LOCATION: W116th street, Harlem, New York
DATE: January 6th, 2019 [4:09PM]
TMZ.com
Dear aficionados,
We bring you, the faithful fan of combat sports, to the biggest city in America: New York. Though gentrified, the historically African-American neighborhood of Harlem still maintained the soul it was built on. Truthfully, the notion of Black achievement was the exact reason a foreign born Afro-Caribbean athlete would find herself residing in this particular area. It was a city that can oftentimes be suffocating for individuals who aren’t accustomed to existing in an immense mecca.
Nevertheless, all of the opportunity in the world remained due to the sacrifices of those who have fought the power…
BRIAN DRUMMONDS: Excuse me! Zari!.....Zari Aliyah!
Unexpectedly, a group of two cameramen hastily approached a lone Aliyah as she completed crossing 115th street off seventh avenue. They repeatedly shouted out her name. Additionally, they borderline blocked off her walk path.
ZARI ALIYAH: Y’know you can’t be rushin’ random women in the streets, right sweetheart?
Aliyah replied in a voice that sounded heavily conditioned to hide her own Antiguan accent in order to appeal to the American fanbase.
BRANDON DRUMMONDS: Well, Zari, you aren’t just any random person. We just wanted to know your thoughts on what went through your mind after your teammate Aryeh Rothstein was easily picked apart and knocked out by new Lightweight sensation, Misty DeMeans. I mean it must’ve been rough for Real Killas to watch one of their own virtually helpless in that cage.
Somewhere along the breakdown, Zari Aliyah scoffed lightly.
ZARI ALIYAH: It really is always the beer gut havin' fools who’ve never been in a fight that tries to undermine a warrior, jack.
She took a brief pause.
ZARI ALIYAH: Lemme tell you, everyone in this sport can have a REALLY bad night….or just a bad matchup altogether. I’ve seen Aryeh in the gym trainin’ his ass off to be at this professional level. He’s has everything he needs to turn it around for himself in the Lightweight division.
BRANDON DRUMMONDS: Well, I mentioned that situation because something happened on social media earlier today that’s connected. Did you see?
ZARI ALIYAH: No, I’ve been in Swetes over in my home country for the past two days spendin’ quality time with my mother. I only got back to Harlem this mornin’ because Union told me to be on standby for a fight this month. Feel free to be useful and fill me in on this “happenin’” though, darlin’.
There was another short pause before the media member continued on. The pair continued walking slowly up the block.
BRANDON DRUMMONDS: Misty DeMeans, now fighting with HILITE, said she’s thinking of a ‘kill a killa party.’ And, she’s called you out on Twitter as the very next fight she wants at Lightweight.
Instantly, Aliyah stopped dead in her tracks, removing her shades to reveal a rather surprised expression.
ZARI ALIYAH: …
BRANDON DRUMMONDS: Do you have a response for her challenge? DeMeans insinuated that Reed believes you’re an asset worth protecting at Union Grand Prix.
The TMZ member notably “forgot” to mention the portion of Misty’s Q&A in which she stated that a fight with Zari would be a marketable one.
ZARI ALIYAH: An asset worth protectin’? She’s got a sense of humor, ay?
With a giggle, Zari sucked her teeth.
ZARI ALIYAH: Look, you know I’ma be proud of Misty for finally findin’ a home with HILITE. But, a fight with me is an entirely different thing altogether. I’m on my way to claimin’ the Lightweight title. Even though Misty’s shown that she can knock a head innady bushes, there are certain things about my game that she ain’t ready for.
BRANDON DRUMMONDS: So-
ZARI ALIYAH: Yeah, I accept her challenge. But, we’re two of the fastest risin’ Lightweights in the whole company. Reed should let us Black Queens main event a Boss Fight since everyone’s sayin’ our division is the deepest. I’m thinkin’ that sounds like a good idea. Move outta my way, I’ve got a few calls to make.
As Zari pushed past the TMZ crew, the scene faded.