. This is what I was talking about with Lena. Those veteran instincts. She took it right to the ground off a caught kick and didn’t even hesitate to think about it. That’s the muscle memory that comes along with the type of experience Lena has. It’s all second nature.
[The two hit the mat and begin scrambling for control. Lena settles in half guard to control the situation as she fights off Morrow’s attempts at closing her guard. Lena winds back and drops a few punches from up top, but Morrows covers up to protect herself and then rolls on the ground to get on top. Lyons quickly closes her guard and keeps Morrow’s head clamped in close. Lena senses a window of opportunity and tries to roll on the ground. Lena reverses back on top and gets to a full mount position over Kelsi Morrow!]
JASON JACKSON
Not a good position to be in here as Lena takes the full mount.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Back and forth chess match on the ground here. Kelsi Morrow has no problems working on the ground, top or bottom. Lena needs to be careful to not put herself in a precarious position. Half of Morrow’s wins in Union have come by submission.
[Lena and Kelsi jockey back and forth for position before Morrow tries to roll to her side and trap Lyons in her guard. Lena reads it perfectly this time and uses the momentum to roll Kelsi over and take her back! Lyons is in rear mount over Morrow and is instantly looking to hook the legs. Lyons manages to get one hook in and tries for the second, but Morrow does everything in her power to stave off her offense. Morrow eventually is able to free her leg and works her way out to escape back to her feet! Just as the two stand back up, the buzzer sounds and referee Jordan Ripley wedges in between them. Lena and Kelsi shake hands as they head back to their corners.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Great round by both fighters! Kelsi Morrow was able to survive some early setbacks and make a solid comeback. Although I think Lena’s aggressive tempo and the takedown may be enough to get the edge on the scorecards.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, that round definitely belongs to Lena. But what about that scramble to the feet right at the horn? That was impressive. She was in some pretty bad spots there on the ground and stayed frosty to work out of them. If that had been me on my back like that I would’ve been shittin’ bricks.
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ROUND TWO
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[The fighters begin walking out from their corners and touch gloves to kick off round two. Lena Lyons targets the legs of Kelsi Morrow and chops at her thigh. Lyons pivots on the heel of her foot and again tries a spinning backfist, but just like the opening of round one, Morrow dodges it with ease. Kelsi counters back, swinging for the fences and connects with a big right hook that nearly breaks Lyons' jaw! Lena chops again with a leg kick that visibly pains Morrow in retaliation and she tries circling out to regroup. Kelsi tries cutting her off and launches a head kick, but Lyons throws her hands up to block them, then wags her finger as if to say, “not today!”]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ooooh! Kelsi Morrow is out for blood now! She lands the big right hook and nearly connects with the head kick, but Lena Lyons simply brushes it off and says, “nah”.
JASON JACKSON
Notttt todayyyy, she said! Man, this is a hell of an opening fight. These warriors are leaving it all out there. Kelsi is trying to rally back here in the second, and she’s fighting like a woman who was told she’s down on the scorecard in between rounds.
[The somewhat playful taunting gets a rise out of Morrow, who tries cutting off Lena with some punches. Lena avoids getting cornered and fires back with punches in bunches, putting Morrow in a world of hurt! Morrow is on her bicycle, trying to avoid any engagement, but Lyons continues to cut the octagon off with punches. A quick hook by Kelsi Morrow just glances off Lyons' arms, but it’s enough for Lena to take a step back and reset. Both fighters circle back around to the center of the cage and are seemingly cooling the fight down a bit.]
JASON JACKSON
Walking her down. She keeps walking her down and Kelsi is trying to do something about it, but Lena is in what we have dubbed “terminator mode” and walking through all Morrow has to offer.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Another solid sequence of strikes from Lena Lyons. She has found her rhythm and things could get very interesting!
[Lyons launches a hook to the body and Morrow stops that one with her ribs! Kelsi winces in pain and Lyons goes back to targeting the legs with a bunch of kicks that obviously bother Morrow. The leg kicks draws Keli’s attention to try and check them, leaving herself open for Lyons to fake a move and launch an uppercut that nearly sends Kelsi into orbit! Lena feints another leg kick then switches targets and lands a superb body kick! Morrow nearly topples over from the impact and she’s holding her side. She could be seriously hurt here but she pushes through the pain and tries cutting Lena off with some punches, but Lena shows some great footwork and avoids getting boxed in.]
JASON JACKSON
KELSI IS IN BIG TROUBLE HERE.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oh my! Big shots landing on Kelsi Morrow and I’m not sure how much longer this one will last!
[Lena Lyons is flowing like water now and lands flush with a counter uppercut and has Kelsi Morrow guessing right now. The two exchange punches, but Lyons gets the best of the exchange and finishes it off with a brutal Superman punch that puts Morrow on Dream Street. Lyons chops at the legs once again with some calf kicks, then out of nowhere launches a front kick that lands right on the button! Morrow stumbles backwards and eventually drops to the mat. Jordan Ripley has seen enough and rushes in to call this one off! Kelsi Morrow was not intelligently defending herself and the referee decided to end this one to avoid any further damage!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Right down the middle! Lena Lyons finishes this one off with an unbelievable front kick that landed right on Kelsi Morrow’s snooze button! What a great performance and big win by Lena… Thugga… Lyons!
JASON JACKSON
Hats off to Thugga. What a performance. It looks like Kelsi is back to her feet and the crowd is showing her love here. What heart by Kelsi Morrow. I know her contract is done, and it’s a tossup whether she’s going to go back to teaching full time or continue fighting but I hope she comes back. She’s a great talent, and with the right coaching, she could go far. Tonight belongs to Lena Lyons though. Let’s give her another round of applause.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Lena Lyons walks off stoically with her chest puffed out. Doctors tend to Morrow for a while before helping her to her feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Jordan Ripley has called for a stop in this fight at four minutes seven seconds in the second round, declaring your winner by technical knockout, Lena “Thugga” Lyons!
[The crowd cheers once again as Lyons has her hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
Winner: Lena Lyons by TKO (Front Kick) at 4:07 Round 2
Statistics: Lena Lyons
Punches 18/27 (67%)
Kicks 10/10 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 0/4 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 68 s
Statistics: Kelsi Morrow
Punches 5/18 (28%)
Kicks 2/4 (50%)
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 68 s
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-2. He stands 5’11”, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Birmingham, England, presenting the number two ranked Middleweight Contender in the World, Nigel “The Magic Man” Musgrove!
[Nigel Musgrove doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Jason, we spoke at the top of the show about how this is without a doubt the biggest fight in Nigel Musgrove’s career. Throughout his six pro fights in Union GP, half of them have been against the current or former Middleweight Champion. Now he makes it four of seven, and if he can pull off one of the biggest upsets of the year, he very well may be staring down a title shot next. The Magic Man is a very methodical fighter and strives to make very little mistakes. Sometimes he can get too conservative and it’ll cost him, but all of his wins have gone the distance in three round wars, so you know he’s ready to do it again here tonight. The big question is, can he avoid that lethal signature head kick from The Primarch?
JASON JACKSON
He doesn’t have a choice, if he wants to make it out of this fight with a W. We’ve seen some of the toughest chins in the Middleweight division eat a few of those kicks, but the story is always the same. Eventually one lands that closes the curtains. I know Nigel has a solid chin, and I know he likes to fight to a decision, but this is one fight where he’s going to be like that lone soldier in a war movie. Running down the beach, avoiding mortar strikes just BARELY while they leave craters around him. Can he stick in for the long haul and make it off the beach? Or will he be gunned down by Primarch like many before him? Time will tell, but I have to tell you. I like the underdog story. So I’m pulling for him.
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 12-4. He stands 6’1”, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Los Angeles, California, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, presenting the former two-time Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion and the number one ranked Middleweight Contender in the World, “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman!
[Robert Guilliman is calm in his corner. He looks confident in his abilities tonight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
You know, JJ, it’s a rare and, to be frank, odd sight to see Robert Guilliman without a title around his waist. The Primarch has reached unfamiliar territory at this stage of his career, and the big narrative is whether he can get back to his golden glory days. He is coming off a rubber match win against Asher Jrue, so he’s got momentum on his side. With how the top of the Middleweight Division has unfolded as of late, this could be the final stepping stone to get back at title contention for Robert Guilliman, he just has to secure the win.
JASON JACKSON
That’s what it’s all about right? Win at all costs. Some say he’s fallen off as of late, but a nasty body kick stoppage of Asher Jrue helped to silence those critics. I think a win here tonight puts Guilliman right back into title contention once again if and only if it is a dominant win or a finish. Same goes for Nigel here. If you want this title shot? A decision won’t do, unless you utterly dominate him for every second of every round. You want to solidify your shot at the top? A finish is the goal for each side here.
BODIE SULLIVAN
And with that, we are all squared away for this Middleweight Bout. Referee Jordan Ripley is ready to call the fight and we’re ready for action!
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ROUND ONE
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[The bell announces the first round and both fighters meet in the center of the cage. Musgrove avoids a dangerous strike from Guilliman and counters with a solid straight. Musgrove launches a stiff jab that barely hits Guilliman's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Referee Jordan Ripley didn't see it so Guilliman had no choice but to cautiously backpedal away to recover. Musgrove studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense as he circled his way back in. Guilliman launches a body shot but Musgrove dodges it and catches him with a hard cross.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nigel Musgrove starts things off with some solid counter striking, but unfortunately it looks like there was an inadvertent eye poke that the referee didn’t see.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, it looks like it was a jab though. He was closed fisted? I’m not sure how. Either way though, that right cross was air-mailed right on target and Primarch did NOT like that.
[Musgrove is starting to roll and lands a big haymaker! Guilliman's head snaps backwards from the impact and tries retaliating with a lightning fast low kick but Musgrove checks the kick and counters back with a solid straight! The two exchange wildly and Musgrove connects with a few more punches. Guilliman tries to disrupt the exchange with a middle kick but Musgrove blocks it and steps away.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Solid exchange for Nigel Musgrove and it looks like he’s been working on defending kicks. That’ll no doubt benefit him if he can continue to do just that.
JASON JACKSON
Excellent boxing here from Nigel. He’s got his hands working early, and he needs to keep pouring the pressure onto Guilliman and stay in the phone booth with him to negate the ability to throw that kick.
[Every time Musgrove attempts to get inside, Guilliman misses with a low kick. Musgrove eventually works his way in range with some solid jabs, and Guilliman responds with some measured jabs of his own. The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage before Guilliman’s leg kick gets checked once again. Musgrove attempts to shoot in for a takedown but breaks off from it before running into Guilliman's kick. Musgrove tries to work back inside, but Guilliman keeps him at bay with low kicks. Musgrove waits patiently and soon finds an opening in which he answers Guilliman’s missed kicks with solid punches! Guilliman gets a little desperate and forces a head kick but misses badly and slips to the mat.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nigel Musgrove is showcasing a slick striking game early here. And man did he get lucky dodging that head kick, and that knee.
JASON JACKSON
I think it’s more patience and skill to be honest. He’s making Primarch desperate here. That was the equivalent of a quarterback throwing up a Hail Mary pass there. It fell incomplete, and was almost intercepted.
[Musgrove is standing while Guilliman is on the ground on his back. Musgrove launches a kick to Guilliman's thigh and connects with a loud snap. Musgrove isn’t the biggest fan of this situation so he steps back and motions for Guilliman to stand back up. The Primarch moves fast and now this fight is back on the feet. The two circle around, Guilliman fakes a move, and launches a liver kick, but Musgrove blocks it and pushes his opponent to create some space. Another high kick falls short from Guilliman as Musgrove stays patient and methodical in this opening round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Gotta hand it to Musgrove. He’s played things smart and I think he’s not only found his range, but has figured out Guilliman’s range as well. He’s making Primarch swing and miss and that’s gonna wear him out quick.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, this is the way you have to fight Guilliman. When you make him miss like this, it seems to take a lot of wind out of his sails. I think Musgrove is fighting a great fight right now. Primarch is going to have to stop air mailing those kicks and disguise them a little bit.
[Guilliman circles in, fakes a move, and launches a nice uppercut but Musgrove reads it early and covers up to protect himself. The Magic Man counters with a calf kick that surely had to hurt Guilliman and The Primarch seems to be growing a little impatient, as he whizzes a punch then a liver kick that doesn't come close to their mark. Guilliman steps back and lowers his arms while breathing heavily and shaking his head. He spins around and tries a spinning back kick but Musgrove continues to show off his great footwork and ducks under and hesitates for a moment before jumping over Guilliman and locks in a clinch. Musgrove pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position and looks to control the pace in the final ticks of the round. The two pummel back and forth but nothing significant transpires as the buzzer marks the end of the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Smart first round for Nigel Musgrove. As you said, JJ, he kept close in the pocket and boxed in the booth. He didn’t allow Guilliman to press him to the perimeter where Primarch could really unload that head kick. Kept patient, didn’t make mistakes. You can absolutely see major improvement from this man.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, I guess he heard me, Bodie. Because he is executing to perfection. Can he secure a finish against this seasoned former champion and secure himself a title shot against Travis Decker? Is it THAT good of a performance? Remains to be seen.
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ROUND TWO
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[Round two picks back up and Guilliman looks a bit bruised up and frustrated while Musgrove is light on his feet. As the two fighters close the distance, Guilliman goes with a looping right hand while Musgrove jumps back and jabs. Guilliman gets tagged and staggers on his feet so Musgrove rushes in to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses. Guilliman receives a small, but deep gash over the forehead and the bleeding from the cut could affect his vision. Guilliman throws a spinning back kick out of desperation, but Nigel Musgrove was able to read it easily and ducks it, then wraps Guilliman up in the clinch.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
The Magic Man continues to slice and dice his opponent with precision, and it looks like Guilliman has got a pretty gnarly gash over the eye. That could pose a big problem the later this fight goes.
JASON JACKSON
Primarch honestly just seems desperate. It looks like he’s thrown all game plan out the window and is just shooting up Hail Mary big shot attempts. It’s not going to work, and to be quite honest? It’s making him look foolish and siphoning his gas tank.
[The two pummel for control in the clinch, and Guilliman throws a flurry of punches, but Musgrove manages to mostly protect himself, then pushes off to create some space. Off the break, Guilliman throws a low kick that misses while Musgrove throws a glancing punch. Guilliman doesn't stop bleeding and it’s starting to affect his performance. He throws a wild low kick that misses wide and Musgrove counters with a big overhand right that looks like it was capable of destroying a brick wall! Guilliman stops that one with his face and it’s a wonder how he’s still standing at this point.]
JASON JACKSON
OOH HUGE SHOT BY MUSGROVE! How is he still standing?
BODIE SULLIVAN
Robert Guilliman is throwing whatever he can in the dark and coming up empty handed. Nigel Musgrove is easily able to dodge these mailed-in strikes and counter with heavy force. Things are getting bad for Primarch in a hurry.
JASON JACKSON
Roberto is about to get knocked the fuck out if he doesn’t stop the foolishness and fight smart. He’s grasping for any traction he can get right now, and it’s clearly not working.
[Robert Guilliman's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes. Musgrove moves backwards and despite looking like a bloody mess, Guilliman is asking him if he came today to fight or run. Guilliman tries baiting Musgrove in with some taunting, and it works to an extent. Guilliman senses enough distance and tries a flying knee, but Musgrove is able to dodge out of the way to avoid the majority of the damage. Musgrove paws at Guilliman to properly find his range, while Guilliman swings ineffectively. The Magic Man cuts off The Primarch with some patient punches and Guilliman reels from the strikes. Guilliman fires back with some lazy low kicks that fail to land.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
We’re coming up to the halfway mark of round two, and I gotta tell ya Jason, Robert Guilliman looks like a shell of himself out there. He’s not setting his kicks up properly, he’s trying to force it and it’s costing him dearly.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, this looks more like the guy that got beat by Cal McCluskey to be honest. I’m not sure where the old Primarch went, but he needs to channel him A-S-A-fuckin’- P if he wants a shot at coming away victorious, because right now this is the Nigel Musgrove show.
[Guilliman continues to bleed from the cut on his head and he periodically wipes the blood out from his eyes. Guilliman launches some tremendous strikes but Musgrove blocks them with confidence. Guilliman misses a step and Nigel Musgrove counters back with a brilliant combination that forces Guilliman to try and defend better. Robert Guilliman is a bloody mess and it looks like the fighting spirit is trickling out of him faster than the blood from his face. Nigel Musgrove launches a body shot but Guilliman somehow manages to evade.]
[Guilliman jumps in the air and tries a flying knee, but Musgrove blocks with his forearms and moves laterally looking for a counter. Nigel Musgrove positions himself and walks down Guilliman with a barrage of punches! Guilliman drops to the mat and Musgrove gets to full mount and continues throwing hammers to Guilliman's abdomen!]
JASON JACKSON
FULL SEND!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Here we go, folks! Nigel Musgrove is unloading on Robert Guilliman and referee Jordan Ripley is watching closely, he could very well stop this fight at any moment!
[Robert Guilliman tries to roll on the ground but Musgrove knows how to keep his advantage and pushes Guilliman back down and prevents his attempts to escape. Musgrove sits high on Guilliman's chest and pulls his leg underneath Guilliman's head for a triangle choke! Guilliman is too quick and manages to slip free. That risky move by Musgrove cost him top position. Guilliman is in closed guard but Musgrove rolls on the ground and gets back on top in the full mount. Guilliman does his best to try and fend Musgrove off, but The Magic Man is able to isolate Guilliman’s arm and neck for an arm triangle. Musgrove squeezes tight and things look bleak for The Primarch, but somehow manages to slip out!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
The Primarch slips free from the arm triangle and honestly it’s probably due to the blood gushing from his head! Silver linings, JJ.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, because if he wasn’t covered in blood, he would’ve been done there son. DONE. Instead the fight goes on and Guilliman is looking worse for wear. He’s fading quickly.
[Robert Guilliman is staining the mat with every slightest bit of movement. Both fighters continue to jockey for position, and eventually Guilliman manages to create enough space to climb back up to his feet! The crowd roars from the warrior mentality, and Musgrove springs up with him. Guilliman fires low kicks that fail to land that seem to just keep Musgrove out of range. Guilliman launches a head kick that narrowly misses and the crowd gasps with heightened tension. Musgrove lands flush with a counter hook right at the buzzer, and the crowd erupts into carnal cheers for both fighters as they head back to their corners.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nigel Musgrove continues to stay patient and work behind a nearly flawless counter game. He’s put Guilliman in desperation mode, and every single person in this building knows the only way Guilliman wins this fight at this point, is to land one of the deadly signature head kicks. Can he do it, Jason?
JASON JACKSON
From what I’ve seen here tonight? No. He can’t. I’m not trying to be mean, but he’s not setting anything up. He’s not working behind a 1-2 to land the head kick. He’s just firing it off and hoping it lands. It’s like taking potshots from a mile away and hoping you hit something. It’s likely not going to happen, and if it does? It’ll be a miracle.
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ROUND THREE
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[Five minutes remain in this fight, and although Musgrove is breathing heavily, his body language shows he knows he’s on his way to the biggest victory of his career as long as he sticks to the game plan that’s got him to this point. The two touch gloves to show each other respect and circle around to look for some openings. Guilliman throws an uppercut that Musgrove slips. Guilliman follows up with some missed leg kicks, and Musgrove counters with a flurry of punches but only manages to land glancing blows. Musgrove checks a solid low kick but the sound of the impact would suggest the impact was still effective.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Robert Guilliman has got a ton of heart. He’s down bad but still firing off big strikes. When you get a wild animal backed into a corner, you gotta expect the unexpected can come out of nowhere. Musgrove needs to stay calm and not get too cute out there
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, it would be a damn shame to fight this well only to get sloppy in the final round and get starched by a sloppy head kick.
[Guilliman looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Musgrove's punches. Guilliman tests Musgrove's chin with an uppercut while Musgrove lands some great crosses. Every time Musgrove attempts to get inside, Guilliman misses with a low kick to keep him at bay. Despite the cutmen’s best efforts, Guilliman's face is covered in blood and he continues to have problems seeing as he constantly wipes the blood out of his eyes. Musgrove punishes Guilliman with leg kicks and tentative punches, then finishes off the exchange with a solid one-two combo.]
JASON JACKSON
Great kickboxing combos here from Nigel. He’s really controlling this entire fight. I don’t think anyone but him and his coaches saw this fight going like this.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Musgrove keeps himself out of harm's way by just taking what Guilliman is giving him, picking his opponent apart little by little.
[Guilliman studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense, but he knows he needs to turn it up as we reach the halfway mark. Guilliman’s leg kicks continue to get checked and another wild head kick misses its target. Nigel Musgrove's mind is definitely in the fight as he stays patient with his offense, and he sees an opening which he connects with a big right hand that splatters blood for a vicious visual.]
JASON JACKSON
Oof, we’re going to have to start calling these fights in raincoats and umbrellas. The spray off that punch nearly hit us over here at the commentary desk.
[Guilliman is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent. Guilliman doesn't stop bleeding but still moves aside and launches a furious low kick. Nigel Musgrove again checks the kick and counters with a brutal combination. Guilliman is in a bad way, his legs look wobbly! The Primarch is staggering but still swinging. He throws a straight left that gets dodged, and several kicks that get evaded. At this point, Musgrove is toying with his opponent while Guilliman is doing everything he can to stay in the fight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Robert Guilliman has no answers for Nigel Musgrove. He knows he has to stay aggressive with his offense, but The Magic Man is working the counter game to perfection.
JASON JACKSON
He’s literally dancing around him at this point, and Guilliman is running on E. I think this one is just about done. He’s defeated out there and just trying to make it to the final horn at this point.
[Some nice shots thrown by Nigel Musgrove land clean and the blood in Guilliman's eyes causes him to circle away to avoid any action. A body kick from Guilliman is blocked, and Musgrove fires back and takes the edge in a brief punching exchange. Less than a minute remains, and Musgrove looks ready to turn up the heat. He starts raining down combinations and Guilliman's corner looks worried! Musgrove is picking his opponent apart while Guilliman continues to bleed. Right at the buzzer, Nigel Musgrove swings for the fences! A big shovel hook connects that almost breaks Guilliman's jaw as the referee jumps in to separate the fighters.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And this one goes the distance! Somehow Robert Guilliman survives but you take one glance at these two and it’s no question this fight will be in favor of The Magic Man.
JASON JACKSON
Magic man indeed. He pulled a fuckin’ rabbit out of a hat tonight. Dominance from bell to bell by Nigel Musgrove. Is it enough to earn the title shot though? That is the real question. I guess we will have to wait and see but I think he makes a strong case.
[As both fighters head to their corners, the crowd pops with a respectful cheer. The medical professionals pour into the octagon, and a handful of them get to work on Guilliman before he can reach his corner. After a few minutes have passed, doctors are able to bandage The Primarch up enough for him to head back to the center of the octagon, where a tired, but otherwise fresh Musgrove is already standing, awaiting for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after three rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards for a decision. The judges score this contest 30-27, 29-28, and 30-7, declaring your winner by unanimous decision, Nigel “The Magic Man” Musgrove!
[The crowd cheers once again as Musgrove has his hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to each one’s crew. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight as the commentators recap.]
JUDGE WILL SHAW
Robert Guilliman 9 9 9: 27
Nigel Musgrove 10 10 10: 30
JUDGE BECKHAM WILCOX
Robert Guilliman 9 10 9: 28
Nigel Musgrove 10 9 10: 29
JUDGE ERIN BATES
Robert Guilliman 9 9 9: 27
Nigel Musgrove 10 10 10: 30
Winner: Nigel Musgrove by Unanimous Decision
Statistics: Robert Guilliman
Punches 3/26 (12%)
Kicks 0/47 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/11 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 109 s
Statistics: Nigel Musgrove
Punches 48/59 (81%)
Kicks 5/5 (100%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 2/4 (50%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 85 s
♫
THEY'RE GONNA TAKE THIS
STRUMMING ALONG HAMMER IT IN SO I CAN SING MY SONG
THE DEVIL'S DONE THIS TO ME
I TORE THIS PLACE DOWN, CALL OUT
BUILDING THE CAGES THAT BROKE US DOWN
BOY GET BACK DOWN ON YOUR KNEES
♫
[The heavy riffs of "No Masters" by Bad Wolves hits the PA system at the same time as the lights in the arena dim down. Owen Barnes makes his presence known as he walks to the main stage, flanked by his cornermen. His eyes fixated on the cage, Barnes never breaks his stride and continues his stoic walk down to the octagon.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Alright folks, we have reached the Championship block of the night. Making his way to the octagon now, is the absolute unit, Owen Barnes. Jason, if there ever was a young up and comer to make a serious case for the title, it’s this man right here. The imposing six foot eight Minnesotan possesses all the skills, all the traits to threaten Kennard Rozier’s reign, however this is just his fifth fight in Union Grand Prix, so the biggest concern is how he will adapt in this setting. The stakes have never been higher, the stage has never been larger for this mountain of a man.
JASON JACKSON
Ahaha. You said “unit” [Beavis and Butt-head laugh] To be serious for a moment though, this man has been scary good as of late. To fight for a title in your FIFTH UGP bout says something and if he can dethrone the reigning, DOMINANT champion, that is Pluggz? Man, we may have a massive star on our hands. Massive being the key word because this boy is biiiig. He’s got the power, the speed, and the skillset to ruin the champion’s night here and if Kennard doesn’t give him the respect he is owed like 9th World is known to do? It could be a fatal flaw. Put some respek on his name.
[Owen Barnes makes it to cageside and rips his warmups off. He zones in to his head coach Colby Anderson giving him a final pep talk, then gives a fist bump to each of his cornermen. Owen turns to the official to get inspected, and once he’s been cleared, he stomps his way up the steps and meanders his way to his corner.]
♫
LAME NIGGAS EVERYWHERE DO YOU SEE IT?
I FEEL LIKE RIPLEY'S DOG CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
♫
[As "Juice" by Peirre Bourne plays, Kennard Rozier enters the main stage behind a custom mask over his face. He's wearing a black and tan robe that says Pluggz The Great on the back. As he stands center stage, taking it all in, 9th World Head Coach Ray Delhomme, Asher Jrue, and Blue Barrera circle around their heavyweight ambassador. After a few moments, Rozier and his corner crew slowly make their way to the cage.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And now the head of 9th World, the King of the Heavyweights, Kennard Rozier is here! Jason, earlier this evening we spoke about how Rozier is coming into this fight looking to rebound from his very first loss in his professional career. How will he respond? It was reported that he came into the Super Fight with Roscoe Robinson with an MCL tear. No matter the grade of the injury, it would certainly prevent a heavy handed striker from unloading his powerful hands. Fighters go into competition dinged up all the time, and a lot of people pushed back at this report.
JASON JACKSON
If I’m being honest? That’s a piss poor excuse. If you have a MCL tear, you don’t fight. Plain and simple. No diagnosing doctor will clear you to fight with an MCL strain, or tear, and you can fool a lot of people, but you can’t fool a vet of the fight game. He would’ve been better off admitting his shortcoming, and not making an excuse, but here we are. I don’t like poking at 9th World and calling them out, but they have this habit of sticking their foot in their mouths and I used to think Kennard Rozier was different from the “Lambs” and Blue Barrera, but now? I’m not so sure anymore. I just hope he can set all of that aside, and come out tonight FOCUSED, with no excuses. If Owen Barnes wins here tonight I don’t want to hear about a knee, or some other excuse. I fought two weeks after burying my mother, and lost the CGFC Dragon Championship. I fought a few DAYS after my wife nearly DIED giving birth to my daughter, and lost to Roscoe Robinson. Do you hear me discounting him or his win? Nah. Because, why diminish someone’s victory for a choice YOU made? You didn’t have to fight big fella. You could’ve rescheduled. So come out here tonight and right those wrongs. Come out here tonight and put Owne Barnes to sleep and make the world forget about that dumbass cop out you gave when suffering your first loss. You have all the tools in the world to do it. You’re the champ for a reason. Remember that instead of making excuses. Show the world you’re a KING, Kennard. Be the leader they deserve and own your mistakes or shortcomings like you own your victories. That’s a REAL leader and I believe you have that in you. Let’s go.
[Kennard stares at the cage while his coach Ray Delhomme takes off his robe giving him some last notes. Kennard turns around and hugs everyone in his corner then hands the custom mask off to Coach Delhomme. Rozier steps up to the official to be inspected. After the ocular pat down, Rozier’s been cleared and he stoically climbs the steps.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the first of two Co-Main Events of the evening! Sanctioned by the Washington State Department of Licensing, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Will Shaw, Broderick Wilcox, and Erin Bates, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Herschel Warden. AND NOW, the following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-1. He stands 6’8”, and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from St. Paul, Minnesota, fighting out of Twin Cities MMA, presenting the number one ranked Heavyweight Contender in the World, Owen “The Viper” Barnes!
[Owen Barnes is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 9-1. He stands 6’5”, and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from Kansas City, Missouri, fighting out of 9th World Performance Institute, presenting the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion of the World, “Pluggz” Kennard Rozier!
[Kennard Rozier is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And here we go! Big boy action is underway!
JASON JACKSON
I smell a knockout coming. Let’s get it crackin’
[Referee Herschel Warden makes his way to the center of the octagon and directs both fighters to follow his lead. Mike Dempsey stands close behind and holds the microphone for the official.]
HERSCHEL WARDEN
Alright boys, we’ve gone through the rules in the back. I want a good, clean fight. Protect yourself at all times, follow my instructions, touch gloves and let's do this.
[Rozier and Barnes touch gloves and slowly pace back to their corners. Herschel Warden checks off with each man one last time and calls for the bell.]
[Both men meet in the center of the cage and touch gloves once again before getting the fight officially underway. Owen comes out the gate hot, with a looping overhand right that forces Pluggz to back away. Rozier flicks out a couple jabs, but nothing comes of the early exchange. The two men take a moment to gauge their mutual distance--Barnes’ reach advantage becomes more apparent, as he manages to touch Pluggz first, with a couple of quick shots, before landing a huge one-two combination! Rozier manages to absorb most of the impact, but still ate some of those shots, although he doesn’t look particularly worried. Having felt his challenger’s power, though, Pluggz advances forward with a one-two of his own, but Owen sidesteps the punches and throws a quick straight shot of his own. Rozier’s able to avoid the straight right, and counters with a MASSIVE right cross of his own!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
After a VERY brief feeling out process, these two are letting their hands go early!
JASON JACKSON
Great awareness by Pluggz to side step that and answer back with a HUGE right hand. Barnes seems to have a substantial reach advantage here, so Pluggz is going to want to close that gap and work inside the phone booth.
[Owen circles away from the Heavyweight Champion after taking that right straight, but Pluggz launches a huge straight left to try to catch him coming in! Owen’s able to duck underneath and counters with a quick leg kick, but Rozier’s able to avoid it at the last second. Both men throw huge, winging shots, but neither lands anything of any real impact; Owen slips a punch that Pluggz over-commits on, leaving him vulnerable, but when Owen counters with a high kick, he loses his footing and slips to the mat. Rather than let him up, Rozier lands a series of stinging kicks to the legs, before eventually backing up and beckoning Owen back to his feet.]
JASON JACKSON
Sloppy exchange here sees Kennard swing at the air, and Owen takes a tumble. Shit like this happens though man. Nerves are on high, and mistakes are made. Luckily it didn’t cost either of them too badly.
BODIE SULLIVAN
You sure about that after those kicks?
JASON JACKSON
Those sounded like they sucked. I think Owen is happy to stand back up after that. He did not like those kicks.
[The fight restarts, and the Champion’s back on the aggressive, landing a couple jabs, then a stiff one-two combo that rocks Owen’s head back. The Challenger nearly connects with a spinning back fist in response, but the Champion is just able to duck underneath it. Rozier lands a couple quick jabs, but nothing that does much damage, while Owen mostly keeps the Champion at bay with counter attacks that may not land, but don’t allow him to load up the big power shots that might put him out. He manages to parry a big straight right from Rozier, and counters with a stiff straight left that Rozier’s forced to block and absorb.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Huge power by both of these men here. One shot could finish this fight at any moment.
JASON JACKSON
Great boxing by both men here. They are being defensive, and cautious, but not at the expense of action. They are still pushing the pace and landing, while making sure they are avoiding any incoming fire. For the most part at least.
[Owen follows up with a big left hook, but Pluggz manages to get out of the way; Owen’s not deterred, though, pushing forward with a jab then a stinging straight right, but Rozier ducks under the impact and counters with a leg kick--that Owen manages to check, and counter with a big jab-hook combo! When Rozier circles out, we can see that the big shots opened up his lip, but Pluggz just wipes the blood away and beckons Owen on.]
JASON JACKSON
“Come get some” says the champion, and it looks like Owen wants all the smoke.
[Owen’s all too happy to oblige the Heavyweight Champ, and digs a series of hooks--to the body, while Pluggz protects his head. The Champion steps back and forces Owen to reset, keeping him at bay with a kick to the knee, but Owen checks it as best he can. Owen keeps pressing forward, though, and lands a solid one-two combo, this time connecting right on Rozier’s chin! A big right hook follows, but Pluggz manages to avoid it and counter with a huge uppercut! It’s only a fraction of an inch from connecting, but Owen manages to block it before it lands.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oooooh, again, another BIG near miss. That could’ve been the one.
JASON JACKSON
Could have indeed, but it was not. Owen’s head movement is on point there.
[It’s Pluggz’ turn to push the tempo, moving in forward--right into an uppercut to the face! Owen knows he has the champion stunned, and throws a quick series of straight punches that almost buckle the Champion, but he manages to circle out and once again go to the legs to keep Owen at bay. Owen checks the kick, but it’s enough to slow his momentum down--for a moment, until Rozier takes one too many steps forward, and Owen lands a massive left hook, then a right overhand straight after it! Rozier collapses to the mat, and Herschel Warden rushes in to wave the fight off and crown a new Heavyweight Champion!]
JASON JACKSON
THAT’S IT! DOWN GOES THE CHAMP! THE REF IS WAVING IT OFF!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Owen Barnes has shocked the world and upset the reigning champion here. This building is on its feet!
JASON JACKSON
Holy shit. That was a motherfucker of a punch. It looks like Pluggz is okay, and you gotta feel for him… but man. OWEN BARNES! OWEN! OWEN! TAKE A BOW UCE! Dark horse rises, or whatever the fuck that Batman movie was called.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Owen Barnes is swarmed by his corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Rozier for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at four minutes forty-six seconds in the very first round, declaring your winner by knockout, AND NEW Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion of the World, Owen “The Viper” Barnes!
[The crowd cheers once again as Barnes has his hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around his waist by Dante Reed. 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: Owen Barnes by KO (Haymaker) at 4:46 Round 1
Statistics: Kennard Rozier
Punches 10/19 (53%)
Kicks 2/7 (29%)
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: Owen Barnes
Punches 11/27 (41%)
Kicks 0/4 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 46 s
♫
WHEN DARKNESS FALLS, MAY IT BE
THAT WE SHOULD SEE THE LIGHT
WHEN REAPER CALLS, MAY IT BE
THAT WE WALK STRAIGHT AND RIGHT
♫
[The heavy licks of the lead guitar and drum fills of “Now That We’re Dead” by Metallica begin to fill the arena as the lights dim to near darkness. Spotlights scan the crowd while a brilliant white strobe light flashes on the main stage. Gianna Howard eventually makes her presence known to the audience, standing still with her head bobbing to the tempo of the song. Gianna takes a deep, heavy breath before making the walk to the octagon. Along the way, she tags a few out-stretched hands, and starts playing the air guitar as her level of excitement and anticipation begins to rise.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
We are gifted with a Bantamweight Championship clash here for our second and final Co-Main Event. Making her way to the octagon is the inaugural Everest MMA Strawweight Champion Gianna Howard. “The Ghost” has been firing on all cylinders as of late, and her main objective by the end of this year is to capture two promotional championships simultaneously. She’s got a chance to kickstart that goal here tonight, and judging by the sound of her confidence during the press conference, she believes she can do it.
JASON JACKSON
I think the world believes she can do it, Bodie. Like I said in the opening of the show, if anyone has what it takes to take down Dally? It’s Gianna. She came out of nowhere and has taken MMA by storm. She’s entertaining to watch, and as you saw in that presser? She doesn't back down for anyone. Not even a dominant champ like Dallas Meechan. I’m excited to see what she does here tonight. Can she rise up when all the chips are on the table? We are about to find out.
[Gianna finallys makes her way to cageside and turns to her coaches for one last pep talk. A quick hug from each one and then she disrobes down to her fight gear. She hands off her warmups to the nearest coach and turns back to the officials waiting to grease her face and inspect her from head-to-toe to ensure she’s fit for combat. She clearly isn’t bashful as she sings along with her walkout as she’s being inspected. Once she’s been cleared, a quick nod toward the official and she races up the steps. She uses her momentum to leap into the octagon, and stomps onto the mat in an almost heroic dramatic fashion. She then nonchalantly struts to her corner where she begins bouncing in place to stay loose and warm.]
♫
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
There’s only one man that can derail the Gianna Howard hype train and that man is none other than this guy right here, “Playboy” Dallas Meechan. The King of the Bantamweights has a chance to tie Roscoe Robinson for the most successful title defenses in a single reign here tonight. He’s never a guy to shy away from competition, he embraces it and invites it. When he won the Bantamweight Title, he wanted his first title defense to be against the only fighter to score a win over him, and he not only avenged that loss to Lauren Moore, but won the trilogy fight on the last Super Card against her. Now, he makes a quick turnaround tonight for a chance to etch his name in the history books.
JASON JACKSON
He has a challenge ahead of him. That’s for sure. This fight legitimately could be the fight of the night, easy. Neither of these fighters are known for running away or backing down. I think this is going to be a fight full of non-stop action. There’s no real telling how this is going to play out when the smoke clears, but I do know that each of them could be the kryptonite for the other. One thing is for sure, there is no shortage of confidence from the champion. He believes that god himself couldn’t take the belt off him and that sort of confidence goes a long way. So far, no one has been able to stop him, and Dallas Meechan doesn’t plan on letting that change here tonight. I can assure you.
[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 of two Co-Main Events of the evening! Sanctioned by the Washington State Department of Licensing, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Will Shaw, Broderick Wilcox, and Erin Bates, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Dusty Whittaker. AND NOW, the following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 7-1. She stands 5’6”, and weighing in at 135 pounds. She is from Las Vegas, Nevada, fighting out of Throne MMA, presenting the former Everest MMA Strawweight Champion and the number one ranked Bantamweight Contender in the World, Gianna “The Ghost” Howard!
[Gianna Howard looks like she has been waiting for this fight forever.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 9-1. 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 of the World, “Playboy” Dallas Meechan!
[Dallas Meechan glares at his opponent from the opposite corner with vicious intent.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Here we go folks! We are just moments away from watching two striking savants slugging it out for a possible twenty-five minute war. Let’s go!
JASON JACKSON
If they have their way about it, then it won’t last five minutes, much-less TWENTY five. But I’m ready. Are you ready? Let’s take it down to Dusty and get this fight underway.
[Referee Dusty Whittaker makes his way to the center of the octagon and directs both fighters to follow his lead. Mike Dempsey stands close behind and holds the microphone for the official.]
DUSTY WHITTAKER
Alright fighters, we’ve gone through the rules in the back. Protect yourself at all times, follow my instructions, touch gloves and let's do this.
[Meechan and Howard don’t move a muscle and instead give each other the thousand yard death stare. The crowd clamors with tumultuous ramblings as the referee has to physically direct them back to their corners. Once the fighters get set, Dusty Whittaker checks off with the fighters then calls for the bell.]
[We’re off with the first round as Gianna starts things off with a banger of a low kick that Meechan just barely manages to block, following it up with a high kick that “The Ghost” dodges countering with an overhand right that Meechan blocks with his forearm. The champ moves forward trying to take this fight into the clinch, where his teammate Elliot McMillan had a lot of success against Gianna in Everest; but Howard sees this and pushes Meechan away.]
JASON JACKSON
Gianna wants nothing to do with that clinch. She shoves him off and keeps it moving.
[Howard keeps circling away from Meechan, looking to avoid the clinch, but the champ is relentless in his pursuit of that position, managing to force his way into the clinch. He throws some rabbit punches at Gianna before breaking and launching a high knee that Gianna saw coming from a mile away and dodges it moving away from danger. The Ghost throws a hook to the body, Meechan eats it and then counters with a feint, looking to create enough space for something more powerful.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Bit of a feeling out process so far. When the stakes are this high, you cannot afford to make mistakes. Dally was looking to control the fight in the clinch, but Howard would rather keep some distance.
[Howard evades and launches a vicious high kick that almost took Meechan’s head off, but he managed to move down just in the nick of time; allowing him to launch some tentative punches that looked to create space more than to do damage. Meechan tries to grapple with Howard and pushes her into the cage in a plum position. Howard struggles to get out of a position that has given her trouble in the past. One might think that Dallas is about to start launching some strikes at Howard, but instead, he changes levels and manages to trip Gianna to the mat.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Textbook takedown from Meechan to drag this fight to the ground. Meechan is known for his stand up game, but he has two submission victories on his resume, so you have to believe he feels comfortable in this position.
JASON JACKSON
Someone asked him at the presser if he was going to stand and bang it out, or take it to the ground/clinch. It looks like we have our answer here now. He wants to make her uncomfortable and take the fight to her weaker areas. Will it work though?
[Meechan is in closed guard over Howard, working his way into a better position while putting his whole hand in Gianna’s face, moving his fingers, and poking her in the eye! The referee sees this classless move by Meechan and takes a point away from the champion, despite the protest from the champ.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ooh, you hate to see that. Especially during that sort of situation. Dallas isn’t too happy with the point deduction and I can’t say that I blame him.
JASON JACKSON
Eh. I mean it was a clear eye poke. Covering the mouth of your opponent to muffle their breathing is one thing. But your hand has no place near the eyes. You played yourself, Dally boy.
[Gianna moves to a side blinking repeatedly, Whittaker moves in to check on her and it seems like she’s ready to fight. The break allowed the fight to get back to where Gianna was more effective, as the clock hit the 2:20 mark in the first round.]
JASON JACKSON
Looks like Howard is good to continue and we are going to get this back underway to the delight of these fans.
[Meechan tries to grapple once more, but Gianna circles away keeping her distance from Meechan. Dallas changes levels and goes to the ground but it fails and he’s now in guard. Howard keeps her distance for a bit but then jumps into full mount over Dallas Meechan. Meechan is breathing deeply as he throws some hammer fists at Howard’s ribs, but Gianna easily blocks the punches. Howard looks to do something of her own, but the champion keeps moving, not allowing her to mount any offense.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
The Champ stays calm under pressure and doesn’t look too bothered by being in this position.
JASON JACKSON
Cool as a cucumber Uce, but it looks like Dallas is breathing hard already and this is the first round. That doesn’t bode well if we head to deep water.
[Meechan is able to roll into full guard and attacks Howard with a few rabbit punches that aren’t really effective in damaging Gianna, but do allow Meechan some time to recover. Howard launches a few punches at her opponent, but Meechan counters them. Yet there seems to be a distinct lack of activity on the ground and the referee stands both fighters up.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Hmm, bit of an interesting decision by referee Dusty Whittaker to stand them back up. Not a ton of action going on, but I thought enough to keep this live on the ground.
JASON JACKSON
I’ve just come to terms with the fact that Dusty is a fuckin’ moron. He does this a lot. I think he should go ref boxing instead. Jesus Christ.
[Gianna gets fancy and throws a spinning back kick, but her technique is slightly off and Meechan is able to block it, countering with a high kick that Gianna just barely manages to duck underneath. About a minute remains in the first round and Meechan fakes a punch and tries for a takedown, but Howard’s balance is on point and she stays on her feet.]
JASON JACKSON
Flashy kicks here but they are fruitless as it only leads to Meechan looking even harder for that takedown. Gianna is not having it though. Great takedown defense.
[Again Meechan tries to shoot, but this time Gianna timed it well putting up a knee that barely misses Meechan’s chin. This miss allows Meechan to get back into the fold and put Howard in a double underhook. Meechan tries to execute whatever instruction his corner is yelling at him, but it backfires as Howard is taking the best out of the clinch exchange and Meechan can’t get away from her.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Woo, Dallas Meechan is pushing the pace here but it nearly backfired on him as he just about ate a nasty flying knee that probably would have put him to sleep.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, he might want to reconsider the clinch. It’s not panning out for him.
[The champion tries pushing Gianna away from him and that’s enough for Howard to stumble backward and Dallas Meechan lands a few punches getting Howard to the ground. She quickly gets back up as Dallas seems a bit apprehensive about going to the ground once again, and Howard goes in with a looping right hand that Dallas dodges jumping back and throws a jab. The champion looks staggered and Howard tries to capitalize with a flurry of jabs and hooks that cause a small laceration on Dallas Meechan’s chin.]
JASON JACKSON
The champ is stunned here! Gianna is on the attack!!
[Dallas’ corner yells something to him and Meechan seems to slow down the pace of the fight circling around his opponent. The champion tries to get the fight back to the ground but the horn sounds and the round is over.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Good sequences to finish the round for the challenger, Gianna Howard. JJ, I think she was starting to find her groove out there as time expired but I’m not so sure it was enough to win it on the scorecards. I’m sure Dallas Meechan is hoping he won that round, given the point deduction from that eye poke, he definitely doesn’t want to start this fight down 10-8.
JASON JACKSON
Unfortunately, I don’t think he did. I give that round to that challenger and I think that Dally needs to abandon this grappling game plan and revert back to striking this next round. It’s obviously not working for him.
[We begin the second round the same way we started the first, with an inside leg kick from Gianna Howard; but this time it lands flush, making the champion wince in pain. Still, the spirit of a champion lives within Meechan as he throws a brilliant combination, but Howard avoids every… single… one of Meechan’s punches, and she counters with a bone-shattering right hand.]
JASON JACKSON
OOOOOOOOH! Wavy!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oh shit. Gianna Howard is flowing like water out there, tagging up the champion in the process!
JASON JACKSON
Huge right hand finds a home. Meechan could be in trouble here.
[Howard starts smelling blood and closes the distance with her opponent, but Meechan throws a jab looking to keep his distance. The Ghost avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut! The fight is getting right into Howard’s game of counter-striking. Meechan defends with a nice low kick that leads into an exchange with Gianna being the one connecting the heavier punches. Another kick from Meechan, but this time it gets blocked by Howard. Meechan is getting a bit impatient, looking for a hole in Howard’s defense, but he also keeps his distance looking to recover his breath.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
The Ghost is letting those hands fly and right now, Meechan doesn’t have an answer for her.
[Both fighters are circling around each other without much action, one might even think Howard is just playing around allowing her opponent to recover as she has a wide smile on her face. Meechan then goes in with a low kick that doesn't seem to have the best technique and Howard blocks it countering with another straight right hand that lands straight into Meechan’s face. Howard’s footwork moves her away as she keeps throwing some feints keeping the champion in her sight. Meechan tries to grapple, but Howard moves away throwing another strong leg kick; one that really hurt the champion’s left leg.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oooh, I think I just saw Dallas Meechan’s knee buckle a bit from that leg kick! That looks like it did some damage, he looks like he’s limping around on it now.
JASON JACKSON
Brilliant move. Take away the mobility and the power. Make him have to stand in front of you and then drop the hammer. Howard is fighting a masterful fight right now Bodie.
[The pain seems to be too much for Meechan as he doesn’t seem to be balanced right now. Howard stalks her opponent before launching a solid head kick that makes Dallas Meechan crumble to the ground like a rag doll! Meechan is unconscious on the mat as Dusty Whittaker calls the fight off.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
OOH MY GAWD!
JASON JACKSON
WHAT?! WHAT?! THAT’S IT! GIANNA HOWARD LADIES AND GENTS!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Are you kidding me right now?! Gianna Howard connects with a perfect head kick to become the NEW Bantamweight Champion of the World! What an incredible finish!
JASON JACKSON
Wow. I’m stunned. That was as close to perfection as it gets. We have TWO new champions tonight. TWO. What a performance. She is halfway to her goal of becoming a dual promotion champion. Congrats Gianna.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Gianna Howard is swarmed by her corner crew in celebration. Doctors tend to Meechan for a while before helping him to his feet. After doctors and cut men finish their work, both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Dusty Whittaker has called for a stop in this fight at two minutes fifty-seven seconds in the second round, declaring your winner by knockout, AND NEW Union Grand Prix Bantamweight Champion of the World, “The Ghost” Gianna Howard!
[The crowd cheers once again as Howard has her hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around her waist by Dante Reed. 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: Gianna Howard by KO (High Kick) at 2:57 Round 2
Statistics: Dallas Meechan
Punches 0/10 (0%)
Kicks 1/5 (20%)
Clinch strikes 1/5 (20%)
Takedowns 1/3 (33%)
GnP strikes 0/4 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 78 s
Statistics: Gianna Howard
Punches 12/19 (63%)
Kicks 4/7 (57%)
Clinch strikes 3/5 (60%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/3 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 78 s
♫
25 LIGHTERS ON MY DRESSA, YESSA
YOU KNOW I GOTTA GET PAID
25 LIGHTERS ON MY DRESSA, YESSA
YOU KNOW I GOTSTA GET PAID
♫
[The arena dims to darkness as the heavy blues revamp of “I Gotsta Get Paid” by ZZ Top begins to shred over the PA system. A singular flash of light illuminates to the kick drum of the song and soon a single spotlight shines on the main stage. Not long after, Gauge Lattimore steps out from the back with an intense scowl on his face. Gauge is laser-focused and doesn’t miss a beat or parade down the aisle, just a smooth, continuous walk as he gets closer to the octagon.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Alright ladies and gentlemen, we have just one more fight left to go and to start things off, making his way to the octagon right now, the challenger and G2 Grand Champion, Gauge Lattimore. This man has been on an absolute incredible tear to earn this opportunity here tonight. Seventeen straight wins, Lattimore burst onto the scene during the G2 World Fight League, where he not only handed Daniel Fisk Jr. his first loss in the Japanese promotion and took the G2 Grand Title, but finished the round robin series by defending the title against Fisk. He has seen these types of big situations before and has thrived in them, but this one just feels different, doesn’t it Jason?
JASON JACKSON
Depends who you ask. For someone like Gauge, it could just be another day at the office. You said it yourself, he’s no stranger to big fights. Now, Roscoe is potentially more dangerous than most other fighters, but Gauge is dangerous in his own right and this fight here is one that he has prepared his entire career for. He looks primed and focused and I believe that he has everything it takes for us to potentially see three new champions tonight.
[Once Gauge makes it to cageside, he undresses down to his fight gear and hands off his warm ups to the coach closest to him. He gives a quick fist bump to each member of his corner before facing the official to be inspected. Once he’s been cleared, Lattimore races up the steps and runs a lap around the octagon, then gets stationed in his corner and waits for his opponent.]
[The entire building is vibrating with a low hum of chatter and cheers. The dead silence builds anticipation and the crowd begins to grow more impatient by the second. Then, the entire arena goes from day to night mode, complete darkness, and the fans in attendance lose their minds as the music hits.]
♫
I WON’T DENY IT, I’M A STRAIGHT RIDAH
YOU DON’T WANNA FUCK WITH ME
GOT THE POLICE BUSTIN' AT ME
BUT THEY CAN’T DO NOTHING TO A G
♫
[“Ambitionz Az A Ridah” by 2Pac plays throughout the arena, green laser lights shooting in all directions as the capacity crowd begin to stir.]
♫
LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!
♫
[A spotlight shines down onto the entrance way as Roscoe Robinson bursts out from the back, drawing an even louder reaction from the fans as the Union GP Cruiserweight Champion makes his entrance.]
[“The Shooter” overlooks the crowd from the entrance, bobbing his head with the beat of the music. His trunks are black, the same pistol in a holster we’re used to seeing stitched on his right hip in gold, the Monster Energy logo covering the left side of his trunks and the cbdMD logo on his lower right. He wears a black shirt with large gold letters across the front of it reading ‘HIT SQUAD’. Glistening in the bright lights shining down upon him, the Union GP Cruiserweight Championship rests around his waist.]
[With his entourage of Donnie Calabrese, Lovelie Saint-Cyr, and Jakko Wirman now stepping out from the back and surrounding him, Roscoe bounces back and forth to stay loose before heading towards the cage - a warrior walking out onto the battlefield.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And now with the final walkout of the night ladies and gentlemen, the two-time Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion, “The Shooter” Roscoe Robinson! Listen to this crowd, they no doubt came here to see this man! Roscoe is looking to make his fourth successful title defense here tonight in his second reign as champion, and a ninth successful defense overall. JJ, just like Gauge Lattimore, Roscoe Robinson has two wins over Daniel Fisk, you reminded us earlier that he has a win over YOU. The Shooter is without question a future Hall of Famer, but if he can score a win against a man who has blazed a trail to the top tier of mixed martial arts like no one we have seen in a very long time, quite possibly ever, Jason, you basically have no choice but to put him in that Mount Rushmore hypothetical discussion of best of all-time in MMA.
JASON JACKSON
Agreed. I mean, let’s face it… I’m one of the best heavyweight fighters to ever step in there. I’ve never been knocked out, ever. In all my amateur, pro, and street fights. I’ve put down a list of badass motherfuckers in HIGHLIGHT reel fashion, but Roscoe KNEW that he wouldn’t be able to knock me out. He KNEW what he had to do, and he did it. He beat me by submission, and showed tremendous heart and skill in doing so. He took everything I had to give. Some of my biggest shots. And he still took me out. That to me gives him MY vote. He beat me. Fuck everyone else, Bodie. Roscoe Robinson not only beat me, but put me on the shelf. I haven’t fought since. You answer that yourself. Is he the greatest of all time? Even if he loses here tonight, that answer may not even change. In my opinion, ‘Scoe not only belongs on that Mount Rushmore…. I’ll chisel that shit myself.
[Once at cageside, Roscoe stands tall, staring at the door leading into the battlefield. He undresses and hands off his warm ups to his cornermen and tosses his shirt into the crowd before giving each one of them an embracing hug before turning to the official. As he’s being inspected, a camera comes in for a closer look, catching the attention of “The Shooter” as he turns to it and leans in for a closeup, yelling into it in unison with the lyrics of the ongoing music as the official finishes his checklist. Pulling his head away from the camera, Roscoe pounds his fists together before turning to the cage and running up the steps. Bursting into the cage, Roscoe runs across the mat and leaps to pull himself on top of the cage. Sitting on it momentarily, he removes the Union GP Cruiserweight Championship from his waist, raising it above his head. Dropping down to the mat, he hands the championship to the referee then slowly heads toward his corner, where his crew drapes a Hit Squad flag over the fence.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Main Event of the evening! Sanctioned by the Washington State Department of Licensing, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Will Shaw, Broderick Wilcox, and Erin Bates, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Willie Green. AND NOW, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Championship!. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 17-2. He stands 6’3”, and weighing in at 225 pounds. He is from Detroit, Michigan, fighting out of the 9th World Performance Institute, presenting Gauge “Lights Out” Lattimore!
[Gauge Lattimore looks very relaxed in his corner as he shifts from side to side and rolls his shoulders back and forth to keep loose.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 14-2. He stands 6’1”, and weighing in at 215 pounds. He is from Palmdale, California by way of Atlanta, Georgia, fighting out of the Hit Squad, presenting the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion of the World, “The Shooter” Roscoe Robinson!
[Roscoe Robinson stands confident in his corner. He raises a clenched fist in the air to acknowledge and show appreciation to the unanimous cheers from the spectators.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Soak in this energy right now! The crowd is thumping, the fighters are on edge… I got goosebumps! Unless that was your “special brownie” I ate during the break, I’m riding on a whole different plane right now!
JASON JACKSON
Oh. You ate that? I feel a lot better now man. I thought someone else did and boy were they in for a ride. The goosebumps are real though, and I think the question we all want to know is will THREE titles change hands here tonight? We are about to find out.
[Referee Willie Green makes his way to the center of the octagon and directs both fighters to follow his lead. Mike Dempsey stands close behind and holds the microphone for the official.]
WILLIE GREEN
Alright gentlemen, listen to me closely. I want a good, clean, and active fight. We’ve gone over all of the rules in the back. Protect yourself at all times, follow my instructions, touch gloves now if you wish to and let’s do this.
[Robinson and Lattimore touch gloves without hesitation and give a quick bow before backpedaling back into their corners. Willie Green checks off with both men as the crowd grows to a deafening volume, then calls for the bell.]
[Roscoe Robinson and Gauge Lattimore touch gloves in the center to get this fight started! As the buzzer sounds to officially begin the fight, Gauge explodes forward and rushes Roscoe with a thunderous combination of lefts and rights to get things underway. Roscoe counters with a stiff uppercut that slows Gauge down in his tracks, allowing him to move back and regain himself.]
JASON JACKSON
Rock-em Sock-em robots right out the gate!! Both of these men throw THUNDER son. Listen to those shots land.
[Just like before, Gauge bursts forward and swings with a right, connecting to Roscoe’s head. He swings with a left but misses as Roscoe leans back in just the nick of time. The two then go back and forth exchanging powerful punches, both connecting while not even trying to defend themselves, just focused on putting the other down in quick fashion.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
No need for a feeling out process! These guys are throwing caution to the wind and just unloading on each other!
JASON JACKSON
As it should be. That’s why I like the heavyweight fighters. They usually just go out there and throw hammers until someone drops.
[Gauge lands a couple of jabs and then finishes off with a big hook, knocking Roscoe back a few steps. Lunging forward with a right, Gauge barely misses as Roscoe side steps him and counters with a stinging blow to the back of the head. As Gauge immediately turns to face Roscoe, he’s met with a fist to the mouth from a perfectly timed punch from Roscoe.]
JASON JACKSON
The champ is firing back now and backing Gauge up a bit to create some space. That one had to rattle some teeth.
[Gauge retaliates with a jab and then another hook, this time knocking Roscoe back and causing him to trip over his own feet as he falls to the mat. Rushing in, Gauge kicks Roscoe in the thigh as he tries to get up, keeping him grounded for the time being.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
The Shooter hits the mat! I don’t know if he slipped or if the judges are counting it as a knockdown, but either way he’s in a precarious position.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, that looked like he tripped. I don’t think that will get scored as a knockdown.
[Before Roscoe can get back to his feet, Gauge hits him with another swift kick to the thigh. He goes for a third but Roscoe checks it from the ground. Gauge swings down at Roscoe, only to get stopped in his tracks as Roscoe kicks up into Gauge’s stomach. With all of his strength, Roscoe extends his leg and pushes Gauge away from him, giving him a short window to pop back to his feet.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Gauge is someone who loves to keep the pressure on, but he’s gotta be careful of those kicks. Whether Roscoe is standing or apparently on the ground, he’s got that threat.
JASON JACKSON
He’s also gotta be careful not to burn himself out early. He’s potentially got 5 rounds of this kind of pace to keep up. I don’t THINK it will go five rounds, but you have to prepare for that and save some gas for the last leg of the race.
[Gauge moves in as Roscoe stands, throwing thunderous lefts and rights that don’t land as Roscoe manages to block and dodge them. Throwing his right leg up, Roscoe lands a quick and powerful kick to the side of Gauge’s leg. He kicks again and again, connecting with three kicks to Gauge’s leg when it’s all said and done. With Gauge mostly standing on one leg, Roscoe swings for the fences and connects with a brutal right hand to the side of Gauge’s head.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Chop him down and weaken the base. Roscoe knows what he’s doing here.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, you’ve heard me say it over and over, and you’ve SEEN it firsthand. Attacking the legs takes away speed, mobility, power… it affects your ability to drive through a takedown, or plant yourself to throw a big shot. Leg kicks are slept on. They are an awesome tool to give you the advantage in a close fight.
[Out of nowhere, Gauge throws a right that connects, stopping Roscoe’s momentum and knocking him back a step. Roscoe blocks a series of jabs Gauge throws until his bell is rung from a haymaker that Gauge lands against the side of his head. Stumbling backwards, Roscoe drops to one knee but immediately pushes himself back up.]
JASON JACKSON
Now THAT could be considered a knockdown. The champ eats a huge shot and goes down to one knee. Lattimore is moving in for the kill!
[Gauge moves in just as Roscoe stands looking to take advantage before he settles his feet. Swinging up with raw power, Roscoe lands an uppercut underneath Gauge’s chin before he can attack, sending him stumbling back a few steps but still managing to remain on his feet. Wasting no time, Roscoe rushes in before Gauge settles his feet and greets him with a rapid fire combination of jabs and hooks.]
JASON JACKSON
SURPRISE MOTHERFUCKER! That’s all I could think about that uppercut.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Shooter recovers from the haymaker and he’s putting the hurt on Gauge Lattimore right now!
[Landing most of his punches thrown, Roscoe backs Gauge against the cage. Throwing his arms up to defend Roscoe’s punches aimed for his head, Gauge leaves his midsection exposed and Roscoe seizes the opportunity. Shifting his attack, Roscoe fires away at the body with crushing lefts and rights, rapidly going back and forth and connecting with nearly a dozen before Gauge defends himself.]
JASON JACKSON
The challenger needs to move, and get the hell out of this bad situation. He can’t just stand there and absorb shots like this much longer.
[Swinging with a left, Roscoe tags Gauge’s head and then immediately throws up a right kick, landing it against Gauge’s shoulder. Swinging with a right, Gauge nearly levels Roscoe but misses as Roscoe ducks out of the way. Before Roscoe can make a move, Gauge catches him off guard with a left uppercut, knocking him back a step and creating a small bit of distance between the two, just enough to get his back away from the cage.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Lattimore somehow weathers the storm and creates some space to reset. These guys are going after it!
JASON JACKSON
This pace and intensity is crazy! I don’t know how this can be sustainable for 5 rounds. Someone has to drop.
[Gauge closes in and connects with a right, eating a left from Roscoe in the process. The two exchange punches with no restraint in the center of the octagon, beating the hell out of each other. We knew this fight was going to be brutal and these two aren’t letting us down as they try to end the other’s night in knockout fashion.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
We got ourselves a firefight! This could be it!
JASON JACKSON
MASSIVE shots landing here on both sides. I don’t know how they are still standing, but listen to this crowd. This building might come down from the decibel level in here right now.
[Each fighter lands multiple punches while being hit multiple times in the process. With the round nearly coming to an end, these two wanted to end it right then and there and weren’t holding anything back. A left from Gauge, followed up with a right from Roscoe. A vicious right hook from Gauge, followed up with a stinging right kick from Roscoe. Back and forth the two tag each other any way they possibly can before the buzzer sounds and Willie Green separates the fighters as the round concludes.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oh my god! What a way to kick off this fight and finish this round! Roscoe and Gauge are putting on a show here for the fans!
JASON JACKSON
Whew. That one is too close to call. It would all depend on whether they score that as a knockdown, when the champ went down to a knee. If so? It’s gonna be a 10-9 for Lattimore. Looks like both fighters are foregoing the stools as well. They are ready to get back out there and keep fighting. Let’s get round 2 underway.
[As soon as the buzzer sounds, both men charge towards the center of the ring and launch punches simultaneously at each other. Both connect with powerful punches to the face, stopping each other in their tracks. Gauge connects with a few perfectly executed strikes before following the combination up with a stiff uppercut.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And we pick up right where we left off to start round two!
JASON JACKSON
It’s like the last round never ended. They are right back out there to continue with the rock-em-sock-em robot shit. I don’t know how they are keeping this pace.
[Roscoe immediately throws his arms over his face in defense as Gauge fails to connect with the next strikes thrown. Aiming for the body, Gauge lands back to back body blows to Roscoe before faking another. Roscoe lowers his arms to defend his midsection and then Gauge swings for the fences with a right hook. Spinning out of the way, Roscoe dodges the hook and counters with a high kick to the side of Gauge’s head.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oooh! Roscoe with the equalizer, coming in hot with a brutal head kick!
JASON JACKSON
That landed solid, and it looks like Gauge’s legs are a little wobbly after that one but he recovers right away and goes back on the attack. This is crazy!
[The kick only momentarily stuns Gauge before the two are back at it again in the center of the cage wildly exchanging massive blows with each other. They miss more than they land as they swing wildly. Lunging towards Roscoe, Gauge attempts to grab a hold of him but is quickly stopped as Roscoe fires a solid kick to his stomach. Lunging over from the blow to the gut, Gauge’s head is in the perfect place for Roscoe to swing upward and connect with an uppercut to the face.]
JASON JACKSON
NASTY kick followed up by a perfectly scouted uppercut to the face! Roscoe is doing work here but Gauge is in full terminator mode and it appears nothing is going to be able to put him down.
[With Gauge on his toes from the uppercut to the face, Roscoe moves in and rapidly begins firing away with quick and precise body strikes. After a beautiful combination from Roscoe, it appears the momentum is shifting in his favor until Gauge connects with a brutal left out of nowhere. Following up with a right, Gauge lands a stiff blow to Roscoe’s face, knocking him back a step.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
It was looking like The Shooter was starting to run away with this, but out of nowhere Gauge answers back with punches in bunches.
JASON JACKSON
Back and forth. Back and forth. This fight hasn’t really favored one fighter over the other for an extended period of time. It’s been like watching a tennis match.
[Gauge moves in and swings for Roscoe’s body, missing back to back times as Roscoe jumps back out of the way to avoid contact. Throwing a left jab, Roscoe connects and then nearly levels Gauge with a right kick to the head. With Gauge on one knee, Roscoe backs up to the cage and then explodes from standstill, rushing towards Gauge. Roscoe goes for a kick to Gauge’s head to finish him off but instead Gauge grabs him by the leg and lifts him off his feet, carrying him across the mat and slamming Roscoe’s back against the cage.]
JASON JACKSON
AND THE CHAMP GOES FOR A RIDE!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Un...be…lievable! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone do that to Roscoe. Lattimore has got some serious strength, for a second there I thought he was gonna try and hit a takedown.
JASON JACKSON
Impressive either way, to be able to lift him and carry him across the cage like that. Gauge is showing why HE is the one fighting for the title here tonight. He’s taking the fight to Roscoe, and this is not an easy night for the champ by any means.
[With Roscoe against the cage, Gauge punishes him with brutal body blows, throwing both lefts and rights and putting all of his energy into it. Locking an arm around Gauge’s head, Roscoe pulls it into the cage and begins swinging up and over with his other hand, slamming his fist down onto Gauge’s back between his shoulders. Holding Gauge down, Roscoe then drives his knee upward, planting it to Gauge’s chest before pushing off the fence and freeing himself as well as Gauge.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Masterful clinch work from Roscoe.
JASON JACKSON
That punch to the back/spine TECHNICALLY could be illegal. Lucky there the ref didn’t catch that. It could be considered a “rabbit punch'' of sorts. Beautiful knee to follow up though! I agree.
[Gauge regains his focus but not in time as Roscoe quickly closes in and lights him up with a lightning fast one-two combination to the jaw. Roscoe then goes for a high kick but misses as Gauge blocks it and fires back with a strong right hand to Roscoe’s nose. The two then go at it again, throwing caution to the wind and fighting as if they were trying to kill the other. They both land punch after punch, failing to block a single one as they focused solely on trying to put the other down for good.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And here we go again! Another back and forth where neither man is trying to defend a punch.
JASON JACKSON
They are gonna have brain damage after this one. Haha. Unblocked shots landing to the head of each man… over and over, however they are STILL standing.
[Roscoe throws an uppercut, but misses and Gauge quickly counters with an uppercut of his own that ends up being blocked by Roscoe. Gauge then fakes a punch and launches himself at Roscoe, clinching him and driving him backwards across the mat before slamming Roscoe back first into the cage. Roscoe tries to break away from the clinch but Gauge just won’t let go of him, keeping him pinned against the cage.]
JASON JACKSON
Gauge using the clinch here to kinda cool down the action and take a moment. Smart move. Just don’t hold on for too long, because you know how these refs are.
[Gauge pounds away at Roscoe’s body as he has him pressed up against the cage. Roscoe tries pushing Gauge away but just can’t seem to create any distance between the two. Locking onto Gauge, Roscoe begins popping his knee up, driving it into Gauge’s body over and over until finally forcing him to release his hold. Roscoe then spins Gauge around and slams him into the cage, immediately following up with a rapid fire three punch combination to the ribs.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
I think you’re right, Gauge was looking to slow things down a bit with the clinch but Roscoe’s got that kickboxing background and is easily able to turn the tables on Lattimore.
[Roscoe releases Gauge and backs away to the center of the cage. Gauge follows closely and before you know it, they’re at it again with an explosive exchange of punches between the two. Gauge throws two back to back jabs that Roscoe blocks with ease. The two then swing with massive rights, connecting with each other simultaneously. The two stumble back from the other’s strike but it only took a second for them to launch towards each other again.]
JASON JACKSON
OOOOH. I thought that could be a double KO for a second. I was about to shit a brick. Instead they stumble back a few steps and come back for more. Immovable object, meet unstoppable force.
[Ducking a right from Roscoe, Gauge counters with a crushing body blow to Roscoe before landing a hook that knocks Roscoe on his back. Dropping down and climbing over Roscoe, Gauge swings with both arms, tagging Roscoe with back to back hits to the head as he’s on his back. Throwing a third punch, Gauge misses and drives his fist down onto the mat as Roscoe moves his head out of the way. Rolling Gauge off of him, Roscoe frees himself as the two push themselves back to their feet.]
JASON JACKSON
Another knockdown scored for Gauge. This time, there is no question about it as Roscoe lands flat on his back after that brutal hook.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nice recovery from Roscoe after getting rocked!
JASON JACKSON
And it’s back to the feet. This is wild.
[The two circle the center of the cage, sizing the other up before moving in and going into another exchange of vicious strikes. Roscoe lands two, Gauge lands one. Gauge lands three, Roscoe lands one. They go back and forth pulverizing each other before Roscoe stops him in his tracks with a right cross followed up with a left hook to the body.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
I’m loving how well Roscoe is mixing up his striking. He’s keeping Lattimore guessing when he’s starting the head, body, and legs.
[You can hear the excitement from the crowd as Roscoe begins gaining momentum with his attack. Gauge defends himself as best as he can but Roscoe is too fast for him. Gauge throws a looping right hand but misses as Roscoe jumps back and counters with a quick jab. Roscoe throws plentiful strikes to Gauge’s body before shifting his attacks to kicks. A left kick connects to Gauge’s side, followed by a right kick that connects to the side of Gauge’s knee.]
JASON JACKSON
That’s the edge right there that Roscoe has over the challenger. The speed. The power and toughness is equal, but it appears that Roscoe has the slight edge in speed and that’s allowing him to get his shots off quicker and in bunches.
[Gauge lunges and grabs onto Roscoe for a clinch to slow things down with the round nearly over. Roscoe doesn’t want any part of it as he tries to break away to get in a few more strikes before the buzzer. With five seconds left on the clock, Roscoe finally manages to pull away from Gauge, giving himself just enough time to connect one final right hook to the side of Gauge’s head before the sound of the buzzer. The ref steps in and breaks up the fight before Roscoe throws any additional strikes.]
JASON JACKSON
And one more for good measure to end the round. Another close one.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Yes sir, another exciting round in the books. Ten minutes down and a possible fifteen to go.
JASON JACKSON
Right now, I’ve got the challenger up 2 rounds to none. This one could’ve gone either way but I have to give it to Gauge based on the knockdown. We’re heading into the third round though, and I don't think anyone expected that.
[Round three is underway with no delays as both Roscoe and Gauge square up in the center of the cage. Gauge swings and connects with a massive right hand, sending Roscoe’s head nearly spinning from the impact. Pulling his body around to face Gauge, Roscoe throws a right hand of his own, planting his fist to Gauge’s jaw. Roscoe’s side of his face is covered in blood from a cut above his eye.]
JASON JACKSON
The champion is busted open here, and I gotta be honest, I’m surprised it took that long for someone to bleed. The way they have been landing, I would’ve thought the canvas would look like the elevator from the shining at this point.
[The two collide in the center of the cage exchanging punches between the two. It’s an all out slugger between Gauge and Roscoe as they beat the life out of each other. Gauge comes around with a looping right hand, missing as Roscoe jumps back and counters with a swift jab. With his other hand, Roscoe swings for Gauge’s head but misses as he ducks underneath and fires back with an uppercut square to Roscoe’s chin.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
You know, JJ, I expected this to be a standup striking affair, but they’ve exceeded my expectations so far. They continue to just say fuck it let’s bang.
JASON JACKSON
I think they’ve exceeded EVERYONE’S expectations. No one expected this kind of action and NO ONE expected it to go three rounds at this pace. This is an incredible fight. I’d wager even fight of the year.
[The blood continues to trickle from Roscoe’s eye, covering the side of his face and smearing on the canvas at their feet. Gauge moves in with back to back crosses, connecting with Roscoe’s arms as he throws them up in defense. Ducking under a third attempt, Roscoe puts all of his power behind a solid punch to Gauge’s stomach. The punch isn’t enough to slow Gauge down as he keeps swinging with full energy at Roscoe and in return, Roscoe fires back with strikes of his own.]
JASON JACKSON
Gauge walks right through that big shot to the body, and he keeps swinging for the fences. I don’t know what Roscoe has to do here to stop this man, but nothing has worked so far. He’s shrugging some MASSIVE shots off and walking through them.
[Gauge Lattimore spins around suddenly and connects with a backfist flush to Roscoe’s chin. Grabbing Gauge by the arm, Roscoe spins him around into a right hook to the mouth. Blood covers Gauge’s chin as it pours from his mouth. The mat becomes a canvas painted red from the battle at hand.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Clean up on aisle five! We got two major leaks on our hands and they’re leaving a trail wherever they go.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, see this is what I expected in round one. I’m shocked it took 3 rounds for this sort of carnage to unfold. Both men are bleeding all over the place now, and I doubt it’s going to change anything at all as to how this fight plays out.
[Gauge swings with an uppercut for Roscoe’s chin, barely missing as Roscoe leans back just enough to dodge it. Kicking his foot up, Roscoe plants it to Gauge’s stomach and comes around with a left to Gauge’s ribs. Roscoe swings for Gauge’s head, failing to connect as Gauge blocks it and counters with an uppercut that sends Roscoe stumbling backwards into the cage. Gauge throws a one-two combo, driving his fist into Roscoe’s head but leaving his midsection open for Roscoe to retaliate with a stinging right kick followed up with a left kick to the opposite side. Going for a jab, Gauge misses but manages to accidentally poke Roscoe in the eye with a single finger that goes unnoticed by the ref.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ooh, I think that might have been an eye poke. Roscoe is covering that eye up but the referee keeps the action alive. Adding the fact blood trickling into his eyes from that gash, Roscoe could be in some trouble going forward.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, I certainly don’t think it was intentional, but it’s still going to have some effect on his vision. He seems to be holding that eye now…
[Covering his eye with one hand, Roscoe swings with his other, clocking Gauge upside the head with a stinging right. With only one hand to use due to the other covering his eye, Roscoe leaves himself exposed and Gauge takes full advantage. Unloading on Roscoe with a series of punches, Gauge pounds his fists into Roscoe over and over, backing him across the mat getting closer and closer to the cage. Gauge misses more punches than he throws, but the ones that connect are brutal. Slipping in a jab, Roscoe slows Gauge’s momentum just enough to shift things in his favor. With a flurry of punches, this time it’s Gauge back stepping towards the cage as Roscoe lands multiple lefts and rights to Gauge’s head and body. Swinging with all of his might for the kill, Roscoe just misses Gauge’s head as he ducks out of the way at the last split second. Firing back with a pulverizing blow, Gauge stops Roscoe in his tracks with a punch that rings his bell.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Roscoe recovers nicely after the eye poke and now we’re back to the exchanges.
JASON JACKSON
They literally just walked each other back and forth across this cage with strikes. This is insane.
[Covered in blood from the neck up due to the cut over his eye, Roscoe throws a nasty combination of punches and kicks, connecting with every single one as Gauge is one step behind him when trying to block. Roscoe goes to finish off the combo with a kick to the head but fails to connect as Gauge somehow manages to dodge it in the blink of an eye.]
JASON JACKSON
That kick had bad intentions written all over it. He’s lucky he dodged that one. It may have been the one shot he’s been looking for the entire night. The one that finally puts a halt to the challenger. Instead, Gauge sees it coming and avoids it with ease.
[The two circle the center of the mat as they seem to be catching their breath from the exhausting exchange these two have had thus far tonight. Wiping the blood from his eye, Roscoe then lunges towards Gauge with a right hook just as Gauge just so happens to swing low at the same exact moment. Roscoe connects with a head shot as Gauge lands a vicious body blow. It’s noticeable to everyone watching that both men are feeling the aftermath from those powerful blows.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Sheeeeeesh! I thought we were about to see a double KO there for a second.
JASON JACKSON
It wobbled him, but Gauge keeps coming forward. There is absolutely ZERO quit in him.
[The two go back at it again in another exchange of blows in the center of the cage. This time around Gauge appears to get the upper hand as he connects with a few more strikes than Roscoe. Throwing a punch aimed for Roscoe’s head, Gauge barely misses yet again as Roscoe spins out of the way and kicks his leg back, planting his foot into Gauge’s midsection. As Roscoe turns around to face Gauge, he’s met with an off target jab that ends up being a finger to the eye… again. Willie Green is hesitant but allows the action to continue as Roscoe and Gauge go toe-to-toe again.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oh no. Another eye poke slides under the radar for Lattimore. They don’t look intentional but man he’s gotta watch those fingers.
JASON JACKSON
Looks like WIllie saw that one and gave him a look. That had to be a non-verbal sort of warning there to watch out and keep his hand closed when throwing it out. I’d hate to see this war get stopped by a weak ass eye poke.
[Gauge lands a rapid series of punches that takes Roscoe from one side of the cage to the other. Swinging for Roscoe’s head, Gauge punches the cage instead as Roscoe ducks and fires away with a shot to the gut. Swinging upward, Roscoe connects with an uppercut and then fires at will with his own rapid series of punches. Despite the blood in his eyes, Roscoe keeps landing lightning fast strikes as it’s now his turn to back Gauge up from one side of the cage to the other. Gauge is able to get both hands on Roscoe as he uses his brute strength to push Roscoe away from him to create some distance between the two. Gauge then throws a few jabs that get countered by Roscoe’s swift punches. Gauge doesn’t remain on the receiving end for too long though. He manages to connect with a stiff right in between Roscoe’s last two punches, bringing Roscoe’s momentum to a screeching halt.]
JASON JACKSON
Absolutely no quit in the champion, Bodie. He’s continuing to push forward and dig deep. Even as he’s pouring blood from his head. Even as he’s eating these MASSIVE shots, he’s not quitting. Neither of them are. That’s what being a TRUE champion is about.
[Gauge appears hurt from the combination he just received before he was able to break it up. Roscoe’s eye was still bleeding all over the place, leaving blood smeared across the entire mat from their feet stepping into it. Not only that, but both men appeared to be tired from going full throttle this entire fight. Tired or not, that wasn’t going to stop them until one of them was unconscious and lying on the mat. They get back into a brief exchange but before either of them can really do some damage, the buzzer sounds and the ref splits the two apart.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Round three wraps up and I gotta say, Jason, I can’t believe the pace these two are fighting at. It’s been a back and forth fight and in all honesty, neither one has taken a commanding lead in this fight. Roscoe is busted up pretty bad, and Gauge has got some considerable swelling and is getting worked on too. I couldn’t even begin to score this fight as we head into Championship rounds.
JASON JACKSON
I’ve been trying to score it but that round was a toss up. I think it may be 2-1 Lattimore right now, with Roscoe barely taking that one. But It honestly could’ve been a draw on that round as well.
[In their corners, Gauge’s mouth is checked out from the punch earlier although the bleeding has apparently come to an end. Roscoe on the other hand, his corner attended to the laceration over his eye, trying to slow the bleeding down as Roscoe was covered in it, along with the canvas.]
JASON JACKSON
Looks like the doc has given the all clear and we head to the championship rounds.
[You can hear the excitement from the crowd as round 4 is underway. Gauge and Roscoe approach each other in the center of the cage and touch gloves as a sign of respect. After a brief exchange of words between the two, they pick up right where they left off at the end of round three. The two tag each other with a few punches, Roscoe throws in a few kicks here and there, but for the most part these two practically put the meaning behind the words throw hands. They exchange back and forth in the cage with strikes. Gauge would land one, and then Roscoe, then Gauge again and back to Roscoe. Not all of the punches landed, but the ones that big had some power behind them and brought the entire crowd to their feet as the slugfest continued.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Gauge Lattimore's high motor is on full display and continues the high volume striking, but Roscoe is going tit-for-tat and proving why he is the champ!
[Gauge lands a solid blow to Roscoe’s ribcage, causing his body to buckle from the impact. Swinging with his other hand, Gauge landed another blow, this one to Roscoe’s forehead. And then a third, this one back to the cut eye of Roscoe’s, bringing life back to the wound as blood began trickling down from it again. The blood was getting in Roscoe’s eye and beginning to affect his vision, something Gauge just couldn’t help but take advantage of. Gauge moves in with a one-two combination of jabs and then finishes it off with a brutal haymaker that turns Roscoe’s head on a swivel. Grabbing a hold of Roscoe, Gauge drives him back across the mat and slams him into the cage. Swinging low in the clinch, Gauge pulverizes Roscoe’s midsection with body blows from both sides.]
JASON JACKSON
We see the bullrush for a second time here tonight, as Gauge DRIVES Roscoe back into the cage and begins to pepper him with huge shots to the midsection!
[Roscoe defends his midsection, absorbing Gauge’s body blows as he appears to be catching his breath. Rubbing his head against Gauge, Roscoe uses him to wipe the blood away from his eye, regaining vision to both eyes. Swinging from the side, Roscoe drives his fist into Gauge’s ribs before swinging up and over with his other hand, slamming his forearm over Gauge’s back. Popping his leg up, Roscoe drives his knee into Gauge’s ribs, breaking his hold and allowing himself to slide away from the cage and create some distance between him and Gauge.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
For some reason, Gauge Lattimore is still trying to work in the clinch, but Roscoe Robinson continues to make light work outta him when they lock up.
JASON JACKSON
That reason is because the gas tank is starting to run on fumes. You need to grab a motherfucker up sometimes and take a breath. The only catch is, Roscoe is a skilled fighter. He knows what you’re doing, and he’s going to make you pay for it.
[Roscoe measures Gauge up with a stiff jab to the jaw and then a cross to the temple. Gauge quickly shakes it off and lunges forward, Swinging for Roscoe’s head but missing as Roscoe ducks underneath it and steps in behind him. Turning around quickly, Gauge manages to catch Roscoe with a spinning backfist as he tries to move in and attack him from behind. Roscoe’s eye continues to bleed badly after Gauge connects with the backfist. Gauge swings low with a left and pounds his fist into Roscoe’s side. He then swings up with a right and kisses Roscoe’s chin with an uppercut. Roscoe takes a step back in a bit of a daze but shakes it off, only a second too late as Gauge is charging in and back on the hunt. Closing in on Roscoe, Gauge fires away with a rapid series of jabs, sizing Roscoe up as he attacks from the blindside where Roscoe can barely see him due to the blood in his eyes.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Lattimore pulls a veteran move and targets that busted eye. Between the blood leaking, the swelling, and the eye pokes, I’d imagine Roscoe has very little clear sight in that eye.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah it looks nasty. I’m shocked that the doctor let it continue to be honest. It’s a pretty ugly cut, and it’s in a bad spot. Gauge aims to make it worse though as he targets the eye directly.
[Gauge continues working Roscoe for as long as he can before things suddenly shift and Roscoe connects with a thunderous right hand. Roscoe then swings with a left that lands, followed up immediately with another massive right hand. Despite only seeing out of one eye at the moment, Roscoe uses his instincts to keep striking Gauge and keep him back a little and in plain sight. Between Roscoe’s swings, Gauge takes one of his own and aims it for Roscoe’s head with every ounce of his energy behind it. As the punch closes in, Roscoe ducks out of the way just before his head is nearly taken off.]
JASON JACKSON
[whistles] That was a close one. I’m not sure how he dodged that, but it was a potential fight ending shot.
[Roscoe fires back with a jab to the mouth and then a hook to the body. Blood starts pooling inside of Gauge’s mouth from the laceration suffered earlier in the fight. Roscoe swings with a left, but gets blocked as Gauge throws an arm up and counters with a stiff punch to Roscoe’s jaw. Gauge then swings with a cross and connects, and then another and another, slowly wearing down Roscoe with each crushing blow.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Aside from the obvious cuts and bruises, I think we’re starting to see this fight finally take a toll on these guys with their tactics. We’re not seeing the wild firefights, but instead we’re seeing some more footwork to create angles, slipping and dodging, and some counter strikes.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, it would be hard to maintain the same pace for 25 minutes. I’d expect to start seeing things slow down as we come into the final stretch of the fight. Don’t get it twisted though, this fight could still end at any moment with a single shot.
[Gauge puts on a boxing showcase as he continues his assault on Roscoe. Roscoe tries to create some distance between the two but Gauge stays close, keeping Roscoe within his striking range. Gauge swings at Roscoe’s body with a right, connecting with a brutal body blow as his fist crashes into Roscoe’s ribs. Gauge then fires with a left, driving his fist into Roscoe’s forearm as he moves it down in defense. Roscoe kicks his leg up but doesn’t connect as Gauge immediately blocks it. Roscoe kicks again, but Gauge is ready to block it a second time. Swinging with an uppercut, Gauge barely connects with Roscoe’s chin, a connection nonetheless, but one that doesn’t appear to faze Roscoe. Before Roscoe can wipe the blood from his eye, Gauge moves in and goes back on the rampage with left and right body blows as if chopping down a tree with his bare hands. For every two body blows Gauge lands, Roscoe lands one punch to the head. This goes on for a bit as Gauge keeps the upper hand with momentum in his favor.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Lattimore is rolling now and putting on a boxing clinic!
JASON JACKSON
The sweet science, Bodie. Gauge is really throwing with power and accuracy that is unfathomable this late in the fight. You like that? I used a big word. Unfathomable.
[Faking a kick, Roscoe throws Gauge off guard just enough to capitalize with a right hook that creates distance between the two as it lands against Gauge’s head. Quickly wiping the blood from his eye, Roscoe moves in before Gauge can execute his next strike. Roscoe hits him with a right and then fakes a left, baiting Gauge for a kick out of nowhere upside the head. Gauge stumbles back after the high power kick to the head.]
[As Gauge shakes off the after effects of the kick to the skull, Roscoe moves in and lights Gauge up with a rapid combination of left and right punches. Roscoe then throws his leg up again, this time driving it into Gauge’s stomach and forcing him to buckle over from the impact. Jumping in the air, Roscoe swings down and connects with a Superman punch, knocking Gauge down to one knee.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Whenever you think Roscoe is getting in some trouble, he finds a way to rally back. You couldn’t pay me enough to be a judge for this fight right now.
[Before Roscoe can capitalize on the position, Gauge bursts up with a swing, connecting with a vicious uppercut to Roscoe’s chin. Throwing both hands forward, Gauge pushes Roscoe backwards a few steps before he lunges forward, throwing a right hook for Roscoe’s head. Roscoe tries to dodge it but he isn’t fast enough as it closes in and tags him hard. Gauge goes back to the body, hitting Roscoe with a left and a right. He swings with another left, this time missing as Roscoe manages to hop back just enough to avoid the blow. Roscoe moves in and swings for Gauge’s head, but comes up short as Gauge leans back just enough to avoid the fist passing by his face like a rocket.]
JASON JACKSON
The head movement! Yo, if this guy ever gets tired of MMA, I think he’d have an incredible career as a boxer as well. He somehow keeps avoiding, narrowly might I add, these huge fight ending shots. I would call it luck, but at this point he’s done it over, and over and over and no one is that lucky. It’s pure skill and I’m impressed.
[The two keep distance between them but still at arms length. Circling the mat, they exchange punches back and forth, showing signs of wear as their movements get slower and slower. Connecting with a right from Gauge, Roscoe fires back with a right of his own just as hard. They swing with all of their power as if they’re trying to see who can not only hit harder, but who can knock the other into another dimension.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Lattimore is trying to finish this round strong, but Roscoe isn’t making it easy for him.
[Gauge’s chin and chest are covered in his blood but not nearly as bad as the cut above Roscoe’s eye that has him covered from head to toe. Gauge throws some brutal, powerful punches in Roscoe’s direction, connecting with one for every two thrown. On the other side, Roscoe gets a punch in whenever he forces Gauge to miss. Back and forth, they continue to beat the living hell out of each other.]
JASON JACKSON
Okay, fuck me. Maybe they can keep this up for 25 minutes. They continue going tit-for-tat here. Punch for punch. Someone has to drop.
[Gauge goes for an uppercut but misses and leaves himself open for Roscoe to counter with a hook from the other direction. Roscoe throws a sloppy kick that doesn’t land as Gauge blocks it with ease. Counting, Gauge swings for a grand slam but can’t hit the ball as Roscoe ducks his head out of the way in just the nick of time. The two then swing at the same exact moment from opposite sides, both with hooks that close in and connect simultaneously. As each punch lands, both men are knocked back as the buzzer sounds and the ref rushes in to get between them.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Wooow, that’s the second time we nearly saw a double KO, right at the buzzer! We are twenty minutes down, and just five minutes remain. Judging by the look of these two, I’m in shock that this fight has lasted this long with both of them still showing a lot of has left in the tank. JJ, this fight has been extraordinarily close. You have the fighting experience, so tell me, in this situation where either fighter could be 2-2 on the cards, 3-1, or hell even 4-0, you gotta be looking for a finish and not allow this fight to go into the judges hands, right?
JASON JACKSON
I hate to say it, but I think at this point Roscoe HAS to finish this fight, or he will be kissing that title goodbye. I’m stunned to say that. Never in a million years did I think this fight would play out like this. I won’t lie to you, I think a lot of people wrote Gauge off, and that was a mistake. Roscoe didn’t though. Roscoe knew what he was in for tonight, and he’s done his best to answer but right now he is down on the scorecards, at least in my opinion, and he needs to put Gauge away to keep his belt here tonight. HOW though. That is the better question. Roscoe has hit him with everything and the kitchen sink. Maybe he should consider looking for a sub like he had to do with me? Clearly this man is not going down from those hammers you’re throwing, so switch it up. Or say goodnight.
[Going to their corners, both men have their wounds checked, Gauge’s mouth not nearly as bad as the cut over Roscoe’s eye that has gotten larger as the fight progresses.]
[Here we are, our final round of the evening and both fighters look extremely exhausted from the war inside of the cage tonight. Their lacerations appear to have been taken care of but with the way these two are swinging tonight, it’s only a matter of time before the blood rains once more. The buzzer sounds, as if sending a wave of energy through both men as they burst from their corners and charge to the center of the cage. Gauge throws the first punch, landing it but leaving himself open as Roscoe counters with a punch of his own. Gauge throws a monstrous hook, connecting dead on the money as it nearly knocks Roscoe down to the mat. The champion regains his footing and manages to stay up, but is exposed as Gauge rushes in.]
JASON JACKSON
Oooooh shit. Nearly another knockdown by Gauge, and that is NOT how the champ wants to start this round.
[Throwing a combination of lefts and rights, Gauge works Roscoe to the side of the mat, just feet away from the cage. He then swings low for Roscoe’s body, failing to connect as Roscoe grabs him by the arm and turns the two of them around. Pushing Gauge back, Roscoe slams him into the cage and immediately pops his leg up and drives a knee into Gauge’s stomach.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Despite the way the fight is going, Roscoe is still showing a lot of grit and some great awareness to tie up in the clinch and land some big knees to take the wind outta Gauge.
[Roscoe goes to step away but Gauge keeps the clinch intact, turning the two around and this time slamming Roscoe’s back to the cage. From the clinch, Gauge lands a couple of body blows to Roscoe before Roscoe manages to slip away from his hold and away from the cage, creating some distance between the two. Gauge rushes him, closing the distance as he lunges forward with all of his strength. His fist grazes Roscoe’s head as he tries ducking out of the way, enough to keep Roscoe on his toes.]
JASON JACKSON
Still no sign of slowing down here as they continue to swing for the fences. That near miss got a gasp from everyone here in attendance. I think at this point we’re just waiting to see who drops first.
[With a few jabs, Gauge connects one after the other to Roscoe’s chin. With some momentum behind him, Gauge then swings for the fences and goes for Roscoe’s head. Ducking down, Roscoe dodges the rocketship of a punch and counters with a solid uppercut to Gauge’s stomach. Roscoe then fires with a left kick, crushing Gauge’s ribs as it connects with a pop. Gauge goes to grab Roscoe and put him in a double underhook but being the smaller man, Roscoe manages to slip away from his grasp and keep a few feet between the two. Roscoe steps in and goes for a jab, only to take one to his cut eye as Gauge stops him in his tracks. Instantly, the blood begins pouring from Roscoe’s eye once again.]
JASON JACKSON
And that shot appeared to open Roscoe back up and that cut is flowing once more. HE really has to protect that eye if he doesn’t want to suffer a doctor’s stoppage. It’s getting pretty gnarly.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Yeah like you said, JJ, I’m a little surprised the doctors haven’t stepped in. But it looks like they’re giving him the benefit, considering this is a main event title fight. I will say, it’s smart on Roscoe to target the body. At this point in the fight, those shots to the body are going to take a big toll and really take the steam outta Gauge.
[Gauge swings at Roscoe with perfectly landing strikes to the head. The last knocks Roscoe back a step but just as soon as Gauge steps in for another punch, Roscoe launches himself up off his feet and connects with a knee to Gauge’s face. Roscoe quickly wipes the blood away from his eye and moves back in, only to step into a body blow from Gauge that knocks the wind out of him.]
[Gauge squares Roscoe up with a quick one-two combination of jabs before finishing with a hook that connects with Roscoe’s arm as he throws it up in defense. Gauge throws a hook from the opposite direction that comes within centimeters of Roscoe’s face as he barely misses. Roscoe quickly fires back with back to back rights and a stinging right to the jaw. Kicking his leg up, Roscoe plants it to the side of Gauge’s ribs and then kicks even higher with his other foot, planting it solid against Gauge’s jaw.]
JASON JACKSON
The champ is rallying here, and doing everything he can to secure a stoppage. He knows he has to stop this man in order to win, and he’s pulling out all the stops, especially with that two touch kick that just landed to the jaw for Lattimore. However, Gauge keeps coming forward. He keeps walking through those. I feel bad for the next person to have to fight him if ROSCOE can’t knock him out… sheesh. Who can?
BODIE SULLIVAN
The guy is a Terminator out there!
[Roscoe and Gauge circle to the center of the cage, sizing each other up before going at it again. Roscoe throws a right and misses as Gauge counters with a right of his own to Roscoe’s eye. Stumbling backwards, Roscoe slams back first into the cage but uses it to bounce off and lunge forward, swinging with a right and connecting with a brutal blow to Gauge’s head. Gauge then fakes another right, and then swings with a left as Roscoe bites and leaves himself exposed, driving his fist into Roscoe’s head behind the ear. Gauge goes for another headshot but misses as Roscoe steps out of the way and fires back with a brutal kick to the ribs. This one appears to have done some damage as Gauge really looks hurt following the blow. Roscoe moves in and goes for a quick one-two only to get shut down as Gauge blocks it and throws him to the side.]
JASON JACKSON
The CHALLENGER IS HURT!!! ROSCOE IS ON THE ATTACK A- Holy SHIT! Gauge recovers and tosses him aside like a rag doll! WHAT?! I’ve never seen a fight like this. This man REALLY IS the terminator.
BODIE SULLIVAN
You know, just about any other fighter would have crumbled from all of those body shots by now being this late in a fight. But Gauge is showing the will to push forward and leave it all out there.
[Roscoe manages to stay on his feet but before he knows it, Gauge limps over with speed and connects with a skull crushing right hand. Gauge then throws a left just as hard, if not harder, and then another right that comes up short. Moving his head out of the way, Roscoe fires away with another solid kick to Gauge’s ribs, locking in them as he notices the last kick did quite the number on Gauge. The blood starts to get in Roscoe’s eye and bother him as he loses focus on Gauge and tends to himself. Seeing this as an opportunity, Gauge quickly moves in and slams his fist into Roscoe’s midsection with a powerful right. Coming up, Gauge then connects with a left uppercut that puts Roscoe on his toes. Jumping into the air, Gauge throws his arm forward with all of his power and connects with a vicious superman punch, sending Roscoe stumbling backwards and crashing into the cage.]
JASON JACKSON
NOW THE CHAMP IS ROCKED! He crashes back against the cage after eating that huge superman punch, but he uses the cage to stay standing.
[Gauge rushes in on Roscoe as his back is to the cage. Closing in, Gauge swings and connects with a right to the body and then an immediate left to the shoulder of Roscoe. Swinging with his right again, Gauge connects with a cross to Roscoe’s bleeding eye. Stepping back, Gauge then swings with a haymaker, coming up empty handed as Roscoe ducks underneath it and steps in behind him.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Even with one eye completely closed up, The Shooter is still out there making Lattimore miss!
[Tagging Gauge in the back of the head with a solid right, Roscoe then hits him in the back of the ribs with a left, and then another and another to the side Gauge has been favoring. Fighting through the pain, Gauge spins around with an elbow but comes up short again as Roscoe dodges the incoming blow.]
JASON JACKSON
Another near miss, another near fight ender. At this point I’m not even sure what to say. There have been so many near finishes in this fight and both men keep rallying back. Fuck it. Give them both a title at this point. Here they go again…
[Gauge quickly turns around to face Roscoe and as he does, the two go all in for yet another brutal and relentless exchange of punches. This time they alternate connecting as the punches continue to fly from both fighters. Roscoe goes to change things up and throws a kick up, but Gauge swats his leg away and capitalizes with a cross to the mouth.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Wooow, Gauge got lucky there. You could hear the wind off that kick from the nosebleed section!
[Gauge then goes on the attack but somehow Roscoe manages to dodge his punches before unloading with a combination of his own. Throwing rapid lefts and rights, Roscoe tags Gauge’s head many times and backs him across the mat to the opposite side of the cage. With his back to the cage, Gauge goes on the defensive and blocks Roscoe’s punches as he continues to unleash them with no restraint, as if he was allowing Roscoe to wear himself out before striking again. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike, Gauge throws a right in between Roscoe’s strikes and connects, stopping Roscoe’s momentum and giving himself time to get away from the cage. Gauge then moves in before Roscoe can get started again, connecting with a body crushing blow to Roscoe’s midsection. He then throws a punch perfectly before Roscoe can fire back, driving his fist into Roscoe’s eye yet again.]
JASON JACKSON
The challenger let him tee off there and waited for an opening to drop another hammer on him. He’s really fucking that eye up and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the doctor step in and check it.
BODIE SULLIVAN
I gotta commend the ref and doctor for letting this one go. Roscoe’s down, but he certainly ain’t out and you know he doesn’t want a stoppage. Especially not this late and this close of a fight.
[The blood was pouring from Roscoe’s eye with the possibility getting greater by the second for the official to stop the fight. The official didn’t quite go that far yet, but it was only a matter of time before he would be forced to if it were to get any worse. Gauge sizes Roscoe up with left and right jabs, keeping the fight at a steady pace. Just as Roscoe takes a swing for his head, Gauge lands an uppercut that sends Roscoe’s head tilting back. Spinning around, Gauge connects with a spinning backfist to Roscoe’s chin.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Gauge is rolling now and I’m not sure if Roscoe can recover at this point.
[The two then get into another exchange, this time even for both sides as they land the same amount of punches with none missing its target. A quick one-two from Gauge is immediately answered with an even faster one-two from Roscoe. Connecting with a blow to the chin with some power behind it, Gauge knocks Roscoe back a step and then swings around with his other hand, landing a solid hook.]
JASON JACKSON
I honestly don’t know what is happening right now. This is like a scene out of a movie, or a video game. This sort of shit doesn’t happen in real life. Back and forth as we come down to the final stretch. Roscoe has less than two minutes to put an end to this fight or lose his title.
[Closing the gap between the two, Gauge goes for some body blows but comes up short as Roscoe steps back and dodges them. Launching himself forward, Roscoe connects with a hook to the jaw with one hand and a crushing body blow with his other hand to Gauge’s injured ribs. Gauge favors his ribs even more after the blow but he doesn’t hold back. Instead, Gauge throws a right of his own and tags Roscoe as he is moving in for another body blow.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Jason, I think you’re right. Roscoe needs a finish. This round to me has been the clearest so far in favor of one fighter. Barring anything significant, Lattimore is gonna win this round. The four leading up is gonna be a big question, if this goes the distance.
[With a burst of energy, Gauge begins throwing powerful and rapid lefts and rights, aiming for Roscoe’s body and connecting with one after the other. Just as Roscoe goes to defend low, Gauge changes up and connects with a crushing hook to Roscoe’s eye, nearly lifting him off the mat. Gauge then goes back to the body and pounds away, slowly, but effectively wearing Roscoe down with each landing blow. Gauge then shifts his attack and throws a few jabs to Roscoe’s face that get defended. Countering, Roscoe swings out of nowhere and lands a solid punch to the side of Gauge’s head before following up with yet another brutal kick to Gauge’s ribs.]
JASON JACKSON
Just when you think one of them has it dialed in and it’s going to be the end of the fight, the other surges back to life and puts that shit to bed. It looked like Roscoe was in trouble and then BOOM, he lands a nasty kick to the body that backs Gauge up and creates space.
[Kicking Gauge in the ribs again, Roscoe then swings with another hook, connecting again as Gauge continues to favor his ribs. Roscoe throws a jab which Gauge manages to block and counter with a stiff punch to Roscoe’s jaw. The two then explode in a flurry of punches as they exchange in the center of the cage.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Another firefight here! The time is ticking away and these guys are letting it fly!
[The blood from Roscoe’s eye affects his vision, giving Gauge the perfect opportunity to capitalize. Connecting with a hook from Roscoe’s blind side, Gauge then swings with his other hand and drives it forcefully into Roscoe’s midsection, knocking Roscoe off balance. Swinging with a right, Gauge lands a solid punch to Roscoe’s jaw, and then another and another, shifting the momentum in his favor with the clock closing in on the end of the round. Roscoe tries to defend himself but Gauge appears to have uncovered one final burst of energy.]
JASON JACKSON
Final seconds of the round! The clock is counting down on Roscoe Robinson’s title reign and the challenger knows he has to make one final push and just make it to the horn.
[Swinging with all of his weight and power behind it, Gauge connects with a brutalizing blow to Roscoe’s side, knocking the breath from his lungs. Swinging again and again, Gauge aims for Roscoe’s head and goes for the knockout as the round reaches its final seconds. There’s no stopping Gauge at this point, all Roscoe can do is play defense and wait for the buzzer. He knows it, as well as Gauge who doesn’t hold back and continues to land solid punches despite Roscoe being on the defensive. With the final seconds counting down, Gauge puts all of his raw power and energy into one final strike, throwing a right hook and turning his body into it as it connects to the side of Roscoe’s head. Roscoe stumbles back in a daze and just as Gauge moves in strike again, the buzzer sounds and the official jumps in between them.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ladies and gentlemen, we have witnessed history! What a fight!
JASON JACKSON
I can’t believe I’m saying this but… this one goes the distance. What an incredible fight. What an incredible performance by both men. People will be talking about this fight for years and decades to come. This was a once in a lifetime fight and I’m honored to be able to call it from the best seat in the house. Unfortunately though, I think we may have seen a changing of the guard here. I think that we have a new King of the Cruiserweights.
BODIE SULLIVAN
We just witnessed twenty-five minutes of an absolute war! From bell-to-bell, they put the pedal to the metal and never let off! We’ll have to get an official look at the stat sheet, but this has to be a Union GP record for total strikes. Again, what an unbelievable matchup, win or lose, both of these guys have to be proud of what they just delivered!
[Both fighters are sent to their corners as this fight has officially come to an end. Doctors pour in as the crowd erupts into pandemonium. The medical staff get to work on these two warriors’ battle wounds for several minutes. Eventually the doctors finish their work to the point the fighters are at least presentable and the bleeding has ceased and make their exit while both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after five rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards for a decision. All three judges have scored it 48-47, declaring your winner by unanimous decision, AND NEW Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion of the World, Gauge “Lights Out” Lattimore!
JUDGE WILL SHAW
Roscoe Robinson 9 9 10 10 9: 47
Gauge Lattimore 10 10 9 9 10: 48
JUDGE BECKHAM WILCOX
Roscoe Robinson 9 9 10 10 9: 47
Gauge Lattimore 10 10 9 9 10: 48
JUDGE ERIN BATES
Roscoe Robinson 9 10 10 9 9: 47
Gauge Lattimore 10 9 9 10 10: 48
Winner: Gauge Lattimore by Unanimous Decision
Statistics: Roscoe Robinson
Punches 199/254 (78%)
Kicks 57/76 (75%)
Clinch strikes 17/24 (71%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/3 (33%)
Time on the ground 51 s
Statistics: Gauge Lattimore
Punches 260/327 (80%)
Kicks 8/18 (44%)
Clinch strikes 39/54 (72%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 4/5 (80%)
Time on the ground 12 s
[As the winner is announced, the reactions from each corner are night and day. Roscoe doesn’t seem shocked, but it takes a few seconds for everything to finally settle and register in his head. This was a feeling he hadn’t felt in a long time. Gauge and Roscoe approach each other in the center and after a brief exchange of words, the two shake hands and then embrace in a hug.]
[As the championship is brought over, Roscoe takes it from Dante Reed’s hands and personally hands it over to Gauge before congratulating him. It was a war tonight inside the cage and a different outcome than we’ve seen in just under two years. A new champion was crowned tonight bringing in a new era to the Cruiserweight division in UGP.]
[As Gauge holds the championship in one hand, Roscoe takes his other and hoists it above their heads, presenting Gauge as the new Cruiserweight champion to the world. After a few more words between the two, they embrace once more before Roscoe steps aside for Gauge to bask in the spotlight he not only earned, but fought for his life here tonight to capture.]
[After a brief celebration between fighters, Bodie Sullivan steps into the octagon and tracks down the new champ. He rests one hand over Lattimore’s shoulder to grab his attention and with a microphone in the other hand, tries to squeeze in a quick interview.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ladies and gentlemen, I’m standing here with the new Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion, Gauge Lattimore. First off, I gotta ask, how’s that sound?
GAUGE LATTIMORE
Man, it sounds incredible but it don't seem real. I feel like I’m dreaming right now.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Leading up to this fight, you said you were prepared to go five rounds with The Shooter, did you think it would take the full twenty-five minutes?
GAUGE LATTIMORE
Listen, I know Roscoe is a warrior. I knew it was gonna take everything I had to earn this. I threw everything I had at him and he kept firing back. As I’ve said before, I’ve got all the respect in the world for the guy.
BODIE SULLIVAN
What was the game plan for this fight? Was there anything you saw in his previous fights you had to prepare for or anything you could exploit?
GAUGE LATTIMORE
Roscoe’s a helluva fighter, man. He's got an air tight scheme. He doesn’t make mistakes. One thing people don’t give him enough credit for is his footwork. The way he feints and freezes people up to stay on the perimeter where he can work in his kicks and keep them out of their striking range. I knew I was gonna have to walk through fire and eat some shots in order to get to my range where I could just try and unload on him.
BODIE SULLIVAN
So what’s next for you? Do you have anyone in mind for your next fight?
GAUGE LATTIMORE
Obviously I’m gonna need some time to heal up. Take a little time off and celebrate this win. Maybe one more fight for this year if everything lines up properly. But I’m all in to run it back with Roscoe. Lovelie Saint-Cyr is out there, José Meléndez too. Hell, even Daniel Fisk or Owen Barnes can get it. Like I’ve said since day one, I want all the smoke!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Thanks for taking the time here, Gauge. Congratulations on your historic performance. Give it up for your new Cruiserweight Champion, ladies and gentlemen!
[Bodie Sullivan offers his hand out and the new champ shakes hands before splitting off to his cornermen to celebrate the monumental win. The feed then slowly fades out, with the Battleground Network logo glowing to close the show.]