Boss Fight 4 Press Conference

[Edan sat there, he had a small smirk as he heard Robert Guilliman speak for the fist time. He scratches the left side of his nose and listens to him talk in such a professional and sterile tone, almost astonished at how he carried himself after knowing he'd be going up against someone like McLeod. Through that professional dialogue, Edan felt a bit chippy at how he declared he wouldn't be the one put on the floor at the end of the night. Edan, who was dressed in a teal dress shirt and black dress pants and loafers. The collar of his shirt was undone neatly and the sleeves rolled up to show a gold watch. Along his neck sat a gold chain and a pair of gold framed shades were cast over his eyes. Edan sees someone's hand launch up.]

RON HUFF | YAHOO! SPORTS: Ron Huff with Yahoo! Sports. Your success in Union has been nothing short of great. Last fight you took on Middleweight contender Jeremiah Ford and made a statement for a shot at Cristian Bonanno's championship. Union however, want to make sure your road to that shot wasn't an easy one. Now you face Robert Guilliman who has been just as impressive as you have these past few months. Do you believe this fight is a tall task?

EDAN MCLEOD: Robbie talks crakin' 'n' proper, bit he kin sit thare 'n' say he wants tae be a force a' he likes. He's nae prepared fur me, 'n' ilka time ah step intae that cage 'n' keek o'er fae mah opponent thay a' hae th' identical face: thay dinnae ken whit th' bugger they're getting intae. Robert's git some crakin' kickboxing, bit ah train wi' a world champion kickboxer who's leagues better than him. Ah train wi' tap guys 'n' mah wins ur fae thaim. Rabbie cannae match mah speed, bit me, ah kin titch him whenever ah bloody wantae. If ah set th' tone, if a'm th' yin wha acts foremaist, he's in fur a mingin' nicht.

RON HUFF | YAHOO! SPORTS: Do you fear the stand up?

[Edan with a stone cold face shakes his head as he leans towards the microphone so Robert and the world can hear it.]

EDAN MCLEOD: Na fear.

RON HUFF | YAHOO! SPORTS: Thank you.

[One person sits and another stands up. Edan leans forward, folding his arms over on top of the table, his attention glued to the speaker.]

WALTER YOUNG | SHERDOG(dot)COM: Walter Young with Sherdog, give us a bit of insight about what you trained for during your camp. Robert is a skilled kickboxer, but he has solid punching power as well as kicking power. Did Coach Marcello de Pablo and the rest of The Factory prepare you for a technical stand-up affair?

EDAN MCLEOD: Coach de Pablo 'n' P3 helped me wi' this rammy. Ah ain't th' best kicker, whit kin ah say, ah grew up learning tae rammy wi' mah hauns th' best ah cuid. Bit th' key o' it a' wis tae anticipate anythin'. Keek at his body leid, see whit he wants 'n' tak' it awa' fae him. He's git some guid kicking, bit if ah'ament fernent him, ah kin neutralize that. Dinnae git caught bein' stagnant 'n' a' o' that, richt?

WALTER YOUNG | SHERDOG(dot)COM: So we can rest assure this will be a standing match?

EDAN MCLEOD: Ah'ament yin dimensional by ony means, see? ah'ament feart o' that mat, 'n' that's whaur a'm pure dangerous. If it comes tae that ah will gang fur th' murdurr oan th' ground. Bit if he wants a brawl, a' he's gotta dae is say th' word 'n' we caw this jobby intae a richt proper rammy. A'm duin fur whitevur, sae let's pumpin' dae this.

WALTER YOUNG | SHERDOG(dot)COM: Any message for Cristian Bonanno?

EDAN MCLEOD: Watch out.

[Edan sits there quiet, he looks at his fingernails as he finishes his round of questions.]

[The brash, outspoken confidence that tends to exude from those that come flying the Real Killas flag is notably muted by one of them--known by a few different aliases, “the Smiling Assassin” is probably the most appropriate at this particular moment, as even while listening to her teammate call the division they share “her’s,” Lauren Moore maintains the same little smile that tends to be on her face most of the time. In fact, it’s only after Hanako finishes talking and a reporter flags the young Californian’s attention that her expression changes--and even then, only raising her eyebrows a little, cocking her head toward the man.]

Reporter 1

Lauren, my name’s Sean Turner, I’m with Black Belt Magazine.

Lauren Moore

Hiya.

Sean Turner

Quick question, after a disappointing result in what was then the Cruiserweight Tournament against Jordan Parker-Kane, you came back with just a dominant display against Amadea Rao back at UGP 4, but as far as the rankings go, it didn’t seem to make much of a difference--it’s only with the recent departure of Annie Zellor that we’ve seen you move up. Is there any...frustration, I guess, that even such an impressive performance didn’t seem to get you much closer to that rematch?

[There’s a brief moment where Lauren screws her nose upward a little--maybe, just maybe, “L-Mo” actually WAS aware of that fact. She exhales sharply, though, and just shakes her head.]

Lauren Moore

I mean, let’s just be honest about it--I lost my first fight in Union GP, so I was bound to be toward the bottom of the rankings. It didn’t matter that I took the guy who eventually won the belt to the limit, and it doesn’t really matter that there’s still people arguing on forums over who actually won the fight; facts are facts, he won, I lost, so I just have to do better. As far as the fight with Amadea not helping much...honestly, I don’t fight for the little number next to my name.

I didn’t go into that fight thinking “man, this will be a great way to improve my ranking,” I went into that fight thinking “I need to win this fight;” same way I went into the fight with Jordan. It wasn’t about an impressive showing or whatever, it wasn’t about making the next round, it was about being there in that title fight. I didn’t get the job done that night, but that fight was never about...y’know, “win this and you’re a semifinalist,” no, the goal was always to be there in that title fight.

Same thing here--the only time I’m worried about ranking, is when I eventually get in there with...whoever has the Lightweight Championship by that point.

Sean Turner

Would you say you’d prefer to see Jordan as champion by that point?

[Lauren takes a second to glance up and down the table, to Hanako, then Zari, then Delaney and Saffron; there’s a good moment of quiet before she just laughs a little bit.]

Lauren Moore

I’d like that rematch, yeah, if for no other reason than I was disappointed in my performance, really. I could’ve--and should’ve--been a lot better than I was that night, I left him too much space to try to work in, and he did his best to try to work in it. For the belt or not, it’s a fight I’d like back. But I think this whole division is full of...well, if you’ll excuse the joke, killers. Y’know, one mistake...to go back to your ranking question, one mistake, number one becomes number seven, and we’re talking about a big shake up.

More than anything, I want to get back where I feel like I should’ve been, in that title fight. If that means I have to fight everyone to get there, then I have to fight everyone to get there.

[Sean takes a seat, but no sooner is he sat down, than a woman stands up to replace him. Lauren takes the second to pull a water bottle out from under the table, taking a quick sip as she turns her attention to the new reporter.]

Reporter 2

Shannon Thompson, with MMA Underground; let’s get back on the reason we’re all here today, the event this weekend. You’re facing a debuting fighter, in Delaney Donovan, who...well, very candidly laid out his gameplan for the fight. Do you agree, is that about what you expect?

Lauren Moore

I mean, you said it yourself, debuting fighter. I don’t have a whole lot to go on, if he says he’s a standup fighter, he’s a standup fighter. And really, ever since I started doing MMA instead of wrestling, I tend to approach every fight...kinda the same way, I assume everyone’s trying to take my head off, so I don’t really wanna get hit.

[Lauren can’t help herself--the simplicity of the statement makes her laugh, her shoulders shrugging upward a little bit.]

Lauren Moore

He’s got a lot of advantages, he’s obviously pretty big for being a lightweight, so that’s going to be a struggle. This may be my biggest test on my feet, anyone who prides themselves on going out and banging...

[The same juvenile joke from L-Mo as from Delaney himself draws an even bigger smile to Lauren’s face.]

Lauren Moore

...would obviously fancy themselves on the feet. And whether he has the advantage on the feet, we’ll find out; he has all the tools he needs to have that advantage, except experience, and that just comes with time, so I’m very much expecting him to be the fighter he says he is, and come try to knock me out to make a point.

But, I do think there are some things that are just...the truth.

And what I think is objectively true is he doesn’t have the wrestling experience to keep up with me. I don’t think he’s going to be able to stop me from taking him down if and when I want to. It’s easy to work on your sprawl a little bit, get confident in sparring, and think you’re okay; it’s a different thing when you’re in there with someone who’s spent their whole life wrestling, and I think that’s going to be the biggest difference between us: I can control where the fight goes, where I just...don’t think he has what it takes to stop me.

Shannon Thompson

Does it change your approach any, knowing there’s not really any tape on Delaney, where he’s seen you compete a couple times now?

Lauren Moore

It’s like I said a second ago--my approach to every fight is to not get punched in the face.

[Again, she can’t help but laugh, exaggeratedly shrugging her shoulders, even flipping her hands up to add to it.]

Lauren Moore

Whether my opponent’s male or female, tall or short, big for the weight class or small, that’s all really secondary; I can figure out how to deal with the power difference, or with the range difference. I can figure out how to deal if he starts throwing, y’know, karate style side kicks or whatever. If I find out he throws an overhand right that could put a bull to sleep, I can figure that out too--as long as I don’t get hit by it.

I’ve heard people talk about this is going to be an “easy fight,” because he’s taking his first ever MMA fight against me--that, I don’t buy. I don’t expect an easy fight, I never expect an easy fight. He could’ve been on a ten fight skid, and I would’ve prepared just as hard for him then as I have for him making his debut, for one important reason.

He wouldn’t be on this stage, or going into that cage with me, if he wasn’t talented enough to make it into, like I said, an already stacked division.

Shannon Thompson

You talked a moment ago about wanting to get a chance at the Lightweight Championship, this is a fight that...there’s not really a lot of upside for you, in terms of getting you closer to that shot, but there’s a lot at risk--with that in mind, is there any extra pressure, heading into this fight?

[Lauren audibly “hmmms” away from the mic, clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth.]

Lauren Moore

Extra pressure? No, but, not for the reason you might think.

I said it a second ago, I prepare for every fight like they’re the most dangerous person I’ve ever fought. Delaney may very well prove himself to be--he may not. But I have to assume he is, and that puts a lot of pressure on you from the get go. Right now, I’ve put pressure on myself because I need to win this fight, if for nothing else than to knock one more obstacle out of my way of getting to that title shot.

And that’s what’s important--the here and now. This fight, with this opponent. Not the risk, as you said, there might be if I lose; I don’t like thinking about “ifs” like that.

I mean to win the fight, and move forward, so that’s been my focus--doing what I have to do, to get that win, and move closer to the title.

[Shannon nods, seemingly satisfied. With no more questions, “L-Mo” settles back in her seat, taking another quick sip from her water bottle and leaving the floor for someone else.]

FANSIDED: This is for Hanako Takeuchi.

[We cut to The Black Rose; who's wearing a white deep V-neck blouse with long sleeves, black capri pants, and black leather pumps. She has the Union Battleground Battalion Championship belt propped up on her right and the Iron Japan Shoot Crown Championship on her left. The Real Killas MMA member looks down at the reporter, eyeing him forthright with a faint smirk.] Yamashi Promotions yesterday announced a UGP 4 rematch between you and UGP Lightweight Champion Jordan Parker-Kane at After Dark's first Maishuu Minagoroshi on January 6th. It's for your Iron Japan Shoot Crown Championship. What are your thoughts on that? [The Japanese native responds with fluent English with that slight American accent, only leaving traces of the Osaka accent that takes over when speaking her first language.] TAKEUCHI: Look... The announcement yesterday changed everything for today. I said I would have a lot to say for this press conference. I still have a lot to say, but now there's a better place and time to say it. It's not here and it's not now. Besides, I probably shouldn't spend too much time today talking about JPK or a fight that isn't happening for another month. This is probably for the best. By the way, I think it's silly that the first question I get is about a fight that won't happen until January 6th. It's not like there won't be an opportunity to hear what I think before that match. People actually have to cut promos in Iron Japan. That's the time and place to get into it. What about the fight tomorrow against Ellis Belrose? Who I'm crushing in the polls? Yeah, I might as well bring that up now before one of you asks me how I feel about the fucking polls - like you always do. Fights are won in cages, blah blah. There. That's out of the way.

What else do you have?

[The journalists collectively take on a nervous silence as Takeuchi looks around the room - plain-faced but with trenchant eyes.] COMBAT PRESS: What about Ellis Belrose? You've promoted the show but there hasn't been any back-and-forth between you two. TAKEUCHI: Good question.

[She chuckles.]

What about Belrose? She has some stuff out there to watch if you dig for it – like any other unknown. There's always something out there on your opponent regardless of status. I know what she'll come at me with tomorrow. But yeah, what about Belrose? Honestly, who gives a fuck? That's up to her to change and make people give a fuck, but she's been silent. Maybe she's silent but deadly? I don't know. Word on the street is that she likes to brag about her abilities. Does she fucking mime it? Who knows? Who cares? Until further notice, who gives a fuck? Going into tomorrow night, this match isn't about Ellis Belrose. It's about The Black Rose. It's about Hanako Takeuchi. It's about the reigning Iron Japan Shoot Crown Champion. It's about the Kamagasaki Killa out of Real Killas. It's about me – the best striker in the world getting back on the winning track in UGP after the Lightweight title slipped from my fingertips. That's what this fight is all about as of right now. Unless Belrose puts up a good fight or even beats me somehow, that's what this fight is all about. It's about me. That's the truth. I'm the one you guys all give a fuck about right now. I'm the two-time UGP Performance of the Night winner. I have the belts and the reputation. Belrose has the chance to steal the narrative tomorrow night but I'm not letting that happen. Does this mean I have everything to lose and nothing to win? No, because this is what I wanted. I know someone – maybe even Dante Reed himself – was probably itching to have me and JPK in a rematch right away for the UGP Lightweight Championship. I don't think that's how things should work. I'll be damned if we turn UGP and what should be MY division into that kind of place. We're going to do this the right way. So line 'em up, Dante. The Muay Thai Murder Mamma will mow 'em down. That's really all there is to say right now. Yep. I'm not talking forever this time. No Hanako TALKeuchi tonight. You wanna get into my preparation? You wanna know what I've been eating and how big my shits are going into this fight? Too bad. I'm not in the mood. All I want to do is get in that cage, knock Belrose's head into the cheap seats, and continue marching toward the UGP Lightweight Championship.

Saffron Harris waited patiently as others went ahead of her, being patient as she always is until finally a reporter glanced her way and stepped up Zari finished up. Saffron showed a bit of interest in trying to figure out what kind of popsicle Zari had before she got her attention drawn to that reporter. She stood up and picked up the hat she'd had in her lap, putting it over her shiny blond braids with a grin - turning her head so all the cameras could see that she was wearing a very special Cosmo Cooper branded snapback before she smiled encouragingly at the reporter.

Kevin Trumbull : MMA Today Magazine

Hello Ms. Harris, I’m Kevin Trumbull from MMA Today Magazine and I have a few questions for you.

Saffron made a tiny bit of a face as she saw that behind him waiting in line was someone that had been a bit of a problem for her during past press conferences, especially after the Dragon's Rage Tournament. She took a breath though and waited for the first reporter to speak, he was at least decent in the past.

Kevin Trumbull : MMA Today Magazine

After what happened to CGFC, were you nervous getting into a new company so quickly? And a sidenote, did you or Cosmo ever get paid?

Saffron snorted and shook her head, cheeks holding a hint of pink.

Saffron Harris:

No, I can't say that I was nervous after I'd gone through the process. They were really professional dealing with me, and that helped a lot there. Honestly CGFC was a good test run, I guess I could say. I got my first full pro fights out of the way and I can't say that I regret that a bit. Now I can definitely say I look to improve, even though I've won matches, because that's how you grow. As far as the other, well I can't speak for Cosmo but I haven't.

Kevin Trumbull : MMA Today Magazine

I see, I see. And that's where you met Cosmo Cooper, correct?

As she nodded he added to the question.

Kevin Trumbull : MMA Today Magazine

Do you think he'll return to the cage?

Saffron perked up a bit, pushed a strand of her bright blond hair that had escaped a braid back under her hat and laughed.

Saffron Harris:

Well I think that's a question you'd need to ask Cosmo! I mean yes he's one of my closest friends in the whole world and we support each other unconditionally, so if he did I'd be so happy to work with him again. But if he doesn't? I'm still going to support him in what he does.

Kevin Trumbull : MMA Today Magazine

What are your thoughts about your opponent Amadeo Rao?

Saffron Harris:

I’m looking forward to facing her, honestly I am. I saw that a lot of people expect me to do well, and maybe she's not had the best go of things so far but that doesn't mean she won't or that she couldn't surprise me. That said, I want to win this badly. I have the tools and training to win, the confidence and support, so we'll see what happens.

Trumbull nodded and stepped back, that brunette she'd seen stepping up with a sly smile at Harris, her vaguely French accent grating on the ears.

Giselle Celeste : MMA Behind Closed Doors

We meet again, Saffron.

Saffron Harris:

You can call me Miss Harris thank you very much.

Some of the other reporters snickered a bit at Saffron showing a bit of sass, Celeste just rolled her eyes and tapped the tablet in her hands and then smiled in a sharp way.

Giselle Celeste : MMA Behind Closed Doors

So you admit that Cosmo Cooper is a friend of yours, what does Alessio think of...

Saffron cleared her throat and interrupted.

Saffron Harris:

This don't make no nevermind, Alessio and Cosmo get along fine as you'd know just looking at Twitter and all. We're his favorite couple and everything. I don't appreciate you trying to be this disrespectful again, Miss Celeste. How you're going to stand up there and ask me about people that are important in my life and my success in that life all while smirking and wearing that color lipstick with that shade of eyeshadow I don't even know. Where's the respect towards Ms Rao too? That's just rotten and you can shuffle on. I'm proud of my friendship with Cosmo, and I'm going to be wearing this hat and one of his shirts for my walkout just like he would for me and that's that.

Saffron huffed and sat back down, crossing her arms over her chest, obscuring the Sour Patch Kids logo on her current t-shirt.

[A bit wide eyed at the hoopla that is the press conference that was being held before Boss Fight IV, Delaney Donovan sat nervously at his assigned spot and simply took it all in. Over a year ago one of his best good friends, Carrick Price, had gone through this same sort of experience which was probably why Carrick had sent him a text message a few moments earlier reminding him to just stay calm and be himself. There was a lot to unpack, at least in his own mind, as he tried to take in the scene that he was in the midst of. Robert Guilliman had been speaking and Delaney hadn't really heard much of what he had to say. Really what struck him more than the words was that Robert was dressed a lot more nicely than he was. To the nines is what his mother would have called it if she had still been around to witness what was happening.]

Talking Brawls | Niall McGrath:

"... Mister Donovan?"

[Snapping out of the trance that he was in, Delaney cleared his throat and offered an awkward smile before he leaned forward and responded.]

"Double D" Delaney Donovan:

"Shite. Sorry lad. Could you repeat the question?"

Talking Brawls | Niall McGrath:

"I said my name is Neil McGrath from the Talking Brawls podcast and I was wondering how you're feeling heading into your first professional fight."

[He considered the question for a moment and thought about giving what the thought would be the expected canned answer. But then decided just to be himself like Carrick had reminded him to be.]

"Double D" Delaney Donovan:

"Well. Still adjusting a good bit to the shite there is to eat here. Not sure what a crawdad is but it wasn't too awful I suppose. Nothing like a home cooked meal in Belfast, though. Feelin' a bit jet lagged too, still, if I'm being honest. But I feel ready. Kind of a nervous energy too, you know? Suppose that's natural for being out of Ireland for the first time in me life, and getting ready to fight in me first professional fight. But... I love this, you know? Doesn't really matter too much if I win or lose, long as I don't make a complete arse of meself. Really, just looking forward to getting in there and banging with Lauren."

[Pausing, he thought about what he had just said and then smiled awkwardly.]

"Double D" Delaney Donovan:

"Shite. Didn't mean it like.. banging banging. Like a shag. Not what I meant. I meant li-"

Talking Brawls | Niall McGrath:

"We knew what you meant, Mister Donovan. Thank you for being so candid. A follow up question, if I may. Do you feel like the strengths of your opponent attack your vulnerabilities?"

"Double D" Delaney Donovan:

"I mean, shite. No one is perfect you know? Everyone has weaknesses. But I suppose you're talking about her talent as a wrestler. And I guess you could say that that might be the weakest area of my game, being on the ground, yeah. Put a lot of work in to defending those takedowns that she looks for, though, you know? The biggest thing is that you just can't stand still. Always have to be moving and not letting her have a statue to shoot on. Style wise I think it's an interesting fight. I don't think she's going to want to stand and swing with me. And I don't think she's going to want to let me get my hands on her in the clinch. And truth be told I don't really want to be taken down by her and have to work off my back. Controlling the ground game is what she does best. If that's where it ends up, I'll just have to find a way to adjust and hopefully find a way to out work her. That isn't ideal for my gameplan, though. "

Talking Brawls | Niall McGrath:

"You don't think that might be revealing your hand a bit too much?"

[Laughing to himself, he shook his head.]

"Double D" Delaney Donovan:

"It's not that serious, lad. Plus, any fan of mixed martial arts could figure that out if they paid attention for more than a few minutes. It's not breaking news."

[With the first few questions out of the way, Delaney took a moment to open the bottle of water that was set before him and take a sip, swishing the water in his mouth before swallowing and nodding to the next person who was standing.]

SevereMMA | Andrew McGahon:

"Delaney I-"

"Double D" Delaney Donovan:

"Oi. An Irishman. Didn't know any of my fellow countrymen had made the trip. Sorry for interrupting ya. Go on."

SevereMMA | Andrew McGahon:

"I was just wondering if it is challenging, or even intimidating, to be following in the footsteps of previous fighters from Ireland, and especially Belfast. Jackson Magnum made waves in Macto Legion and Caged Glory, as did Carrick Price. And even Carrick's sister, Kaelan, has become a blossoming star here under the Union banner. Are you afraid that their shoes might be a bit too big for you to fill?"

[Laughing to himself, Delaney shrugged initially before putting his thoughts into words.]

"Double D" Delaney Donovan:

"Haven't really thought about it, if I'm being honest. I love my country and respect the hell out of the men, and women, who have done well for themselves and for our country. This is me first fight, though. I think it would be a bit of putting the cart before the horse if I was to say I'm going to be able to fill their shoes. Lets see how shite goes in this first, yeah? I just want to be able to do this, and do it at a high level, for as long as I can manage. If that's one fight, I'm grateful for that one fight. If it's for a year, or ten. I'm grateful for whatever time I have, you know? Of course I have dreams and things I want to accomplish. But I'm not one to count chickens before they cluck, or whatever it was that waitress said to me last night."

SevereMMA | Andrew McGahon:

"Follow up, if I may?"

[Nodding in approval, Delaney waited.]

SevereMMA | Andrew McGahon:

"Anyone specifically you're fighting for tonight? Or dedicating your first professional fight to?"

"Double D" Delaney Donovan:

"My ma and pa I suppose. I hope they're lookin' down from heaven and that they're proud of who I am. And I wouldn't mind impressin' a pretty lass that tagged along with me and the boys from home. Maybe Lauren could find it in her to get a few good shots in on me face, help me get an extra kiss or two ya know?"

[The second reporter, along with the media pool, laughed in conjunction with Delaney. As the laughter settled and the second man sat down that seemed to be all anyone had to ask of him this time, and so Delaney took a deep breath and settled back into his seat, listening to the rest of those who would speak up and answer the questions they were asked.]

[After the floor is given for the fighters to speak, one of the reporters in the press calls for the attention of “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman, of REAL Killas MMA. Guilliman has come to make a statement, dressed in his dark blue suit with an American lapel pin, and a dark red tie to complete his sharp-looking attire.]

MMA LEGION | BRANDON CARMACK:

Brandon Carmack with MMA Legion, for Robert Guilliman.

[As the reporter calls his name, the Primarch turns to face him, with a dignified, yet inviting manner.]

MMA LEGION | BRANDON CARMACK:

After another first round knock-out against a relative newcomer in Adegoke Müller, you now face someone with similar statistics as yours in Edan McLeod. What are your thoughts on this fight and how do you plan to approach it? [The Primarch nods, as if he had been expecting the question, and clears his throat to respond.]

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

Excellent question to start, Mr. Carmack. This is, in fact, a very important fight. Not that the two I had previously were trifles, but this one fight is where the stakes are highest for me yet. Both Edan McLeod and myself have won our debuts against Sang-Hyun Lee with a knock-out. Both of us stand as of yet undefeated as well, and also have won our respective second fights again by knock-out. By chance Edan McLeod is one place above me in the rankings for a title contendership, and on top of that he’s defeated Jeremiah Ford in UGP #5, but we are otherwise in similar positions. And it’s this match that will make the difference.

[He takes a sip of a nearby glass of water, before resuming.]

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

Therefore, I’m going to approach it exactly with that intention - To make the difference. To add to the impressive run that my fellow REAL Killas fighters are having, and to issue a definite statement that I am a force to be reckoned with among the Middleweight Division. That means I’m putting the tally on 3 wins for both of us…

[He raises his index finger, to point out one detail.]

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

But there will be a “1” in Edan McLeod’s score after we’re done - and I will be that number one.

MMA LEGION | BRANDON CARMACK:

Will the audience be witness, then, to another knockout?

[Guilliman opens his hands, tilting his head with a light chuckle.]

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

I am under the impression that Edan McLeod will be looking to do the same. After all, we have heard him in the press conference for the first Boss Fight describing his boxing background and the amount of fights he has under his belt. And we have seen from that event and UGP #4 that he can certainly back his statements up inside the cage. But as no doubt you are convinced by now, so can I, and so will I once the fight starts. There is a high chance that everyone in attendance will be seeing a knockout, but let me promise you and them, Mr. Carmack…

[Guilliman pauses briefly for a measure of dramatic effect, pointing at the cameras as they start flashing]

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

It certainly will not be mine.

MMA LEGION | BRANDON CARMACK:

Thank you very much Robert, will certainly look forward to see this event unfold.

As the journalist sits down, it’s another one’s turn to address the Primarch.

FROM THE MAT | DORIS SMITH:

Doris Smith with From The Mat, for Robert as well.

[The Primarch smiles affably.]

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

Fire away, Ms. Smith.

FROM THE MAT | DORIS SMITH:

You have mentioned Edan McLeod’s Boss Fight #1 Press Conference, which brings me to ask you about his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ability. He is, after all, a BJJ black-belt. Should you not be concerned that he will try to go to the ground game to look for an advantage?

[Imperturbable, Guilliman only widens his smile.]

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

That’s a tough question, and I welcome the challenge to answer. While I’m certain his ability on the mat might be something to be reckoned with, it’s also true that my previous opponents HAVE attempted to take me down - and I was able to defend myself fine. We also have to take into account that McLeod’s main strength is in his punches - great knock-out power in them as I have in my kicks. So to me, this fight is going to be on our feet - McLeod will doubtless welcome that, as will I. But should he attempt to go on the ground, I will be prepared - and it will not be the end of the fight.

FROM THE MAT | DORIS SMITH:

That’s certainly a confident answer. Do you believe a victory here will place you in the hunt for the Middleweight Title?

[The Primarch nods almost imperceptibly, pondering the question with that air of dignity about him.]

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

As it stands now, Ms. Smith, McLeod stands at second place in the rankings, and I am just below him on the third place. The number one contender at this point would seem to be Simon Bishop, but that is something he has to worry about when his turn comes to challenge for the title. As for myself…

[Guilliman makes another short pause.]

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

My main priority as of this time is to win this fight. We shall see what happens from there on, but I know, as I stated, that there is much at stake in this fight. Even before even starting to think about the Middleweight Title hunt, I know that winning this fight will mean a great number of things for my standing in Union GP and for the camp I have the honor to represent. That’s what my focus should be on for Boss Fight IV, and that, and defeating Edan McLeod, is where it’s going to be.

FROM THE MAT | DORIS SMITH:

That will be all then, Robert, thank you very much.

“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN:

My pleasure, Ms. Smith.

[With the round of questions finished, Guilliman takes a sip of his water, as the floor is given for other fighters to speak.]