UNITED CENTER
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
NOVEMBER 14, 2021
[The opening montage comes to a close and the feed transitions inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Chicago, Illinois inside the United Center for UGP 30! Chi-Town is home to Union Grand Prix, making tonight the sixth event held here in this magnificent city. Hello everybody, Bodie Sullivan here and I’m standing in the shadow of the Hall of Fame legend, Jason Jackson! UGP 30 marks the sixtieth event for Union Grand Prix, and to celebrate the milestone, we have yet again an incredible lineup in store with not one, not two, but count ‘em, three title fights scheduled. The last time we had three title fights on one card, we witnessed the crowning of three new champions. Jason, could we possibly see another changing of the guard here tonight and crown three more new champions?
JASON JACKSON
I think a real fight fan knows the answer, and that’s “Anything can happen” Bodie. We’ve seen a lot of upsets over SIXTY, count em, SIXTY explosive cards over the history of this promotion. We’ve seen the underdog prevail, and we’ve seen total and utter domination. There’s no real telling what we’re going to get tonight, but I know I’M ready. I know YOU’RE ready, and I know these FANS are ready for a night full of carnage here in the Windy City.
BODIE SULLIVAN
To kick off the night, we have a Bantamweight bout between Chicago’s very own Megan Reed taking on Yasmine Vermeulen, who has officially made the move down to the 135-pound division. Both of these women are striking savants and will no doubt set the pace for the night. Reed is 4-2 in her last six fights but is coming off a loss against Terrico Harris at UGP 28. Yasmine Vermeulen has gone 3-3 in her last six fights, with losses against Bellamy DeSilva, Natalie King, and most recently Abbie Peterson. Those three fighters have been top contenders or former champions in the Lightweight Division, and given the fact Yaz has always been an undersized lightweight, I think this is a very smart move for her career.
JASON JACKSON
There’s no doubt about that. This should be a striking affair, and while Megan Reed is certainly the hometown favorite, Yasmine was actually our online poll winner taking the final results 67%-33%. So Hometown favorite VS viewer favorite. Speaking of Vermeulen, this actually isn’t her Bantamweight debut either. She does have that win over Lena Lyons via leg injury at UGP 17 and I think she’s looking to secure another win here tonight and make a push towards title contention in her self proclaimed new, permanent home.
BODIE SULLIVAN
From there we go from the smallest division, to the biggest as Chicago’s favorite son Donnie Calabrese takes on Billy Tweeds. Dog Face Donnie has been on a resurgence since losing the Heavyweight Title, winning three of his last four, and looks to continue that trend to get back into title contention. His opponent, Billy Tweeds, is a very promising prospect who has been on the verge of cracking into that same tier. His two losses come at the hands of Owen Barnes, the current Heavyweight Champion, and Viktor Volkov, a man who has challenged for both the Heavyweight and Cruiserweight Championships. This would be the signature win needed for Tweeds to solidify himself as a potential title challenger, but the cards are stacked against him tonight, facing a former champion in his own backyard.
JASON JACKSON
Big boys, makin’ big noise. These two bring the thunder and I’m excited for this one. Billy Tweeds, and the rest of Red Rock as a whole came out of nowhere and have taken off like a wildfire. I think they are all very promising fighters and Tweeds has the ability to end the fight with one big shot. Donnie though? If you’ve been watching UGP from the start? If you’re a real OG? You know that this man literally started from the bottom, and now he’s here. He struggled hard for the first part of his career, but just like Travis Decker, who we’ll get to in just a bit, he COMPLETELY turned that shit around and now? He’s as dangerous as they come. A lot of that comes from training with Roscoe and the team at Hit Squad, and the time they put in together under the RK Banner. Expect some heavy artillery here. Not fireworks. Expect mortars.
BODIE SULLIVAN
And now we move into the Championship block of the card. First title fight of the night is between two fighters who are very familiar with each other. Former training partners who were the unquestioned kings of the Cruiserweight Division. These two fighters traded wins and titles in each of their previous three encounters, and now they make a fourth bout official in the Openweight Division. Daniel Fisk Jr. is truly a living legend who was inducted into the inaugural class of the Union Grand Prix Hall of Fame. He’s a two-time Cruiserweight Champion, a two-time Cruiserweight Grand Prix winner, and is the inaugural Openweight Champion. Tonight he makes his first title defense against the man who ended his two Cruiserweight Title reigns, Roscoe Robinson. The Shooter has been the kryptonite in Fisk’s title successes in Union Grand Prix. Roscoe is 2-1 all-time against his former coach, and wants nothing more than to make it three while capturing his third championship reign in the process. Jason, these two have brought the fire in their three previous fights. Is it safe to say that we can just expect the unexpected?
JASON JACKSON
This is the fight I'll be watching the closest all night. This is huge. Fisk? Hall of Famer, just like you said. All this year we’ve been discussing Roscoe’s name for the next induction class. We’ve said a million times that he’s a future hall of famer. If he beats Fisk tonight? You can’t tell me otherwise, Uce. He’s a hall of famer. He’s got my vote and if ya’ll don’t vote for him I will beat you up, steal your ballots, and rig the election. That would be wins over TWO current hall of famers, myself included, and multiple wins off Fisk alone? Man, to not induct Roscoe would be robbery of the highest caliber. Can he do it though? I mean, he’s coming into this off a decision loss to Gauge Lattimore. Which, I mean... it stings, yeah. But to Roscoe it’s just another day at the office. He just wants to fight your ass. He’s right back in there and ready to work again, just like he was after putting the first L on Kennard’s record at UGP 27. Back to back, ready to go. Fisk has been out of competition since we held UGP 25 right here in Chi town 6 months ago, so we have to consider that as well. Does the six months he took to rest and sharpen his skills help him? I guess we’re going to see. Either way, I wouldn’t mind running it with the winner at some point after I handle some Russian business I got going on.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Did you ju-
JASON JACKSON
I said what I said.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Alright, AHEM, moving on into the Co-Main Event of the evening, Delaney Donovan will put his Lightweight Championship on the line against Erick Costa. Double D is fresh off a win against Natalie King, making it three-zip against what many believed to be the one fighter who could dethrone the Irish native. Donovan effectively closed the book on that chapter and now he’s looking to write a new one here tonight. This will be his fifth title defense, and if he’s successful, he ties the all-time record in Union GP with Roscoe Robinson. Delaney’s name is littered all over the record book and you just know he’s looking to add to his already Hall of Fame-worthy resume. However, this could be a trap fight. Erick Costa is no slouch and although he has kept under the radar as he ascended to this opportunity, the Puerto Rican is an absolute savage in the cage. He has the boxing prowess to go toe-to-toe with the champ, and the cardio to take it to the distance. Although this is Costa’s first five round fight, I believe he has all of the tools to go into deep waters and still be a big threat.
JASON JACKSON
I think that this is Costa’s fight to win, IF Double D underestimates him. If he doesn’t put some respeck on his name, and recognize Costa’s ability to actually win this fight? If he believes his own hype too much and thinks he’s untouchable? It can come back to bite you. Believe me, I know. Pluggz knows. Many great fighters know. You get too high up on that high horse and someone will definitely knock you off that motherfucker. That’s not saying he is taking Costa lightly by any means. I’m just saying that if he DOES, it could be a bad time. That being said, Delaney is another fighter I would vote all in for in the next class of Hall of Fame inductees if he retired tomorrow. He’s just that good. As we stated earlier though, anything can happen in MMA and we’re sure to see a war here, regardless of the outcome.
BODIE SULLIVAN
And finally we head into the Main Event of the night, Middleweight Champion and Chicago native Travis Decker looks to make his second successful title defense against the rising English prospect Nigel Musgrove. Decker and Musgrove split the series with a win a piece, and to settle the trilogy, it’s on the biggest stage with everything at stake. We’ve talked about how Travis Decker has found a resurgence that’s taken him from being a sub .500 fighter all the way to the promised land. However, Nigel Musgrove has had a similar path as well. The Magic Man made his Union GP debut by defeating Travis Decker back at Boss Fight XVII by a unanimous decision. From there he went on and beat the number one ranked contender at the time, Brendan McCarthy, in another unanimous decision. He put the division on notice at that point, but a rematch with Decker halted the hype train when he lost by a second round TKO, and then a first round submission loss to Asher Jrue stuffed him back down the rankings. Since then, he’s ripped off three consecutive wins, with his most recent win against the former two-time Middleweight Champion and 2019 Fighter of the Year, Robert Guilliman. There’s no question Musgrove has earned this opportunity tonight, but just like Yasmine Vermeulen and Billy Tweeds, he’s going up against the hometown hero.
JASON JACKSON
Hometown hero and fan favorite as well. Travis Decker led the poll 64% to 36% when we asked who the fans thought would win the fight tonight and walk out with the Middleweight crown. As I stated earlier tonight though, that wasn’t always the case.. At one point in his career, he was the underdog. A man who turned his whole career around and reinvented himself. Now he’s the reigning king of the Middleweight Division. A Division that has been blown wide open as of late leaving room for contenders like Musgrove to finally get the chance to make that climb to the top. Will the roar of these hometown fans and the pressure of the big one be enough to make him fold? Or will Nigel Musgrove silence the polls and the fans by wrenching this title out of the hands of it’s reigning king? Again, Anything can happen.
BODIE SULLIVAN
And with that, let’s toss it over inside the octagon where our very own hype man, Mike Dempsey, awaits for the action!
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, we are live exclusively on the Battleground Network here at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois for UGP 30! 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 Muay Thai Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-4. She stands 5’5”, and weighing in at 135 pounds. She is from Antwerp, Belgium, fighting out of the MMA Factory Paris, presenting Yasmine Vermeulen!
[Yasmine Vermeulen paces from side to side, looking a bit uneasy as she tries to calm the nerves.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Leading up to this fight, Yasmine Vermeulen essentially made it official that she will make a permanent move to Bantamweight. It had been noted on several occasions that when she competed at Lightweight, she was one of the smallest fighters in the division. Despite routinely giving up ten-fifteen pounds and upwards of six inches in height, Vermeulen was a top contender. She lost to Nat King for the interim title and then most recently to Abbie Peterson. Given the fact that she had been able to climb to such an altitude in a higher weight class, you have to believe this move will make heads turn.
JASON JACKSON
It certainly could very well be the change that she needs to become a champion. She shouldn’t have any gnarly weight cuts either, since she is fighting around her natural weight so expect her to be moving better. Lighter on her feet, faster, more cardio. She’ll be most likely coming out here like a shark. She’ll circle you, taunting you, attacking methodically until she smells blood in the water at which point she’ll viciously go for the kill. Will the forward pressure and activity of Reed throw that off though? That’s the real key here. I think Yas has a great chance to start her Bantamweight journey toward the top of the rankings. .
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-5. She stands 5’2”, and weighing in at 120 pounds. She is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of the Lion's Den FC Las Vegas, presenting the number nine ranked Bantamweight Contender in the World, “Firecracker” Megan Reed!
[The crowd goes wild for the Chicago native. Megan Reed keeps her head down and controls her breathing as she readies herself for this fight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
As we mentioned earlier, Megan Reed has been steadily improving since debuting in Union GP. After starting off 1-3, she has gone 4-2 in her last six fights. All of her losses come from fighters who have either contended for titles or are former champions. Reed has a chance to overcome that obstacle as she faces Yasmine Vermeulen, an interim title challenger herself. This is the signature win she needs to really elevate herself to a new level.
JASON JACKSON
It really is. We’ve seen a lot of folks turn their careers around here in UGP. A few of them are fighting here tonight. 4-2 in her last six is a significant improvement and I think a win here tonight would propel her upwards in the ranking tremendously. I also think she has what it takes to absolutely terrorize anyone they put in front of her. But consistency is key. Can she continue to ride the waves of momentum, or does Yasmine shut that shit down? Time to find out.
BODIE SULLIVAN
And with that, referee Herschel Warden is in charge of the action and he’s ready to get this fight underway!
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ROUND ONE
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[The bell sounds and Megan Reed moves forward quickly, targeting the left leg for a single leg takedown, but Yasmine shows great balance pushing her off. Yasmine quickly steps into the gap she made and launches a couple of jabs that Megan manages to block, but then follows with a big right hook that lands hard on Megan’s cheek causing her to stumble and fall to the mat!]
JASON JACKSON
There’s that pressure I was talking about out the gate. She right away goes for th--
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ooh! Big right hand to start things off! Megan Reed tried to catch Yasmine Vermeulen off guard with a takedown, but eating that right hook could have put her in serious trouble early!
[Vermeulen is standing while Reed is on the ground on her back, not giving her any room. She lands a clean stiff kick to Megan’s thigh, but Megan responds with an up-kick that lands flush with Yasmine’s head, snapping her neck back! Megan uses this gap to bounce up to her feet and create distance.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nasty upkick from Megan Reed and she gets back on her feet! You always have to be mindful in that situation or it could be lights out in a flash.
JASON JACKSON
DAMN! She was like a bobblehead for a second. That looked like Century Bob at the gym. You know the punching bag that looks like someone’s alcoholic father? Can’t be eating shots like that.
[Yasmine fakes a punch which baits Megan into countering with a jab, allowing Yasmine to dodge and step in, firing off a massive uppercut to the face, causing a small laceration to her left cheek! Megan falters a step and Yasmine keeps the pressure on, moving into the clinch and forcing Megan’s back into the cage. She tries to get some distance but Yasmine is determined to keep control, making it obvious why as she starts punishing Megan with vicious uppercuts from the clinch!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
This is exactly what Yaz wanted to do. Secure the clinch where Reed has shown to be her weak point and start dropping bombs. Reed needs to get outta there quick!
JASON JACKSON
Honestly, it looks like Megan is in a Daze after that first shot landed. Someone needs to wake her up. She’s fighting cobwebs in the attic right now, not Yasmine Vermeulen.
[These shots are landing heavy and Megan is in trouble, trying to cover up but unable to get to a better position. Yasmine lands one final uppercut which catches Megan clean on the chin, causing her body to go limp as Megan’s lights go out! Herschel quickly steps in to pull Yasmine off of her, before she goes to celebrate with her corner.]
JASON JACKSON
JENGA! SHE’S OUT. HASHTAG SNOOZE BUTTON.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oooh! Yasmine Vermeulen tags her with a perfectly timed uppercut and puts an end to this fight inside the first frame!
JASON JACKSON
Putting an end to this fight is putting it lightly, Ladies and Gentleman. She slept her ass. BOP. BOP BOP! OOOOH. Watch the replay. That’s nasty, Uce.
[The crowd is stunned as Yasmine Vermeulen continues to celebrate. Doctors rush into the octagon and begin to tend to Megan Reed. After a few tense moments, Reed is able to sit up on her own, but is still assisted up to her feet. The medical professionals leisurely exit the cage, and soon both fighters meet back to the center of the octagon for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at two minutes in the very first round, declaring your winner by knockout, Yasmine Vermeulen!
[The crowd gives a respectful cheer as Vermeulen has her hand raised in victory. Both fighters shake hands and give one another a hug as a gesture of mutual respect and the crowd roars with approval. Both fighters split off to their respective crews. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight while the commentators recap.]
Winner: Yasmine Vermeulen by KO (Punches) at 2:00 Round 1
Statistics: Megan Reed
Punches 0/0 (0%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 56 s
Statistics: Yasmine Vermeulen
Punches 2/4 (50%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 3/3 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s
[During the brief intermission between fights, the camera feed opens up with a close up of Aston Page in the crowd.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Ladies and gentlemen, in the house tonight we have one of the bright prospects in the Middleweight Division, Aston Page. It’s nice to see him take a break from his training camp to enjoy the fights tonight.
JASON JACKSON
Sometimes you need those cool down sessions during camp, especially so close to competition. Let some nagging injuries heal and keep ya mind right. At this point I’d say he’s just a few pounds off from making weight, and his strategy should be fine tuned to near perfection. Page will be competing against Hunter Montgomery to open up Boss Fight XXXI in Newark, New Jersey where Natalie King and Abbie Peterson headline the card.
[From Aston Page, the feed switches over to another area of the audience and we see Gianna Howard flashing a smile.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Also in attendance tonight we have the new Union GP Bantamweight Champ Gianna Howard! The Ghost looks like she’s enjoying herself here and soaking in the new celebrity status.
JASON JACKSON
THA GHOOOOOST. I guess you could say this joint is haunted, now right? All jokes aside, this young lady is an absolute savage in the cage and it was an honor to get to see her win that championship from one of the best seats in the house. Looking forward to seeing her continue to shine here in UGP.
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for three rounds in the Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Division. Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 4-2. He stands 6’6”, and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from Anchorage, Alaska, fighting out of Red Rock Fighting, presenting the number five ranked Heavyweight Contender in the World, “200 Proof” Billy Tweeds!
[The crowd rains down boos, but Billy Tweeds feeds off it. He blows the fans a kiss and cracks a slight smirk as he turns his back against his opponent.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Switching gears now as we head into our lone Heavyweight bout of the evening. First up, the Red Rock Fighting prospect Billy Tweeds comes into this fight with some momentum after a big first round knockout over Harmon Janssen at Boss Fight XXIX. Jason, we already touched on the fact that Tweeds’ only losses come by way of the current Heavyweight Champion and a former Heavyweight and Cruiserweight Title Challenger, but the fact that all four of his wins have earned Performance of the Night bonuses. It’s safe to say Tweeds is a major player in the big boy division, but he is still searching for that big signature win to put him in the top tier.
JASON JACKSON
I love this guy. Look at him blowing them kisses. That’s how you have to deal with these boos. Soak them in, play off them, and use them as motivation. That right there tells me that the hometown advantage is non-existent in this fight. If he loses this fight it’s not going to be because the crowd got to him. Because HE’s getting to them. What else can I say about him though that you haven’t already said? He’s a LEGIT contender and this fight here is sure to be a title eliminator of some sorts. Let’s see if Tweeds can rise once more to the occasion.
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 13-9. He stands 6’1”, and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of the Hit Squad, presenting the former Union Grand Prix Heavyweight Champion and the number four ranked Heavyweight Contender in the World, “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese!
[The crowd noise nearly drowns out Mike Dempsey’s introduction, but this fighter doesn’t need one, not here, not tonight. Donnie takes a few steps out from his corner and pounds his chest like a Silverback Gorilla. As he backsteps back to the fence, he tests his chin with a couple punches and shoots the close-up cameraman a wink for the fans watching at home.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
No question about it, this is The Dog Face’s yard! Donnie Calabrese is always a crowd favorite wherever he competes, but here in his hometown Chicago, he is king! Donnie Calabrese is on the rebound after exiting the Openweight Championship Grand Prix in the semifinals, winning his last two fights, both by first round knockout. He’s a day one OG for Union who’s teetered at the top of the division throughout his career, and he’s looking for another big win here to inch him closer to getting back at the Heavyweight Title.
JASON JACKSON
Listen to that fuckin’ crowd. I can hardly hear you and you’re sitting right beside me. Rightfully so, because this man here is one of the most entertaining fighters I’ve ever seen. I mean, I don’t know if you remember the cartwheel, but I do. If Billy Tweeds really wanted to test himself? He got his wish. If he’s looking for a dog fight? Well he found the right yard. Calabrese has turned his initial turbulent career around and made it into one of sheer excitement, and viciousness. Both of these guys have “fuck you” power. They have that big boy strength that will turn your lights out. This one could be over in seconds, or it could be a war. It’s like a mystery box of violence. I love it.
BODIE SULLIVAN
It looks like we are all set and ready to roll for this contest. Our referee in charge is veteran Herschel Warden. And here we go!
=========================================
ROUND ONE
=========================================
[The bell announces the first round and both fighters touch gloves to get this one started. Right out the gate, Donnie begins measuring his range behind the jab, tagging Billy Tweeds intermittently. A heavy right hand rocks Tweeds’ head back, and disorients him long enough for Calabrese to change levels and drag the fight down to the mat with a body lock takedown. The two jockey for position on the ground, but eventually Tweeds manages to close his guard around Calabrese.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Great takedown by Donnie Calabrese. I like how he sets it up with the jabs and doesn’t just lunge right in and force it. We’ve seen a lot of fighters get caught with a flying knee or head kick that way. It goes to show the experience Donnie has in there.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, great job setting that takedown up there. You know, an uppercut works too in countering a takedown. Sometimes better. There’s actually less chance to get taken down if they read your counter and adjust. Because you’re not bringing one leg off the ground to attack, you keep them both centered and grounded, and it offers more stability and MOBILITY while defending the shot. Sure, a flashy knee is nice, but it’s risky. Let me stop. I sound like a coach. [Laughs]
[Calabrese tries to better his position on the ground and connects with a couple of sharp elbows against Tweeds' ribs. Tweeds winces and Donnie creates enough space to break off into an open guard. Donnie takes a couple of big deep breaths before working toward the full mount, but Tweeds is able to fight him off and close his guard back up. From here there’s not a whole lot of action going on, and after referee Herschel Warden calls for action, he eventually stands them back up due to a lack of activity.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
No nonsense from Herschel Warden. He’s not one to waste time. If you aren’t working then he’s standing it up.
JASON JACKSON
I agree with that standup there. It looks like Donnie was sucking wind already after one takedown. I really hope that’s not the case.
[Both fighters continue the fight on their feet and crowd gets on theirs as the roaring cheers grow louder. Donnie comes firing in with a straight right, but Tweeds ducks under and counters with a leg kick. Donnie checks the kick and answers back with a fast one-two combination that tags Billy square in the face. Donnie tries to keep the pressure on and throws a big right hand, but it just grazes Tweeds’ left cheek and he backpedals out of range.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Great check by Donnie and the follow up combo forces Billy to readjust.
JASON JACKSON
Excellent combinations here as well. Punches in Bunches. You don’t see a lot of combination punching and methodical boxing from big guys usually. So you have to appreciate that from Donnie here. He’s not loading up and swinging for the fences with big shots. He’s setting everything up and it’s all coming to life behind that Jab.
[Donnie dishes out a verbal bashing, taunting Tweeds and trying to bait him back in. The crowd breaks off into a “Dog Face Donnie” chant just as Donnie cuts Tweeds off and thumps him in the ribs with a monstrous hook. Tweeds’ poker face wasn’t convincing enough as he winces in pain, and Calabrese goes back to the body with a punch straight down the middle, landing clean on the sternum.]
JASON JACKSON
Speaking of Century Bob earlier, Dog Face is now RIPPING into his midsection like he’s teeing off on a heavy bag.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Big body shots from Dog Face Donnie. Take the wind out of your opponent, slow him down, and make him an easier target.
JASON JACKSON
Take your wi-- NAH. Those body shots would break rib, rupture some shit. That goes beyond taking the wind out of someone’s sails. Look, he can’t hide it on his face. He’s hurt. Bad.
[Billy Tweeds’ pace is starting to slow down from the big body shots and Donnie Calabrese can sense it. The Dog Face storms in with a looping right hand while Tweeds jumps back and jabs. Donnie’s right hand connects, but Tweeds was able to roll with it and not absorb much damage. He counters back with a couple stinging jabs of his own, giving the spectators an exciting exchange.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Billy Tweeds fires back with some hands and it looks like we got ourselves a brawl!
JASON JACKSON
200 proof! Billy Tweeds has got heart. He’s hurting badly, I’d wager he broke a rib, but he’s going. He came here to fight, boy.
[Tweeds steps forward and Calabrese feints a punch to freeze him up. Donnie circles in and measures his range behind the jab. Tweeds eats the punches but doesn’t look fazed, until Calabrese sneaks in a shattering straight right hand that wobbles Tweeds! Donnie Calabrese tries to capitalize with a looping left hand, but Tweeds manages to slip it and circle away to avoid any further damage. You can hear the excitement from the crowd as Donnie starts beating his chest like a silverback gorilla and hyping himself up.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
I think Tweeds is hurt. That spark he had in him has quickly faded away.
JASON JACKSON
What? I can’t hear you. You said you think this weed was dirt-- oh. Yeah uce. He is hurt. I told you. That body shot was brutal, I think he hurt his ribs. Jesus Christ this crowd is going NUTS.
[Donnie slowly closes the distance, working behind the jab. He fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut that smashes Tweeds. Calabrese continues to search for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Tweeds' punches and both fighters are wildly hitting air. Donnie continues to measure with his jab and checks a lazy leg kick thrown by Tweeds. Donnie goes back to the body with a barrage of punches but Tweeds is able to dodge them and fire back with some punches of his own. The two are in a fierce exchange and Calabrese is getting the upper hand with the crowd fully behind him.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Billy Tweeds is trying to fight back, but Donnie Calabrese is rolling right now. He’s found a good rhythm and has got Tweeds grasping at straws out there.
JASON JACKSON
He’s not giving up, He’s rallying, and sometimes that can be the catalyst to spark a fire… but right now? He needs an inferno. Donnie is getting the best of this exchange and Billy is just looking to survive.
[Calabrese swings for the fences with an uppercut as Tweeds leans out of the way and quickly counters with a leg kick, in which Donnie checks it. Calabrese circles around Tweeds and launches a shovel hook that goes nowhere. Donnie gets off balance after throwing all his weight into the hook and Tweeds again goes with a leg kick that Donnie narrowly checks. The corners of both fighters are shouting out the one minute warning, and it appears that Billy Tweeds wants to kill the clock, while Donnie Calabrese is ready to turn up the heat.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Calabrese is looking for the kill shot. He better be careful though, all it takes is one shot from Tweeds to completely turn the tides.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, don’t get too cocky and get knocked out. He needs to focus on continuing to check those leg kicks as well. Calabrese is doing a tremendous job at that so far, and one checked kick could end a fight too. Wouldn’t be an MMA first, that’s for sure.
[Calabrese carefully circles in to close the distance while continuing to work behind the jab that has been so effective thus far. Tweeds body language and his willingness to eat the punches suggests he’s running on fumes. As Donnie continues to box in the phone booth, Tweeds launches a desperation hook. Donnie reads it from a mile away and ducks under. As Donnie comes back up, he brings all of that thicc boy body behind a powerful uppercut and blasts Billy Tweeds right on the button! The crowd explodes into cheers as Tweeds’ body stiffens up and plummets to the mat. The referee rushes in, but Donnie knows this one’s over and struts his way over to his corner.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
AND THIS ONE IS ALL OVER! Donnie Calabrese does it again! First round knockout and this crowd is on their feet!
JASON JACKSON
That was the equivalent of a walk off home run. He hit him with the motherfucker punch and walked away. Owen Barnes beware. Dog Face is coming for that neck uce. He HAS to be up next after this performance tonight.
[The entire arena is in pandemonium as Donnie Calabrese continues to swagger along the perimeter of the octagon. Doctors pour into the cage and immediately go to work on Billy Tweeds. It takes a few minutes for Tweeds to finally come to his senses and fumble his way up to his feet. The medical staff try to order him to take it easy, but the warrior mentality forces Tweeds to show no weakness. It’s a bad poker face though, as he struggles to stand on his own. Doctors continue to tend to Tweeds while Calabrese stands in the center of the octagon with the referee and Mike Dempsey, awaiting for the official call.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, referee Herschel Warden has called for a stop in this fight at four minutes twenty-three seconds in the very first round, declaring your winner by knockout, “Dog Face” Donnie Calabrese!
[The crowd cheers once again as Donnie has his hand raised in victory. Even though he’s an OG, Donnie walks over toward Tweeds to check and make sure he’s okay. Judging by the facial expressions and body language, the two exchange some inaudible good-natured remarks to each other before Donnie walks back to his cornermen to celebrate. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight while the commentators recap.]
Winner: Donnie Calabrese by KO (Uppercut) at 4:23 Round 1
Statistics: Donnie Calabrese
Punches 20/34 (59%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 2/2 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 51 s
Statistics: Billy Tweeds
Punches 6/13 (46%)
Kicks 0/3 (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 51 s
[Returning from the commercial break, the camera scans the crowd and dials in on the two promotion champion, Gauge Lattimore.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Welcome back ladies and gentlemen! As we prepare for our first Championship bout of the night, we couldn’t help but point out that G2 Grand Champion and Union GP Cruiserweight Champion Gauge Lattimore is in the building! I’m sure he’s very interested in seeing this next fight between Daniel Fisk and Roscoe Robinson.
JASON JACKSON
GAUGE TWO BELTS. No question, uce. Gauge Lattimore has shared the big stage with these guys and based on the big news during the pre-fight press conference, he could very well be facing one of these guys again very soon! I’d love to see Gauge run it back with either of them. Just thinking about it gives me the chilly willy’s! That is also someone I’d love to mix it up with sometime. Fighters like him make us old cats feel like the state of MMA and the future of this sport is in good hands. Like an Allstate commercial.
[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 former two-time 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’.]
[With his entourage of Lovelie Saint-Cyr, Jakko Wirman, and Derrius Webb 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
Alright folks, we have officially reached the championship block of the night. Starting things off we have the one and only Roscoe Robinson making his way toward the octagon. It’s a quick turnaround for The Shooter, who competed at UGP 29 in a five round war against Gauge Lattimore. Unfortunately he came up short but miraculously came out relatively unscathed as he was medically cleared to compete tonight. Jason, these two have faced each other three times already, but at the time they were training partners and the feeling was that of mutual respect for the game. This time it’s different. It hasn’t been publicly stated, but you get the sense the mutual respect for the game is simply a footnote. We saw the mass exodus from the likes of Roscoe, Donnie Calabrese, and a number of other fighters who went on to establish Hit Squad. We don’t know what caused the split, but you gotta believe that it wasn’t a mutual departure. It’s gonna be interesting to see how these two react once they’re locked inside that cage.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, I’m not really sure what went on there but I do know what happened with Slaughtahouse back in the day, and how business like that in this game can sometimes go askew between teammates. So it is what it is. They are going to settle this right here, right now. In front of all these fans like they should, and not in the streets. That’s why this business is so great. You settle that shit mano y mano in front of the world and that’s what we’re going to witness tonight. Something getting laid to rest. Or maybe not? Maybe it will go on and on and on. All I know is you can expect a brawl. They are going to get down and dirty. The ref is really going to need to be on top of his game because this one is going to be wild.
[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. He sits there for a few moments, taking in the spectacle that never gets old, then drops back down inside the octagon. As he stoically walks to his corner, his crew drapes a Hit Squad flag over the fence.]
♫
I’M A GOD IN THE HOOD, NIGGA
I’M A GOD IN THE HOOD, NIGGA
I’M A GOD IN THE HOOD, NIGGA
I’M A GOD IN THE HOOD, NIGGA
♫
[The crowd goes in cheering wildly in the midst of nodding their heads to the beat. Ladies get to screaming at one of the best looking fighters out. Daniel Fisk Jr walks out with his Real Killas team behind him, the hood of his robe staying over his head while he gives that grim face to the camera right in front of him. 4 Cuban link chains hanging from his neck. That's the only showman part Fisk's plays though as he walks to the cage keeping his focus on the cage and only the cage as fans reach out to touch him. He nods his head slightly keeping his business-like demeanor while all the power he's looking to unleash is moments away from opening.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And here he is, the three-time Union GP Champion and Hall of Famer, Daniel Fisk Jr.! It’s the first time we have seen Fisk since his record-breaking knockout win over Cal McCluskey that secured the Openweight Championship. This is a big moment for Daniel Fisk. All three of his championship wins have come from winning Grand Prix tournaments, but he has yet to score a successful defense. What better way to erase that flaw than to do it against the man that’s ended every title reign on the first defense?
JASON JACKSON
I mean, at this point I don’t even think it’s about the titles. I think it goes deeper than that. This is personal. They are fighting to actually FIGHT, and not for competition or sport. I’m here for it. I’ve been that way my whole career when I had beef with someone. It’s how you gain respect for your fellow man. That’s how I gained respect for Roscoe Robinson. He toed the fucking line and went to war with me and he came out the better man. Sometimes you just gotta handle your shit, uce. That’s a man who looks ready to handle his shit.
[Reaching the pad, his expression never changes as he takes off the fight robe and house mortgage on his neck. After getting checked in he slowly walks the stairs until he reaches the entrance. He stands there and slaps both sides of the cage before walking in calm and easy. Fisk stares at his opponent while walking to his corner and nods in approval. Reaching his corner he rotates his wrists and warms up wanting every bit of the action.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the first of two Co-Main Events of the evening! Sanctioned by the Illinois State Athletic Commission, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Cody Gardner, Bethany Pearson, and Shay Cole, 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 Openweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 14-3. 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 former two-time Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion of the World, “The Shooter” Roscoe Robinson!
[There is no emotion coming from Roscoe. Just a ferocious scowl directed across the octagon. The tension grows with every second that ticks away.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 39-7. He stands 6’5”, and weighing in at 240 pounds. He is from Los Angeles, California by way of Newark, New Jersey, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, presenting the former two-time Union Grand Prix Cruiserweight Champion and reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Openweight Champion of the World, “.44” Daniel Fisk Jr.!
[Similar to his opponent, Daniel Fisk shows no emotion during the introduction. However, Fisk radiates a calm presence as he sways from side-to-side on the balls of his feet.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Maaaaan! You can cut the tension with a knife right now! There’s little doubt that this one is personal! We are just about set for a possible twenty-five minutes of chaos, but based on their last three meetings, we aren’t gonna need it. All I can say is, DON’T BLINK!
JASON JACKSON
Don’t blink, don’t sneeze, don’t look away. Believe me, that beer can wait. This one is definitely going to get real, and real quick.
[Referee Dusty Whittaker makes his way to the center of the octagon and orders both fighters to follow his lead. Mike Dempsey stands close behind and holds the microphone for the official.]
DUSTY WHITTAKER
Alright gentlemen, we’ve gone over the rules in the back. I want a good, clean fight. Protect yourself at all times and follow my instructions. If you want to touch gloves, let's do it now, otherwise get back to your corners.
[Fisk and Roscoe are nose-to-nose and neither one takes their eyes off the other. There is no glove touch, no trash talk, no taunting. None of that is needed right here. The tension has boiled over and the crowd is rabid with anticipation at this point. Both fighters head back to their respective corners and wait for the signal. Dusty Whittaker checks off with both fighters and wastes no time calling for the bell!]
[The fight gets underway and both fighters slowly close the distance in the cage. The two circle around looking for some angles and Fisk is first to strike with some tentative punches to dial in his range. Nothing comes from this exchange and Fisk stays light on his toes as he bounces back and forth. Fisk feints a move to freeze up Roscoe long enough to launch a big right hand that lands square on the nose! Roscoe backpedals away, and the pure power is on full display early as Roscoe’s nose begins to bleed inside the first minute of the fight.]
JASON JACKSON
Shooter is leaking here early but he wipes it away with a smile. He’s got a chin. I tested that myself. That dude can take a punch. Fisk showing some smooth feints here to open things up.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Daniel Fisk probably has the most damaging punches I’ve ever seen. We know first hand Shooter has a granite chin. He took more shots than any other fighter in Union history against Gauge Lattimore and he toed the line for twenty-five minutes.
[A wild high kick from Daniel Fisk falls short of the mark and Roscoe counters back with a punch that just grazes Fisk’s left cheek. Fisk changes levels and looks to go for a takedown, but Roscoe Robinson delivers a knee that wrecks him! Daniel Fisk stumbles back on all fours in a crab walk but manages to get back to his feet and scurry away. A deep gash on his cheek begins to trickle blood from the vicious knee by Roscoe. The Shooter keeps the pressure on and while Fisk’s head is still buzzing, Roscoe fires in with a looping left hand. Fisk tries to fend him off with some jabs and ultimately is able to circle out and create some space.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Big knee from Roscoe!
JASON JACKSON
There is that knee that we were talking about earlier. Now Fisk is bleeding, and on the retreat as Shooter gives chase and turns up the heat. Damn, I rhymed. I’m AN ISLAND BOYYYY.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Hah, man don’t ever change!
[Daniel Fisk moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense and ends up rushing in to catch Roscoe Robinson with double underhooks. Roscoe tries to dip his shoulder and elbow down to break free, but Fisk is determined to keep the clinch. The two continue to pummel inside the clinch to gain control before Fisk pushes Roscoe up against the fence and lands a nasty three piece to the body. Roscoe eats the body shots but stays focused and pops his hips out and pushes off Fisk to create some distance between the two. Before Roscoe can circle out, Fisk tries another takedown, but The Shooter uses the fence to keep upright and is able to peel Fisk off his leg. Off the break, Roscoe launches another knee but it just narrowly misses, causing a resounding gasp from the audience.]
JASON JACKSON
Whew! Another knee almost landed, but it’s narrowly avoided. Fisk did a great job working the body in close there, but he nearly ate it when he tried for another takedown. Shooter is not having any part of a ground game. He wants to stand and throw.
BODIE SULLIVAN
Bit of a surprise if you ask me. I don’t know if this is part of the game plan to add in that wrinkle, but Fisk needs to do a better job of setting up the takedown or he’s gonna get slept.
[Fisk could sense the danger and tries to circle out, but Robinson rushes in and swings for the fences! He lands a shovel hook right on the jaw that would put most men to sleep. Fisk’s head rocks back, but he fires back with a stinging one-two combo right in the face. The Shooter launches a calf kick in retaliation, but Fisk checks the kick and fires back with another stinging one-two combo that backs Roscoe into the fence and the crowd continues to grow louder with hysteria. Roscoe bounces off the cage and fires back with some solid shots that seem to stun Fisk until he counters back with an incredible haymaker!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Geronimooooo!
JASON JACKSON
Here we go! Airstrike inbound. These guys are sending howitzers at each other. Someone is going to drop. These are HUGE shots. OOF Another one tags Roscoe!
[Roscoe’s head snaps back from the haymaker, but he somehow manages to dart out from the wall and create some space to regroup. Both fighters gradually circle their way back to the center of the cage. Fisk moves forward looking for some action and surprises Robinson with double overhooks once again. Roscoe was ready for it this time and pushes him off, but off the break Fisk connects with another one-two combination that continues to work on The Shooter. Fisk suddenly spins around and connects with a backfist flush on the chin! Roscoe stumbles back and Fisk rushes in to capitalize!]
JASON JACKSON
Slick move by Fisk to create some distance and then throw the backfist out of nowhere. Roscoe didn’t see that one coming and he appears to be staggered!
BODIE SULLIVAN
Daniel Fisk is showcasing his boxing prowess right now and turning the tides in his favor. Roscoe needs to keep him on the outside. If you let Fisk get close and strike in the phone booth, it’s gonna be a bad, bad night.
[Fisk walks down his opponent and throws a furious flurry of punches. However, Roscoe bobs and weaves his way through the traffic and counters back with punches in bunches. Fisk gets rocked and wobbled and the crowd roars! Roscoe Robinson continues to throw combos while Fisk punches back in desperation but nobody connects with anything significant.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
We got a firefight unfolding before our very eyes! Of this keeps up, someone’s dropping!
[Roscoe chops the leg with a furious outside leg kick that looks like it could have hyperextended Fisk’s knee. Fisk tries to hobble away, but Roscoe walks him down with a grinding flurry and the referee inches closer, ready to stop this fight at any moment! Robinson continues to show excellent timing and blasts Daniel Fisk with a great hook and he drops to the mat! Dusty Whittaker is shouting at Fisk to defend himself as Roscoe Robinson pours on the offense! Dusty Whittaker has seen enough and jumps in between the fighters to stop the punishment for Fisk!]
JASON JACKSON
That’s it! Dusty is gonna stop this fi-- and ROSCOE ROBINSON DOES IT. WELCOME TO THE HALL OF FAME BIG FELLA. YOU A HALL OF FAMER NOW.
BODIE SULLIVAN
What an amazing finish for Roscoe Robinson! He does it again! AND NEW!!
JASON JACKSON
It wasn’t a long fight, but it was a good one. We have a NEW Openweight Champion, and this is only the first title fight tonight! We have two left! Big shout outs to Roscoe though,he did the damn thing. That put any doubts to rest.
[The crowd explodes into cheers and Roscoe scales the cage and perches on top to flex and roar out along with the fans. The medical staff race into the octagon and tend to Fisk, who is sitting upright and trying to wave them off with an obvious look of disappointment. A few moments pass by and eventually Fisk is up on his feet and continues to wave off the medical assistance. The team of doctors reluctantly file out and soon 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 four minutes twenty-three seconds in the very first round, declaring your winner by technical knockout, AND NEW Union Grand Prix Openweight Champion of the World, “The Shooter” Roscoe Robinson!
[The crowd cheers once again as Roscoe has his hand raised in victory and the title wrapped around his waist. Both fighters give each other a fist bump as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to their respective crews. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight while the commentators recap.]
Winner: Roscoe Robinson by TKO (Punches) at 4:23 Round 1
Statistics: Daniel Fisk
Punches 11/26 (42%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/3 (100%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Roscoe Robinson
Punches 12/15 (80%)
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 0 s
[The feed opens back up from the commercial break to a wide shot of the United Center. The crowd is still riled up as we gear up for the second Co-Main Event of the night. The crowd cam changes angles where we see former CGFC Champion Paige Holloway in the front row!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. We are just moments away from our second Co-Main Event where we will see Delaney Donovan put his Lightweight Title on the line against Erick Costa. As you can see, the world class Paige Holloway is in attendance tonight, and she’s not here just as a spectator! I have the honor to announce that “Ram-Paige” has officially signed to Union Grand Prix, and will compete in the Lightweight Division! Jason, can you imagine the match ups?! Holloway versus King, Holloway versus Peterson, Holloway versus McKay… I could go on and on. This is the biggest signing Union GP has made in quite some time!
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, no doubt. Paige and I are both former CGFC Dragon Champions. I bet you didn’t know tha- Actually, you probably did. I think she still has the belt too. Anyways, if you don’t know, she’s an absolute force and I’m hella excited to see her get back in the cage. She was on Twitter not long ago trying to fight me, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see her fight in Openweight either. She’s always been the type to have her hands rated E for everybody. I may have to fight her for that Dragon Championship, actually. Hold on. DANTE. Or should I call Perry now for this shit? FUCK IT. TEAM MEETING AFTER THE FIGHTS TONIGHT. Bodie, you can come too.
♫
COME WIT IT NOW!
COME WIT IT NOW!
♫
[The arena cuts to pitch black. Keeping in tempo with the drum rolls, strobe lights flicker at the main stage entrance. The crowd is on their feet as Erick Costa makes his presence known.]
♫
THE MICROPHONE EXPLODES, SHATTERING THE MOLDS
EITHER DROP THA HITS LIKE DE LA O OR GET THA FUCK OFF THA COMMODE
WIT THA SURE SHOT, SURE TA MAKE THA BODIES DROP
DROP AN DON'T COPY YO, DON'T CALL THIS A CO-OP
♫
[The strobe lights stop and now spotlights randomly scan through the entire building, with one singular spotlight locked in on Erick Costa. Flanked by his Lion’s Den FC Las Vegas cornermen, Costa begins the track down the aisle while bobbing his head to the music. He tags a couple of stretched-out hands from the crowd, and he looks focused, yet eager with a full smile revealing a custom Puerto Rico flag mouth guard.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
We now enter our second of three title fights for the night. Making his way to the octagon is Erick Costa, a man who has quietly climbed the rankings, but it’s without question he’s earned this opportunity. Costa brings an incredible boxing background to his fight game, which at one point had given him Olympic aspirations. However, the Puerto Rican native didn’t pursue that goal, instead he transitioned into MMA, and I’d say it’s worked out well for him thus far. The only blemish to his record happened in the legendary Byron McCall’s final fight of his career. Since then, he’s ripped off three consecutive wins.
JASON JACKSON
Not a bad person at all to suffer a loss to right? McCall is a certified G and there are far worse people to lose to in my opinion. That being said, as you stated, Costa’s boxing is phenomenal. Also, with all his fights ending in the third, or going the distance, Erick has demonstrated that he has the gas tank to go into deep water. He’s going to have to pull out all the stops though and bring a little more than cardio and some fluid boxing to dethrone Double D. I’m anxious to see if he can do what needs to be done and walk out as the Lightweight Champ.
[Costa makes it to cageside where he strips down to his trunks and gets inspected by the fight official. Once cleared, he paces up the steps and immediately takes his corner.]
♫
HER BREATH BEGAN TO SPEAK
AS SHE STOOD RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME
THE COLOUR OF HER EYES
WERE THE COLOUR OF INSANITY
CRUSHED BENEATH HER WAVE
LIKE A SHIP, I COULD NOT REACH THE SHORE
WE’RE ALL JUST DANCERS ON THE DEVIL’S DANCE FLOOR
♫
["Devil’s Dance Floor" by Flogging Molly blasts over the loudspeaker and Delaney Donovan emerges to the stage wearing his Irish flag inspired walkout fight kit with crew members from his camp following behind. Donovan burrows his head down while slowly walking down the aisle.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And now the one hundred fifty-five pound GOAT Delaney Donovan has a chance to etch his name yet again in the history books and further push his name as an all-time GOAT. Tonight he has the opportunity to complete his fifth successful title defense and tie the Union GP all-time record. Not only is Double D the first fighter to become a champion in two divisions, he’s the only one to do it simultaneously. He’s cleaned out the division among all of the fighters in his era, and now he aims to do it against a new wave of fighters, starting with Erick Costa tonight. To be able to achieve and maintain that kind of position takes a generational skill set that you will rarely see in any sport.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, Delaney has repeatedly etched his name in the record books. He’s crashed though every ceiling possible and now he’s up there floating around in outer space. He’s a great fighter, and a one in a lifetime talent. Carrick saw in him, what I saw in Carrick. Price took what I taught him, combined it with what he already knew, which was a lot, mind you; and he put all that into Double D. Combine that with the natural given ability of Delaney and what he already brought to the table? Well… that would make him virtually untouchable. Complacency happens though when you sit at the top for so long. That’s where you start to get lazy, and sloppy, and burned out. That’s the real opponent for Delaney here tonight. Himself. Because if he doesn’t take this challenger seriously? It could bring him crashing back down from orbit to the real world, real fast.
[Donovan makes it to cageside where he is checked up on by the fight official. Once cleared, he climbs up the steps and calmly takes his place in his corner while shadow boxing along the way.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the second and final Co-Main Event of the evening! Sanctioned by the Illinois State Athletic Commission, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Cody Gardner, Bethany Pearson, and Shay Cole, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Willie Green. AND NOW! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Lightweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Boxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-1. He stands 5’7”, and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from San Juan, Puerto Rico, fighting out of the Lion's Den FC Las Vegas, presenting the number one ranked Lightweight Contender in the World, Erick Costa!
[Erick Costa raises his fists in his corner. He looks cool, calm, and collected and ready for a war.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Muay Thai Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 14-2. He stands 5’9”, and weighing in at 155 pounds. He is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, fighting out of The ScrapYard MMA, presenting the former Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion and the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion of the World, “Double D” Delaney Donovan!
[Delaney Donovan looks very relaxed as he rolls his shoulders and sporadically shadow boxes.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Jason, I can’t wait for this one to begin. We are just seconds away from a possible twenty-five minute war. These guys are known to stand and bang, and both have the mindset to go into that dark realm to pull out a victory by any means necessary. I think we’re about to see something special.
JASON JACKSON
I think these people have seen Sixty cards full of special and it’s only getting better. Strap in Bodie.
[Referee Willie Green makes his way to the center of the octagon and orders both fighters to follow his lead. Mike Dempsey stands close behind and holds the microphone for the official.]
WILLIE GREEN
Alright gentlemen, we’ve gone over the rules in the back. Protect yourself at all times, follow my instructions, touch gloves and god bless.
[Both fighters nod and touch gloves then head back to their respective corners to wait for the signal. Willie Green checks with both fighters one last time and calls for the bell!]
[The fight gets underway with both men moving to the center of the cage to touch gloves, then Delaney throws out a quick one-two combination that forces a guard up from Costa. Both men pick up the pace early, throwing wild, winging shots at one another, although nothing lands with any particular power. Delaney avoids a swinging overhand from Costa, then tags him with a double-jab, but Costa comes back with a powerful straight right that visibly marks up Delaney’s forehead early in the first round!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Fists are flying right out of the gate!
JASON JACKSON
A little wild, but effective on both sides. We should see them fall more into a rhythm as the fight progresses, but right now they each are just trying to land first and find that timing and range.
[Delaney comes back with a winging hook to the body, but Costa takes a half-step back to avoid the impact. Donovan just presses forward, though, and lands a backfist to Costa’s midsection that forces him to circle away. Delaney follows him, throwing two- and three-punch combos to keep him on his heels; a few simple shots land, but nothing significant, and Costa’s able to keep him mostly at bay with pawing jabs, before launching a stiff right hand as Delaney comes in! He narrowly misses, as Delaney gets a hand up to parry the punch at the very last second, before Costa circles back to the center of the cage.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Delaney Donovan stays on the offensive. He’s throwing punches in bunches early here that’s keeping Erick Costa honest.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, I mean the light and the crowd and the big stage is nerve wrecking on it’s own, but couple that with intense pressure? It kind of overloads a fighter. They can’t really think clearly, or hear their corners because of the crowd… it can get a little hairy. Smart Veteran move by Double D to just put the heat on the challenger. Let him know this isn’t just any ol’ fight. You’re fighting the champ.
[The pace slows down significantly at this point, as both men spend several seconds sizing each other up; Costa flicks out a tentative jab, that Delaney responds to with a couple of his own. Costa eats them both, but responds with a stiff right cross that rocks Delaney’s head back! Delaney bites down on his mouthpiece and steps back in, firing a massive overhand right that just whizzes past Costa. Costa moves to his left, swinging a big hook to the body that Delaney’s able to move just out of the way of, circling back to the center of the cage again.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nice counter from Costa. I like that he’s staying calm despite the pressure.
JASON JACKSON
Yep. He’s doing a tremendous job, and this is where things start to become more meticulous. Like I was saying moments ago. They’re feeling each other out now and tightening things up.
[Costa follows him, both men throwing tentative strikes at one another, neither one forcing the action right away...but neither one, it seems, can resist the urge to go a little wild, and soon enough, they’re back to fighting in a phone booth, swinging power punches at one another. Nothing lands particularly hard, until Costa absolutely slams a couple hooks to Donovan’s body, forcing him to move to the side to try to find a counter shot; Costa follows, and nearly gets tagged with a right cross, left hook combo, but he backs out of the exchange before they land.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Great awareness and footwork from Costa in that exchange. He connects with a couple big body shots and slides out before getting hit.
JASON JACKSON
It’s funny because you can clearly see that both of them want to fight on a napkin in the center of the cage, and they’ll let themselves fall into it for a moment, and then one of them, Costa in this instance, is then like “ Nope, nope… stick to the gameplan.” It’s amusing.
[Both men reset in the center again, with Costa taking the offense this time; he flicks out a series of solid jabs, then a straight right that grazes Donovan’s chin, but he doesn’t take too much impact; instead, Delaney’s able to step in with a jab of his own, followed by a MASSIVE uppercut that lands on Costa’s chin! Costa stumbles backward, but recovers enough to launch a body kick to keep Delaney at bay; it doesn’t land with much impact, but it does the job he needed it to do. With a few seconds bought to shake the cobwebs out, Costa’s able to swing a massive hook at an incoming Delaney, and rocks him in response!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
It looks like it’s time to let loose! Big shots landing from both fighters!
JASON JACKSON
Rock-em Sock-em. Costa felt that uppercut and it lit a fire. Both fighters rocking eachother hard here, and early too.
[Costa moves forward to capitalize, but Delaney feints a takedown, forcing Costa to the side. Delaney shakes his head to clear his own cobwebs, then starts to unload--a big hook to the body, followed by a kick to the leg, both of which Costa manages to block. The clacker sounds to signal the last ten seconds, but neither man seems particularly urgent now, and the round ends without much more action.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Solid first round by both men here. Bit of a feeling out round, but not without some heavy hands thrown. I’m not even going to begin to score that one.
JASON JACKSON
I’m going to score it 10-9 Delaney, just on Aggression and Control. They both rocked eachother pretty good, and they both landed, but it was often Costa who disengaged and backed off while Double D continued to toe the line, ready to fight. I think that gives Delaney the slight edge, but not by much in my book. Seconds out though, and we’re ready to get round two underway.
[Delaney starts round 2 by swinging a hook to the body right off the glove touch, which Costa’s only barely able to get an arm down to block. Costa flicks out a jab to back Delaney up, but Delaney avoids the impact and counters with an uppercut that may not have got all the impact he wanted, but it’s enough to stumble Costa back; Delaney chases Costa down and throws a lovely one-two followed by a BIG hook to the body, but Costa’s backpedaling serves to help him avoid the impact.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Delaney continues to keep the pressure on as we begin round two. You know he’s got the cardio to keep this pace going all night.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, he certainly does as long as he had a good camp. Costa needs to find some way to use this pressure to his advantage though because if he lets Delaney back him up all night, he’s going to lose this fight if it goes to the judges.
[Costa resets just in time to have to duck his head back to avoid a jaw-dropping straight right from Donovan; instead, the punch just grazes his cheek, and the follow up left hand misses the target. Costa responds with a big, looping punch, which Delaney avoids, and both men start throwing absolutely massive shots at one another--unfortunately, both men miss wildly, as well. Costa wings a big overhand that just misses Delaney, who circles away from the challenger to cool the fight down when neither man makes much of a significant impact during the firefight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Wheewww weee! Vicious exchange there but both Donovan and Costa kept their head on a swivel and come out unscathed.
JASON JACKSON
There it is again. They get sucked into the brawl for just a moment and then they remember there are a lot of rounds left to fight and they disengage. Smart on both fighter’s behalf.
[Delaney jabs his way in close, and while the punches don’t do much damage, it allows him to secure a collar tie and start to back Costa up against the fence. Before he can do much damage, though, Costa muscles Delaney’s back to the fence, managing to secure the Thai plum; as quickly as he wanted the clinch, though, Delaney wants out of it, and manages to shrug off Costa’s grip and duck under Costa’s arms, swinging a one-two and a leg kick on the exit, but nothing lands with any authority.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Delaney said “I immediately regret this decision!” with that clinch!
JASON JACKSON
Yep. That didn’t go how he had planned. Costa flipped the script on him real quick and he nope’d he hell out of there.
[Delaney moves back to the center of the cage and beckons Costa forward, who responds with a stinging low kick that Delaney just manages to check. While the champ’s concerned with that kick, Costa swings a backfist to the midsection that connects with a thud. Delaney backs up a step, and Costa puts all his power into a liver kick that might’ve stopped a horse--if Delaney hadn’t got his guard down. Costa’s leg smacks off his arms, and Delaney steps forward with a looping right hand almost before Costa can get his foot back down. Costa manages to evade it and tags Delaney with two quick jabs that visibly stun the champion!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oh my lord! I don’t know how that kick didn’t break Delaney’s arm! But look out, Costa is looking to push the pace on the champ!
JASON JACKSON
There’s a visible welt, maybe even a deep bruise starting to form on that arm already after that kick. Delaney walked right into that double jab too and it seemed to daze him a bit!
[Costa rushes forward, landing a series of straight punches that do a number on Delaney’s chin, but the champ stays on his feet, and when Costa misses a big right hook, Delaney catches him and ties him up against the fence--first in a single collar, then in the Thai plum once again. He doesn’t give Costa a second to even think about turning out of the clinch this time, slamming the body with powerful hooks and knees. Costa can only tighten his clinch and restrict Delaney’s range to lessen the impact of the shots.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Smart move for Delaney to secure the clinch. He was looking a little wobbly out there but now it appears he’s regained control for the time being.
JASON JACKSON
He’s trying to get his legs under him again. He just needs to be careful of Costa turning the tables on him again.
[Costa manages to grind Delaney’s momentum to a halt as the clacker sounds to signal the last 10 seconds of round 2--he manages to duck away from Delaney’s clinch, but before they can engage again, the horn sounds to end the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Another very close round. Delaney started fast, but Costa finished strong and just might have taken that round.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, another close one. That kick and the stiff jabs seemed to rock Delaney a little and I think that may have turned the round in favor of Costa. 10-9. But It could go either way really because it wasn’t a knockdown. Either way, no finish! We head into the third with it dead even in my eyes.
[Round 3 starts slower than the previous rounds; both men meet in the center, touch gloves, but after two rounds of pretty heavy action, the first 30 seconds of round 3 are much more tentative. Neither man looks to engage right away, and when Costa does step forward, it’s to throw a single strike--one jab, or a hook to the body, that Delaney’s able to avoid with relative ease. Eventually, Costa beckons Delaney forward, as if calling him out on his tentativeness--and almost immediately pays for it, as Delaney lands a stinging right hook to the temple!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
There’s that veteran pedigree. Erick Costa thought he could guide Double D into a trap but the champ is two steps ahead of him and ends up catching him with a bruising hook.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, don’t get caught with your hands down taunting someone like Delaney. He’s not gonna fall for it. That was a bit of inexperience shining through there and it cost him a little but not a lot as the fight still crawls along at a methodical pace.
[Even so, it’s only the one strike, and things slow right back down; Costa eventually engages again, throwing a looping right hand, then a left uppercut right after. Delaney avoids the right, but gets clipped by the left, although he shakes it off and counters with a couple punches of his own before circling away. Costa starts to put the pressure on, walking Donovan down, but he can’t connect with a big straight punch--and, instead, nearly gets clipped by a right hand from Delaney! Costa manages to duck his head out of the way at the last second, though.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Donovan’s pace has slowed down a bit, but he’s picking his spots right now.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, he’s coasting. It’s something you have to do in longer fights if you think it’s going to go to deep water. Start strong, win a couple of rounds, and then let your foot off the gas and kinda glide through a round or so. Save the energy for closing the show. It’s a seasoned move by the champ. It also is a tell. He thinks this one is going to go all the way.
[Costa takes the center of the cage, following as Delaney circles around him, looking for an opportunity to strike; instead of waiting on him though, Costa tries to cut him off with a series of straight punches, but Delaney circles away before he gets pinned against the cage. Costa keeps walking him down, though, starting to resort to one big shot--one big right hand, one big left hook, but the punches miss wide each time. Delaney steps in with a big right hand, but instead he gets clipped with a right hook! The Champ’s not quite on spaghetti legs, but he certainly felt the punch, and circles away before Costa can follow up, and both men meet back in the center of the cage.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oooh! That shot put the champ on high alert!
JASON JACKSON
Yeah boy, that one rang the bell. Costa needs to set his power shots up though. Use the jab, use the feints. He’s a boxer, not a brawler. I think he’s getting so caught up in swinging for the fences he’s not really flowing like he should.
[Costa engages right away with a brilliant three punch combination, but Delaney shows some equally impressive dodging skills, and draws an over-extended fourth punch from Costa, which the Champ counters with a big left straight, right hook combo! Costa deflects the shots, but Delaney shows that power reserve he’s got.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
We’re seeing some bombs thrown but missing their targets. If one of these lands clean, this fight could be over in the blink of an eye.
JASON JACKSON
There we go. Use those combos. Don’t commit so much to the power shot unless you know it’s there. Good answer by Delaney though. He’s dangerous at every second of this fight. Start to finish. Costa has to be aware of that. Here’s a reminder.
[The fight slows down again, as both men throw tentative jabs at one another; Delaney steps in and throws a stinging left straight, but Costa gets out of the way and counters with a digging hook to the body; Delaney only just manages to shuffle to the side, not quite avoiding the strike but at least nullifying some of the power behind it. Costa presses forward, swinging a big overhand right--and Delaney drops his level and shoots for a double leg takedown! He manages to back Costa up against the fence, but Costa’s able to keep his feet planted on the mat, and ultimately drops a couple elbows to the side of Delaney’s head to force him to give up on the takedown.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Great takedown defense and follow up elbows by Erick Costa. I’m surprised to see Donovan try to take this fight to the ground.
JASON JACKSON
Honestly, I think it’s just points to try and secure the round. It may have ended up costing him the round though after those elbows. Those are Gnarly. He needs to get ou-- and he’s out. Back to the center of the cage we go and this crowd is on its feet as this round is ticking closer to its end.
[Delaney’s back on offense as soon as the two meet in the center again, throwing a wicked overhand punch; Costa just avoids it, and touches Delaney up with a trio of quick jabs before circling away from the power punches. Both men trade punches, high and low, looking for holes in their opponents’ defense; it’s Costa who really re-engages this time, avoiding a big punch from Delaney and landing a series of lefts and rights that put the champion on queer street; the clacker sounds to signal the last ten seconds, but Costa is unloading big straight punches! Some land, one stumbling the champ back against the cage; others Delaney’s able to avoid, and ultimately he’s able to fend off Costa and survive to the end of the round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Wooow! Erick Costa finished strong once again and put Donovan in a very dangerous situation. It looked like the champ took this round off and it nearly cost him! These first three rounds have been razor thin, it’s hard telling how the judges have it scored as we head into championship rounds. But I’ll say this, Erick Costa is very much in this fight!
JASON JACKSON
That round wasn’t thin at all if I’m the judge. 10-9 Costa. Costa up by 2 after the third. Delaney really needs to pour it on in the championship rounds. Costa is not just “in” this fight. He’s winning it.
[Delaney might still be feeling the punches at the end of round 3, when the horn sounds to begin round 4; certainly, Costa thinks so, as he presses forward early, throwing some MASSIVE punches. Straight rights and left hooks, and an uppercut that clips Delaney early in the round, but the champ’s able to survive the onslaught and shake the cobwebs free. He circles away from a looping right hand from Costa, fending the challenger off with a few jabs that are definitely more pawing than powerful. Costa’s not deterred, though, and steps in with a left straight, right hook combo; Delaney eats the jab, but he’s able to deflect the hook and counters with a big straight that only narrowly misses Costa’s face!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Erick Costa is looking to continue where he left off in round three. I’d almost say that Delaney Donovan needs to pick up the pace at this point.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, Costa smells blood in the water. He’s hungry. It’s feeding time. But that sort of aggression could get you dropped off by the champ. You still need to play it cool because you’re not out of the woods just yet if you’re Erick Costa.
[Delaney circles away and the action slows down again; Costa tries to limit his movement with a stinging low kick, but Delaney checks and moves back to the center of the cage. Costa keeps the pressure on, throwing a nice one-two combo, but Delaney avoids it and counters with a jab of his own that clips Costa’s nose and causes a little bit of blood. Despite that shot, the action slows down considerably, both men more tentative, notably Delaney steps back rather than engaging to take a deep breath.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Both of these fighters have been on an incredible pace but I think we’re starting to see the effects as the fight seems to slow down a bit.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, Maybe Delaney’s cardio really isn’t as top notch as it could be in this fight. Maybe he had a bad weight cut or camp. I just now he’s sucking air early here in the fourth and Costa is pouring it on. Donovan can’t afford to coast through this round. He needs some offense to land and pay off for him to sway the judges. This round is vital.
[Costa steps in before he can reset and launches a missile of an uppercut, but Delaney’s able to get his head out of the way, before coming back with a couple solid body shots that Costa’s able to deflect. Delaney wings an overhand right that Costa tries to counter with a straight punch, but he gets clipped anyway and staggers back! Delaney rushes in to finish him, but Costa’s able to circle away before Delaney lands much else. Donovan tries to goad Costa into engaging while he’s still stunned, but Costa just circles back to the center of the cage, throwing a couple tentative punches to give himself time to regain his wits.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nice shot from Donovan and I think that’s what he needed to, dare I say, gain some confidence back?!
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, he’s seeming a little desperate right now to get something rolling. He’s actually goading Costa to come fight now. Costa is smarter than that, however, and he works from the outside as he shakes off that damage he absorbed.
[Delaney, meanwhile, has...less patience than that, and throws a bomb of a straight right--that Costa manages to deflect and dig a punch to the body as a counter! Delaney eats the shot, but doesn’t look too fazed by it. Both men trade combinations, starting somewhat tentative with more distance-gauging double-jabs from Costa, and a one-two from Delaney in response; neither lands anything major, but Delaney pushes forward after his and throws a massive right hook that damn near spins him around when Costa ducks underneath. Costa lands a couple jabs, but Delaney isn’t bothered by it, and just keeps walking him down.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Donovan is looking to throw caution in the wind, I don’t know if that’s a smart move.
JASON JACKSON
I mean, he’s gotta take the round somehow. Whiffing punches won’t do it but if one of them connects? It could be lights out. That pressure is going to net him some points with a judge too. He’s walking him down.
[Costa launches an uppercut as Delaney steps in, but it misses when Delaney takes a step back; Costa follows up with a series of quick straights, but they get deflected--it’s the fourth punch, though, that gets through: a looping right hand clips Delaney just below the eye and staggers him, but he’s able to get away from Costa before any more damage can be done immediately. Instead, Costa tries to slam the body with a big roundhouse kick, but Delaney gets his guard down. By the time Costa gets his foot back on the mat, Delaney’s in his face with a MASSIVE right hand that knocks Costa back! The clacker sounds for the last ten seconds, and Delaney’s trying to put an end to this fight before the round ends--but ultimately, Costa’s able to avoid any more damage, and the horn sounds.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And now Delaney Donovan finishes the round strong and may have tipped the scale back in his favor. We have five minutes or less to decide the victor, and I can’t tell you who has the lead on the cards at this point.
JASON JACKSON
Neither are in the lead. I think that round was Delaney’s and I think the final round is going to be the one that decides the winner. I’ve got 2 rounds for both Challenger and Champion. This has been one hell of a fight. Now we head into the final round for our resolution to this banger. Let’s gooo.
[It’s Costa that starts round 5 off on offense, throwing a big hook to start the round, but Delaney’s able to block the shot and counter with a couple straight punches that put Costa on his bicycle. Delaney cuts him off and slams a hook into his ribs, visibly slowing Costa’s movement down--but not stopping him, as he manages to make a little space before spinning around for a backfist! It misses short, though, and Delaney slams a straight left into his face when Costa settles back into his stance!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
There seems to be some sense of urgency from Delaney Donovan as we begin the fifth and final round. We’re seeing that high tempo we’ve become accustomed to seeing.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, like I stated before. Coast through one or one and a half rounds, and sprint to the end. It’s just like clockwork if it plays out right. Delaney knows he needs this round though, so now is the time to go.
[Trying to keep Costa in place, Delaney launches a low kick aimed at the knee, but Costa’s able to check out and make a little distance. Delaney steps right in in pursuit, though, and launches a massive straight right that Costa just manages to duck underneath. Costa swings a leg kick in response, but Delaney gets out of the way--it serves enough of a purpose, though; it allows Costa to circle away from Delaney, and get back to the center of the cage.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
A lot of swings and misses from both fighters. That could be a key factor in this fight.
JASON JACKSON
It’s certainly a contributor to draining the gas tank. That’s for sure. Whiffing punches and kicks takes a lot out of you. Luckily, it’s all downhill from here so you just have to make it to the end of the round.
[When Delaney steps in to re-engage, Costa launches a quick one-two, but he misses wildly--and gets caught with a massive uppercut from Delaney instead! Costa staggers back, but Delaney gives him no escape route, and keeps launching bombs, aimed at both the head and body, most of which he’s able to get at least some connection with! Costa starts to escape when Delaney misses a body shot, but Delaney grabs hold of his head and pins him against the cage. Costa tries to shuck Delaney’s arm off, but he’s unable to break the clinch, and Donovan slams a flurry of hooks and knees to the body!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Big shots land for Donovan and now he’s working the body in the clinch. That played a big part in Donovan’s wins over Nat King and it may very well work here if he can keep Costa in his grasp.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, he’s tenderizing the hell out of Costa’s body right now. Not only that, but he’s controlling this final round and Erick really needs to do something here.
[Costa starts to wither, and Delaney’s confidence grows, releasing the clinch and just launching big straight punches and body shots. Costa takes advantage of Delaney releasing the clinch, though, and manages to duck underneath a laser of a right hand, and circle back to the center. Delaney pursues him, and nearly gets slammed with a massive left from Costa, but he manages to duck underneath. Delaney’s aggression gets the better of him, and he throws a wild punch to try and end the fight right now, but Costa avoids and manages to land a couple jabs, but the big power shots he follows up with, Delaney’s able to block.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Delaney Donovan is getting a little careless as he unloads on Erick Costa. He’s landing big shots but he’s putting himself in a very vulnerable position. Unless he feels like he’s down on the cards and needs a finish, this could be a bit too risky.
JASON JACKSON
Well I mean he’s not down but it’s dead even. He needs to pull a rabbit out of a hat and he’s swinging for the fences.
[Costa starts to target the body, swinging hooks and launching straight punches, but Delaney’s able to get his guard in place and deflect the impact. He responds with a laser of a left hand, but Costa ducks underneath, and both men take a step back to size each other up headed into the last minute of the fight. They both gauge each other for a few seconds, watching for a chance to attack, before Delaney throws an awkward, stepping-in backfist to Costa’s body that connects--but he eats a hook on the entrance that takes some of the power away. The champ throws a left hook just as the clacker for the last ten seconds sounds, but it falls way short, and he eats a couple shots just before the horn sounds to end the fight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And this one goes this distance! I gotta tell ya, JJ, this was some straight up Kung fu fighting. A lot of strikes thrown, a lot of ducking and dodging, and a lot of counters. As I said at the beginning of the fight, I’m not even gonna make an attempt on a prediction.
JASON JACKSON
I think that Delaney did enough in this final round to edge out the victory here, but just barely. This fight really could go either way. I’d be surprised if it’s a unanimous decision though. Let’s take it down to Mike Dempsey to see if we have ANOTHER new champion tonight, or if Double D gets to stay at the top of the mountain.
[The sound of the final horn gets quickly drowned out from the roar of the crowd. Both fighters stagger to their corners and clench the top of the fence and hunker over as they gasp for air. The doctors disperse to each corner as standard procedure but neither fighter looks too banged up. After a few moments pass, the doctors exit the cage and the fighters meet back in the center of the octagon for the official decision.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after five rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards for a decision. The judges score it 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 declaring your winner by unanimous decision, AND STILL the undisputed Union Grand Prix Lightweight Champion of the World, “Double D” Delaney Donovan!
[The crowd bursts into cheers, regardless of the winner, but this one is for Donovan. His hand is raised and the title is wrapped around his waist. Both fighters embrace with a hug and exchange graceful words for one another. The two eventually split off to their cornermen and the commentators recap the fight as a graphic pops up, breaking down the statistics.]
JUDGE CODY GARDNER
Delaney Donovan 9 10 9 10 10: 48
Erick Costa 10 9 10 9 9: 47
JUDGE BETHANY PEARSON
Delaney Donovan 10 10 9 9 10: 48
Erick Costa 9 9 10 10 9: 47
JUDGE SHAY COLE
Delaney Donovan 10 10 9 10 10: 49
Erick Costa 9 9 10 9 9: 46
Winner: Delaney Donovan by Unanimous Decision
Statistics: Delaney Donovan
Punches 51/146 (35%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/18 (22%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 0 s
Statistics: Erick Costa
Punches 42/137 (31%)
Kicks 0/8 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/3 (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
[The camera cuts to a clip from Nigel Musgrove versus Travis Decker 1, particularly the end of the fight with Nigel’s hand getting raised.]
TRAVIS DECKER [Voiceover]
It's kind of crazy when you think about where things began…
[It then cuts to Travis getting his hand raised against Nigel in their second fight, followed by a side by side shot of Nigel’s hand being raised against Guilliman and Travis’s being raised against Zion.]
TRAVIS DECKER [Voiceover]
...to where things are now. I knew the two of us would be meeting for our rubber match eventually, but for it to happen now under these circumstances? I don’t really believe in fate, but it's kind of hard to argue.
[It cuts back to Travis sitting in an interview room, wearing smart casual attire with the Middleweight Championship next to him on a table.]
TRAVIS DECKER
Nigel was the catalyst to the rejuvenation of my career. Both my initial loss, and the rematch that I won. He started me on this path, the path to becoming Middleweight Champion of the world. This fight against Nigel is perhaps the most dangerous one of my career because Nigel is in a position that few people thought he would be in, due to sheer will and hard work. I know that. I respect that. I am not going to take this fight lightly.
[The camera cuts to various points in Musgrove vs Guilliman where he was just tearing Robert apart.]
TRAVIS DECKER [Voiceover]
This is a different Nigel to the one I've fought before. One that made a fool out of the most dominant champion in our division’s history. He is truly worthy of being champion. One day.
[Cuts back to Travis.]
TRAVIS DECKER
But it won’t be at UGP 30. My time as Champion has only just begun. When I’m done I want Guilliman’s reign to be nothing more than an afterthought. I want to be THE name people think of when they think of middleweight. This is going to be one hell of a fight, but when the night ends Nigel is going to be the second tick in my title defence column. That’s just how it is.
[The camera cuts to Travis with the championship around his waist with the echo of the ring announcer shouting “AND STILL” before the package fades out.]
♫
I WAS CAUGHT
IN THE MIDDLE OF A RAILROAD TRACK (THUNDER)
I LOOKED 'ROUND
AND I KNEW THERE WAS NO TURNING BACK (THUNDER)
MY MIND RACED
AND I THOUGHT, WHAT COULD I DO? (THUNDER)
AND I KNEW
THERE WAS NO HELP, NO HELP FROM YOU
♫
[The arena is pitch black. The crowd grows louder as the iconic riff by Angus Young shreds the airwaves. The building flashes with brilliant white light to the tempo of the kick drum. Nigel Musgrove strolls out to the main stage with a Union Jack flag draped over his shoulders like a cape. The Magic Man keeps his stride, never losing sight of the octagon ahead of him.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And here we go, folks! It’s the final fight of the night and it’s the trilogy fight for the Middleweight Championship! First up, the challenger Nigel Musgrove makes his way down to the octagon and for what reason I don’t know, but apparently nobody expected him to be here, Nigel included! He mentioned during the press conference that he was a bit surprised to get the call, but Jason, this guy is coming off the biggest win of his career against Robert Guilliman. Only a handful of fighters can say they bested the two-time Middleweight Champ and 2019 Fighter of the Year, and he’s one of them. Nigel Musgrove isn’t one of the “rah rah” type of fighters who’s always looking to make a headline, but his resume speaks volumes. He’s 1-1 with Decker and his other loss is from the former champion Asher Jrue. Musgrove has earned this opportunity, and he HAS to believe in himself now.
JASON JACKSON
He was probably excited to get the call because for the longest time this Division has been locked down by Robert Guiliman, Zion Momo’a, Asher Jrue, and Aries Reed. Now? Things have been blown wide open and with the changing landscape come opportunities like this for fighters that were previously looked over. I think Musgrove has a legitimate chance to walk out as the champion here tonight. He just has to believe in himself and seize the opportunity put in front of him. Easier said than done though, am I right?
[Musgrove finally makes it to cageside, where he undresses down to his tights before getting inspected by the fight official. Once he's been cleared, Nigel races up the steps and right through the entrance. Nigel keeps a calm demeanor and jogs a few laps around the perimeter of the octagon before finally settling into his corner and awaiting his opponent.]
♫
I CAN FEEL IT COMING IN THE AIR TONIGHT, (OH LORD)
AND I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT, FOR ALL MY LIFE, (OH LORD)
CAN YOU FEEL IT COMING IN THE AIR TONIGHT, OH LORD, (OH LORD)
♫
[The crowd erupts again as “In the Air Tonight” By Phil Collins begins to play throughout the arena, and Travis Decker steps out of the tunnel, the spotlight gleaming off the Middleweight Title around his waist. He looks ready for war as he marches toward the cage with his team. He doesn’t acknowledge the fans, or anyone else, except for his opponent, which his eyes are glued on the entire time.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And now for the final walkout of the night, the Chicago native Travis Decker! This guy’s career is something you would expect to see in a Hollywood script. Decker had been a middling sub .500 fighter in the early stages of his career, and after suffering a three fight losing skid, he made the decision to step back and truly hone his skills. When he returned, he became a totally different fighter. Decker earned the 2020 Comeback Fighter of the Year award, and then followed that up with a Championship win this past May. And you know who his first opponent was when he returned? That’s right, Nigel Musgrove.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, I do have to say, Travis Decker has surprised the hell out of me with his career here in UGP. I’ve been super busy lately with preparing for my eventual return to the cage, but I have been in talks with him about doing a sit down interview about his journey and get a little insight into that from his perspective. That will be coming soon as well, so all the Decker fans will want to keep an eye on that. But I mean, this guy is legit. He said not a soul was going to take this belt off him now that it’s his and Zion gave it his best effort but he fell short and has been chilling on the shelf since with a broken leg. Not only that, but Decker EVICTED Momo’a from the middleweight division. It was some forreal “loser leaves town” action and Travis Decker was on his Wyatt Earp shit. You gotta respect that. His kicks are lethal too. I don’t know if you pay attention to twitter, but you definitely don’t wanna catch one of this man’s question mark kicks to the side of the head. It’s like a double dose of ZZZZZquil.
[Decker makes it to cageside where he strips down to his trunks and gives each of his cornermen one last hug before turning to the official. Once he gets inspected and cleared, Decker looks up and points to the heavens before racing up the steps. One of his coaches pours some water on the mat as he settles in his corner to wipe his feet and gain a little added grip. Decker remains dialed in as he awaits the official introductions.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Main Event of the evening! Sanctioned by the Illinois State Athletic Commission, our three judges scoring this contest at cageside are Cody Gardner, Bethany Pearson, and Shay Cole, and when the action begins, our referee in charge in the octagon is Jordan Ripley. AND NOW, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The following contest is scheduled for five rounds and it is for the Union Grand Prix Middleweight Championship! Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Grappler holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 5-2. He stands 5’11”, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Birmingham, England, presenting the number one 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.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, fighting out of the red corner, a Kickboxer holding a professional mixed martial arts record of 8-5. He stands 6’2”, and weighing in at 185 pounds. He is from Chicago, Illinois, fighting out of Real Killas MMA, presenting the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion of the World, “Ripcord” Travis Decker!
[Travis Decker glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Here. We. Go! Middleweight Championship on the line. Trilogy bragging rights. The stakes don’t get much bigger than this!
JASON JACKSON
Decker looks locked in and ready for war. Nigel looks like he’s not even phased. This one could be over real quick.
[Referee Jordan Ripley makes his way to the center of the octagon and orders both fighters to follow his lead. Mike Dempsey stands close behind and holds the microphone for the official.]
JORDAN RIPLEY
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 it.
[Both fighters nod and touch gloves then head back to their respective corners to wait for the signal. Jordan RIpley checks with both fighters one last time and calls for the bell!]
[Both men show a lot of respect for each other as they touch gloves in the middle of the cage before starting to size each other up. Travis Decker comes forward and right out of the gate throws a high kick that Musgrove is able to block. There’s a bit of hesitation from the challenger after the block, as it was with the same arm Decker broke in their second bout. That split second hesitation from Musgrove was enough for Decker to circle out and evade a wild swing from Nigel and fire back with a sidekick right under the ribs of Nigel Musgrove.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Decker is already working those lethal kicks in the fight. This could get ugly real quick.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, He remembers how it felt when Decker snapped his arm in their previous fight. See what I mean about those kicks though? Thunder.
[These two fighters know a lot of each other and are pacing themselves up, especially the champ, knowing Musgrove has cardio for days. Decker fires a low kick that Musgrove replies with a straight right that’s able to crack Ripcord’s defense, staggering him a bit; Musgrove continues the momentum with a left hook that lands, sending the champion butt first to the canvas. The crowd is starting to feel it as Nigel stands tall over Decker who covers himself as best as he can trying to dissuade the challenger from launching into some ground and pound. Travis throws wild upkicks that makes Musgrove take a step back and allow Decker to get back to his feet.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
The Magic Man says “abracadabra” with that left hook and knocks Decker to the canvas!
JASON JACKSON
The champ is dropped early here but Musgrove unable to capitalize on it at the risk of getting sent into low orbit from an up-kick. Decker is back to his feet and appears to be fine. My man said “abracadabra” You’ve certainly been hanging with me too long.
[Ripcord smirks and Musgrove obliges as both men swing wildly at each other. A straight hand lands from Musgrove, then a hook lands for Decker. Yet it’s the champ who gets the best out of the exchange finishing his sequence with a leg kick that Nigel is able to block in time… answering with a leg kick of his own that makes Decker wince for a second there. The champion moves forward but Musgrove is able to cut his pressure with a good boxing combination ending with a right hook that lands flush on Decker’s cheek making it swell a bit.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Great exchange here! Nigel Musgrove is really putting it on the champ!
JASON JACKSON
Ripcord asked, and Musgrove obliged. Be careful what you ask for. There’s a bit of swelling on the face of the champ after that nasty hook by the challenger.
[Sensing this is his moment, Musgrove moves forward; but Decker cuts him with a wild looping overhand right that forces Musgrove to take a step back. That movement created enough space for Decker to rush forward with some quick jabs and a good boxing combination that seemed to take Musgrove by surprise here. Decker goes back to the middle kick, but Nigel manages to block it and throws a sidekick of his own that also gets blocked. Yet Musgrove doesn’t relent and throws a quick jab that finds the mark forcing a step back from the champion, but Decker immediately throws a high kick that narrowly misses Nigel’s head.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Woooah! That kick had a lot of power behind it. I think that kick scalped Musgrove.
JASON JACKSON
A lot of near misses by both men here. That kick for sure could’ve been a game changer though. A potential fight ender if it had landed.
[Decker doesn’t give his challenger any moment to recover because he lands a quick knee that opens a small cut on Musgrove’s chin; Musgrove counters with an overhand right that stuns the champion and sends him back to the canvas. Decker quickly gets back up but Nigel pushes the pace and starts landing a series of punches. The champion covers as best as he can with the challenger forcing him against the cage. Jordan Ripley is right there watching as the champion looks for a way to circle out of the rain of bombs coming his way.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Nigel Musgrove turns up the volume on Travis Decker and the champ could be in some trouble here!
JASON JACKSON
The champion is hurt again, and he is in pure survival mode. Musgrove must have some serious power or something is going on with Decker because every clean shot that lands seems to rock him like the casbah. Ripley is watching closely and might stop this fight.
[A low kick seemed to do the trick as it bought Decker enough time to circle out and feint a high kick that forced a reaction from the challenger and split-second for Decker to land a calf kick. The challenger seemed to lose balance there for a bit, as Decker throws a teep kick that gets blocked and countered with a beautiful left-hand uppercut followed with an overhand right that Decker is able to dodge and counter with a cross and a jab. He follows his punches with a middle kick that Musgrove dodges and counters with a right hook right on the swelling cheek of the champion. The follow-up left hook gets blocked by the champion who throws a calf kick that gets blocked by Musgrove… as the horn sounds for the end of the first round.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Great first round by the challenger Nigel Musgrove. He kept calm under fire and was able to execute some solid counter striking that put Travis Decker in some dangerous positions.
JASON JACKSON
He dropped Decker twice in one round and hurt him real bad. I’d even give him a 10-8 to be honest. I think Decker’s corner needs to remind him who the fuck he is and what he came to do today because this isn’t the same Travis Decker we are used to seeing as of late. Someone call Ripcord and tell him he had a fight today. They sent Travis. The nice guy.
[Recognizing how the first round ended, the champion decides to circle around his opponent, giving him the middle of the cage, studying him, and trying to find a hole in his game. Musgrove had enough and presses his opponent with a good boxing combination, jab-cross-jab-uppercut. Travis Decker seems stunned and Musgrove goes for a hook but Decker dodges the punch right in the nick of time countering with a stiff jab of his own that gets countered with a left hook from Musgrove. The fans are already loving the action as they start roaring after the exchange. After feinting a right jab, Decker launches a high kick with his left leg that Musgrove barely managed to dodge retaking the center of the cage and circling away from his opponent.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Musgrove stays quick on his feet, avoiding any big damage and continuing to work off the counter game.
JASON JACKSON
He’s going to have to. That’s the best way to avoid that kick that Decker is fishing for. He needs to keep on his bike and be careful when he steps in to throw because he might be getting met with a nasty high kick each time.
[Decker takes a straight right under the swelling cheek only to deliver a devastating sidekick to the liver that momentarily stops Musgrove’s advances. Decker circles around his opponent, looking for an opening; but out of nowhere, Musgrove throws a sidekick that lands flush under Decker’s ribs and it’s fairly obvious by the look on the champ’s face that he didn’t like that one bit. Even reeling from the pain, Decker throws a calf kick looking to stop Musgrove’s momentum, but Nigel manages to check the kick, continuing putting pressure on his opponent.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Exchanging kicks between Decker and Musgrove, I’m not sure that’s a great idea for Musgrove to dabble in.
JASON JACKSON
I mean, they both kinda traded there. Both of them landed a kick to the other’s body that was jarring. So I wouldn’t say it’s a terribly POOR idea. I’m just a little confused because I thought this Musgrove fella was a Jiu Jitsu guy but he’s happy to stand and trade here. They did announce him as a Jiu Jitsu fighter right? I’m not that high.
[Both fighters are circling around each other, Musgrove every now and then throws some shadow boxing moves to try and predict a possible attack from his opponent; but nothing could’ve saved him from a devastating liver kick from Decker. Musgrove reels backwards and tries to defend as best as he can the wild punches coming his way from the champion. Seeing an opening Decker jumps in the air trying a flying knee that Musgrove manages to block with his hands as it’s coming up. Still moving backwards, Nigel fires a couple of jabs, that are more to keep his distance from his opponent than to actually do damage. Decker doesn’t relent and fires a middle kick that Nigel blocks with the right arm and winces in pain, obviously the block in the first round and now this one is taking a toll on the previously hurt arm. Still, with his right arm in pain, Musgrove throws an unorthodox punch to Decker’s body that the champion didn’t see coming.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Decker is starting to find his rhythm with his kicks. A couple nasty ones there really took the steam out of Musgrove.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, those are really affecting that arm of Nigel Musgrove. He’s gotta work on avoiding those completely because I don’t know if that arm is going to hold up to repetitive kicks like that. Nice body shot by Musgrove though. He’s not out of this fight by any means.
[The punch bought Nigel enough time to recompose a bit. Travis moves back into the attack with an oblique kick that Musgrove manages to check once again. Again the two of them start exchanging punches like this was some sort of boxing match; Musgrove slips a couple of punches, fires a couple of jabs only to get caught with a cross and a straight right from Decker. The crowd is loving this. The two of them continue exchanging punches until Jordan Ripley steps between them to stop the action as the round concludes.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
That was a much better round for Travis Decker. It looked like he was starting to figure out his rhythm while also getting a little more comfortable with Nigel Musgrove’s tendencies.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, That was a 10-9 round for Decker. He’s starting to get loose and feel it out there. I think the crowd is bringing him to life, to be honest. Listen to these folks. They’re ready for round three, and so are our fighters. Let’s get back to the action!
[The third round starts just like the first two, with both fighters showing a lot of respect for each other and circling around looking for an opening to attack. It is Decker who throws the first blow, a low kick that Musgrove manages to check, answering with a jab that breaks Decker’s defense. Decker is sent reeling from that jab and Musgrove is starting to feel it; but just as he rushes forward, Decker plants him with a teep kick that sends the challenger to the canvas butt first. Musgrove pushes himself up but the split-second position gave Decker enough time to plant Musgrove with a massive head kick that seemingly took Musgrove out of the fight.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
OOOOHH! Travis Decker rocks ‘em with the head kick on the way up! Decker is starting to unload with the kicks and that one could have really shifted the momentum.
JASON JACKSON
OOH TIMBER! Musgrove is down! He seems to have recovered right away from the flash knockdown and he’s throwing kicks to keep Decker at bay so that he can’t move in for the finish. Smart tactics front he challenger.
[As Musgrove is falling he seemingly recovered his senses and started throwing kicks on the ground landing one on Decker’s thigh and forcing him to throw a kick to Musgrove’s legs. Ripcord allows Musgrove to get back on his feet and then starts picking him apart with a flurry of punches finishing up the sequence with a head kick, which although Musgrove was able to block, has the challenger worried early on in this round. Travis Decker starts moving laterally as he throws some vicious leg kicks that are starting to leave a mark on his opponent. The champion is starting to feel it as he starts getting flashier, something the crowd really likes. Ripcord tries a spinning back kick, but Musgrove manages to circle away from the kick just in time.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oh man, Ripcord is firing on all cylinders now. Mixing it up with the kicks and punches, he’s got Musgrove working his game now.
JASON JACKSON
So he DID bring Ripcord, he’s just a little late to the party. He had to make a fashionable entrance. Decker is finding his groove right now and this is the fighter we’ve been used to seeing as of late.
[The Magic Man smiles at his opponent as Decker shrugs while he moves forward and throws another calf kick that lands and red marks are now starting to appear on Musgrove’s calf. Every time Musgrove tries to do something, Decker replies with a calf kick that forces Musgrove to change stance and give Decker the advantage. Both of them trade kicks that get blocked and then go for a series of boxing exchanges. Decker lands a cross, Musgrove lands a jab, both fighters are showing a lot of heart.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Look at that welt on Nigel’s leg, right there on his calf. Travis Decker’s accuracy is on point with that calf kick, hitting the exact same spot every time he attacks it. If Musgrove doesn’t do something about that, there could be some serious nerve damage that could prevent him from even holding his own weight up.
JASON JACKSON
Absolutely. You’ll see that leg start to do some wonky shit once you land a few to the calf like he has. It’ll start buckling and refusing to bear your weight while taking away the ability to use precise footwork or plan yourself to throw some power shots. People don’t realize the detriment that some unchecked calf kicks can have on a fighter.
[Travis Decker throws a massive overhand that barely misses the mark as Musgrove answers with a jab and a hook that stunned the champion and the swelling on his cheek is beginning to become somewhat of a problem for Decker. Musgrove closes the distance with some jabs and Decker answers with another leg kick, he’s obviously chopping his opponent down. Musgrove was sent reeling from the last leg kick and that was enough space for Decker to launch another head kick, but Musgrove dodges it and fires a hook back but Decker dodged it and answered with another head kick that landed and Musgrove started to wobble back against the fence. Decker prepares for the finish but the horn sounds and the round is over before Decker could land more punishment.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Saved by the bell at the end of round three! Nigel Musgrove is showing a lot of heart and grit out there, clearly out-boxing his opponent. However, Travis Decker is doing some serious damage with those kicks. That leg of Musgrove’s looks brutal and now he’s eaten a couple of brutal head kicks that’s surely got him buzzing at this point. Both fighters display some obvious battle scars as we head into championship rounds!
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, That’s the problem with fighting on the outside. Those kicks are going to come at you all night long. I think maybe Nigel should take this to the ground. Or work in the phonebooth to negate those kicks because they are gnarly. That round was definitely a 10-8 for the Champion in my opinion. He really shined in that one.
[This time around there is no respect as both fighters start the round off with a bang! Trading punches in the middle of the cage without any regard. It’s clear that the fight seems too close to comfort for the champion and the challenger is willing to leave everything in the cage tonight. Decker steps back and throws a high kick that gets caught by Nigel and he tries to put Decker on the mat. Good balance shown by the champion as he stays on his feet and fends off the challenger with a couple of nice elbows.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
These warriors are picking up the pace here to start round four. Musgrove almost secured a takedown when he caught the leg, but Decker shows his wrestling prowess there by defending it and keeping this fight on the feet.
JASON JACKSON
I think he has to at this point. He needs to take Decker to the ground. Grind out the last two rounds and smother him. Take away those kicks. That;s the only way Nigel Musgove wins this fight. If he continues to stand with Decker? Mark my words. He’s going to lose.
[Decker circles out of danger and throws a tentative low kick followed by a 1-2 combo that serves more as a distraction for another low kick that misses. Musgrove looks to capitalize on the miss and shoots as Decker goes for a knee. Musgrove is lucky he didn’t fully commit to the takedown and manages to dodge the knee; but he couldn’t dodge the following spinning sidekick right to the liver that made Musgrove wince in pain and back away from his opponent. Decker moves forward throwing a nice combination that only gets stopped when Musgrove lands a desperation overhand right; right on the chin of Decker!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
I can’t believe Nigel Musgrove is still standing after that liver kick. That’s one of those strikes where it just simply shuts down your body’s ability to function. No amount of willpower can overcome it, but it seems like he got lucky enough and fired back with a nice right hand.
JASON JACKSON
A beautiful right hand. I don;t know how he ate that liver shot the way he did. Maybe it was a glancing blow? It was a spinning side kick so they aren’t always the most accurate. I couldn’t see from my angle how it landed. Musgrove creating some distance instead of attacking after that big punch…
[This buys Musgrove enough time to move away from danger and measure his opponent back. Decker recovers quickly, though, as he marches Musgrove down and throws a couple of jabs that get dodged by Musgrove. Decker hid a high kick behind one of his punches and it landed right on the side of Musgrove’s head. The champion doesn’t relent and attacks Nigel’s leg with a brutal leg kick that almost took Nigel’s knee out. The challenger is in a bad spot and the champion knows it.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
What an incredible sequence from the champ there! He’s got Musgrove on the ropes and he knows it. He may be trying to end it here soon.
JASON JACKSON
Oof. Those kicks man. He’s just lighting him up like he’s kicking that bag at his gym. Century Bob returns, guys and he is getting WORKED. The challenger’s leg is fucked. He’s struggling to stand on it.
[Decker continues marching his opponent down, landing a beautiful boxing combination. Yet, the challenger is not completely out, and after a missed cross from Decker lands a beautiful uppercut. Decker isn’t fazed, though, as he managed to catch Nigel with a technically sound question mark kick right to the head; Musgrove believed the kick was coming for his midsection but instead it landed right on the side of his head. Travis continues on the attack and Musgrove defends as well as he can; Jordan Ripley is following the action closely asking Musgrove to do something. The crowd can sense a finish coming, but then Musgrove starts attacking Decker’s body with a couple of punches. They seem weak at first, but then he starts ramping up the power and makes the champion take notice. Decker continues attacking, but Musgrove is now throwing bombs at the head of Decker. The champion throws a low kick, Musgrove answers with a right hook. Musgrove tries to shoot but eats a front kick for his troubles; but right as Travis was about to deliver more punishment the horn sounds and Jordan Ripley jumps between the two fighters.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Incredible exchange to end the round! It looked like Jordan Ripley was about ready to stop it, but somehow Nigel Musgrove dug deep and fought off the onslaught brought on by Travis Decker. We are now down to five minutes or less from deciding this fight, and it could very well be tied up.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, I think that could’ve even been another 10-8 for Decker. Musgrove is trying to rally but he’s honestly just BARELY hanging on. His leg can’t take much more punishment. I know that much for sure. A few more good calf kicks and this fight is over.
[The round commences with Decker rushing Musgrove. He’s not leaving anything to chance here as he sees Musgrove’s leg starting to fail him and his head beginning to swell. Then again, Decker’s cheek has swelled up to the point where his eye might be a bit compromised and he’s also feeling the effects of some of Nigel’s punches. Decker throws a couple of punches, but Nigel manages to counter and lands the heavier touches on Decker’s face. The champion might be in trouble as he circles out of danger for a bit. Travis launches a kick to the midsection and Nigel blocks with his arm and now it’s clear that the accumulation of damage on that arm has taken its toll on him as he backs away and winces in pain.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
These guys are showing a ton of grit out there. Both are wearing the effects of this war on their faces, and yet they are not backing down and continue to throw bombs!
JASON JACKSON
Yeah, they both will know they’ve been in a fight after this one. I think Musgrove is going straight to the Hospital for sure after this fight. Decker’s eye is in some rough shape though and it’s at the point it could be impeding his vision. OH. Musgrove is hurt and his hands are down!!
[Nigel is not defending himself intelligently here and Decker smells blood as he continues his outpour of kicks to the liver and legs. Each one is more thunderous than the last one. Jordan Ripley asks Nigel to do something or he’ll be forced to stop the fight. Nigel throws some wild punches that hit nothing but air, but that’s enough to sway Ripley away from the action and let the two fighters continue fighting. Decker continues picking Nigel apart with punches and then he lands a vicious head kick that almost knocked Nigel out on his feet!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Booooom! Big head kick from Decker! Musgrove has got some Bambi legs and this could be over soon!
JASON JACKSON
He’s reeling right now! Decker is trying to close this one out with some emphasis. He’s looking to send a message to the rest of the Middleweights.
[Nigel seems to be done as he staggers away from Decker. The champion takes the middle of the cage and stalks Nigel looking for the finish. Nigel’s corner is screaming at him to do something and something he does as he stops in his track and hits a spinning heel kick to Decker’s head that stunned the champion and sent the crowd on a frenzy. The two of them start throwing hands in the middle of the cage, but it seems one of Nigel’s fingers found Decker’s eyes and Jordan Ripley saw it! Nigel apologizes to Decker as Ripley takes a point away from Nigel to the boos of the crowd here!]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Oh man! That was definitely an eye poke and I think Musgrove went three knuckles deep and tickled Decker’s frontal lobe.
JASON JACKSON
Yeah but a point? Come on. That’s bullshit. It wasn’t intentional and that could’ve really just cost him the fight. Wow. I disagree with that call. I hope Decker can continue. I’d hate to see this end over an eye poke, but a point deduction was hasty.
[After a quick visit from the doctor to check that Decker can continue the fight, and taking the time to recover, the champion signals to the referee to restart the fight. Both fighters touch gloves in the middle of the cage as they start right where they left it with a wild exchange of punches; this time Decker gets the best of the exchange and starts to run away with the fight. Nigel moves backward and eats a head kick that opens up a small laceration over his left eye.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
Another big head kick there and that might have sealed it. Musgrove is simply trying to survive the round and not doing enough to stack the cards in his favor.
JASON JACKSON
Yo, He’s leaking too. That kick opened him up. Decker is walking away with this one. Especially after the point deduction. I think Musgrove has given up.
[Travis Decker continues the onslaught with a kick to Nigel’s thigh and another one to the calf. Nigel’s leg is completely compromised as he almost lost balance after the two consecutive shots. Musgrove tries a couple of jabs that miss the mark and Decker lands a spinning back kick right on Musgrove’s chin that sends the challenger to the canvas. Yet, just as Decker was about to rain ground and pound on his opponent the horn sounded and the fight was over.]
BODIE SULLIVAN
And this one goes the distance! Big finish to round five for Travis Decker, nearly putting this one away! Jason, this was a great back and forth fight which saw the tides turn several times. Musgrove put Decker in a world of hurt in the opening rounds, but Decker showed that champion pedigree and rallied back. It’s gonna get reeeeeeeal interesting to see how the judges scored this fight.
JASON JACKSON
I got it as 49-43 Decker on my unofficial scorecard. Round one was a 10-8 for Musgrove and Decker won all 4 after that with 3, 4, and 5 being 10-8 rounds. Nice effort by Nigel Musgrove but in the words of Hamilton. He was “Out-gunned, Out-Manned, Out-Numbered, and Out-planned” Yes I just quoted Hamilton. Yes I am a nerd. Fight me. Congrats to the reigning champ though. He did what needed to be done tonight and while I’m sure he wanted a stoppage, he got the W by mauling this man from the 2nd round to the final bell.
[The crowd explodes with cheers at the conclusion of this five round battle. Both fighters are slow to their corners and are met by doctors as they do their due diligence. Eventually the medical professionals are able to stop the bleeding enough for the final call and file out of the cage. Both fighters then meet back in the center of the octagon for the official decision.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Ladies and gentlemen, after five rounds, we go to the judges’ scorecards for a decision. The judges score it 50-43, 50-43, and 49-44 declaring your winner by unanimous decision, AND STILL the undisputed Union Grand Prix Middleweight Champion of the World, “Ripcord” Travis Decker!
[The crowd bursts into cheers as Decker has his hand is raised and the title is wrapped around his waist. Both fighters embrace with a hug as a gesture of mutual respect before splitting off to their respective crews. A graphic pops up on screen, breaking down the statistics of the fight while the commentators recap.]
JUDGE CODY GARDNER
Travis Decker 10 10 10 10 10: 50
Nigel Musgrove 9 9 8 9 8: 43
JUDGE BETHANY PEARSON
Travis Decker 10 10 10 10 10: 50
Nigel Musgrove 9 9 8 9 8: 43
JUDGE SHAY COLE
Travis Decker 10 9 10 10 10: 49
Nigel Musgrove 9 10 8 9 8: 44
Winner: Travis Decker by Unanimous Decision
Statistics: Travis Decker
Punches 46/81 (57%)
Kicks 45/85 (53%)
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 14 s
Statistics: Nigel Musgrove
Punches 58/109 (53%)
Kicks 4/8 (50%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/4 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 0 s