[There’s a spot of awkward silence in the room as Aries just starts to laugh for a moment before reaching up and removing his aviator shades from his face. Slowly he fold them up and slides them into the interior pocket of his navy blue suit jacket. He looks around the room and just continues to laugh slightly]
“So I’m assuming you guys have questions?”
[Almost as on cue there’s a host of hands that shoot into the air as Aries just laughs once again and shakes his head slowly.]
“I hate to break to you folks but there isn’t going to be any questions today, instead you’re just gonna sit here and listen to what I have to say. For the first time in a long time, I’m actually the underdog in a fight and to be honest, it’s a real comfortable position because when I do what I’ve been doing for past twenty plus years, I still enjoy looking at the looks of shock and awe on every single one of your faces when I do what no one else has been able to do…”
[Aries doesn’t even look in Robert’s direction...instead, he just points to the Union GP Middleweight Champions direction.]
“...that’s make sure he doesn’t walk out of Chicago with the Middleweight Championship around his waist. I look around this room and you’ve seen and heard it all before. How some plucky contender is going to do this and do that, because the Champion over there is right, talk is nothing but the wind. But it’s that wind is what floats my boat...it’s that wind that has filled up this very room tonight, it’s that same wind that what’s going to make this Main Event something to see and something to behold because you all got questions but you’re asking the wrong ones...or maybe you’re just sitting on your hands until after the fight, so you can be first to be the one to say ‘I told you so’ or ‘I believe in Aries the entire time.’ Honestly, write what you want...say what you want the fact of the matter is until today, half of you guys didn’t think I belonged in a cage.”
[He points his finger to the bullpen of reporters with a large smile on his face.]
“That I should’ve stuck to wrestling and being just an ‘entertainer’. When I first came into the Union GP, you all wanted to write me off beside the fact that my started in MMA was better than what you all had hoped. I’m 5 and 1 in Union GP...let me say it again for the people back…”
[Aries lowers his head into the microphone as his voice booms]
“FIVE AND ONE...since coming into the Union GP and yet you all still want to think that I don’t belong here. And you’re hoping that Captain Charisma over here will finally be the one to put me on my ass, well I hate to break to you win..lose...or draw, you guys ain’t getting rid of me that easily. You hear me, Bobby?”
[Aries turns and looks over at Robert with a large grin.]
“Because after June 8th, not only am I going to take that title away from you? I’m going to make sure that Killas know that you are as much of a Killa than I am Irish.”
[His wit brought a few chuckles from the crowd of reporters.]
“All jokes aside though, June 8th is when you see Aries Reed at his very best. On June 8th is when you see Aries Reed fire on all cylinders. On June 8th is when you see the Primarch realize that there is a fine line between complacency and contentment and in this sports, there’s no room for either. I’ve worked my ass off for this, I’ve earned this. Sleepless nights. Nights away from my wife and kid, all to prove that I’m very best at what I do...and I don’t give a shit what gym you claim, or where you’re from...I’m here for everything you said I couldn’t have...and then some. I know you have questions and you gotta do your job...but honestly, I’m not here for questions, I’m just here so I won’t get fined, Boss.”
[After the floor is given for the fighters to speak, several reporters are signaling to current Union GP Middleweight Champion, “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman, of Real KILLAS MMA. He is well dressed as always, this time in a sharp black suit and a matching black tie.]
MICHAEL HARRISON | BEFORE THE BELL
Michael Harrison with Before the Bell, for Robert Guilliman.[The Primarch nods expectantly.]“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
Go ahead, Mr. Harrison.
MICHAEL HARRISON | BEFORE THE BELLWe have seen some heated discussion between you and Aries Reed - he claims you got him, and I quote, “shook”. Perhaps you would like to comment on that?
[Guilliman gives an amiable smile, and throwing his hands, he shakes his head.] “THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
This is a man who prides himself on that sort of trash-talk to see if it shall give him any advantage once the bell started up. But when have I been a stranger to that? In my second fight it was Adegöke Muller, then it was Cristian Bonanno, he attempted to put the pressure on at my defense fight. How did it end for both of them? In the end, words are wind.
[He taps the side of his head.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
It is what is in here that counts. As everyone else has witnessed, or been a direct party to, and most importantly as Aries Reed will know first hand, there is nothing that can stop me from addressing them in the way I do best.
[After this, and another pause, Guilliman gives a hard stare at the cameras and the eyes of the journalists locked in on him, before tapping his head once again with the edge of his palm, mimicking a kick to the head.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
All it takes is one hit.
MICHAEL HARRISON | BEFORE THE BELL
Strong statement as per usual, Mr. Guilliman.
[The Primarch raises a hand, with the same kindly smile on his face.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
Remember, Robert is fine.
MICHAEL HARRISON | BEFORE THE BELL
But should you not be concerned that Aries Reed has said you are no longer hungry?
[Guilliman shrugs once more, with a look of honest confusion on his face.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
Why should I no longer be hungry? Because I already have made history? Because everything I do as Union GP Champion is making history? Because I want to be there when Donnie Calabrese wins the Union GP Heavyweight Title and makes the Real KILLAS camp the most dominant camp in mixed martial arts? How should I, how should any of us Real KILLAS stop being hungry? That concept is anathema, Mr. Harrison. Aries Reed wanted to throw it out there, well, it’s time for me to disabuse him of that notion in UGP 12. Unfortunately for him, though - my way to do that will have him not shook, but shaken.
[Having no more questions, the journalist sits back down, as another one rises to address Guilliman next.]
LISA FRANCO | FROM THE MAT
Lisa Franco, with From The Mat. Robert, surely you must be aware that Aries Reed is a very well-rounded fighter. You have so far managed against wrestlers well, but do you think his added boxing game might be a challenge?
[The Primarch raises his eyebrows, and his traditional cheeky grin appears on his mouth again.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
We shall see about that, shouldn’t we, Ms. Franco? So far the only person that was able to keep me at bay has been Edan McLeod, and that was more of a matter of speed. I took note of that when we faced next time, and no amount of boxing technique, as vast as it may be, can help you if you are on the receiving end of one of my kicks.
[Guilliman sits up straight, and that confident, political smile grows even wider.]
As I’m certain everyone remembers.
LISA FRANCO | FROM THE MAT
As proud an answer as ever, Mr. Robert. But it leads me to ask you, what happens if you lose this fight?
[The Primarch returns that traditional stately smile that he reserves for hard diplomacy.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
We know no fear, Ms. Franco. As for your question, well, it will be time to prepare for a rematch. Win or lose, I am already a part of Union GP history. I have brought glory to myself as a wrestler and to the Real KILLAS camp as a member. It will only be a matter of going back to work and climb again. But I trust that should not happen. As you know - I’m not a very easy man to take down.
LISA FRANCO | FROM THE MAT
And my final question, then. What happens if you win? What is there left for the Primarch?
[Guilliman’s gaze turns upward for a split second, as he gives the question some consideration, then back he looks at the reporter]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
There are no naysayers left, Ms. Franco. There is no one that can dispute what I have done. Should I win this fight, I will have one more defense than Cristian Bonanno, and I will have held the title longer. From here on out, it’s adding defenses and value to the Middleweight Title, and perhaps eventually getting to face a fellow KILLA, or another worthy contender. But the main concern for me is not for myself at this point, but to this family I am a part of that rules the world of mixed martial arts.LISA FRANCO | FROM THE MAT
Best of luck with that then, Mr. Robert, and I hope those are words that shall be said. That will be all.
[Very proudly, Guilliman nods his head.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
My thanks, Ms. Franco.
[And with the round of questions finished, Guilliman takes a sip of his water, as the floor is given for other fighters to speak.]
[There’s a spot of awkward silence in the room as Aries just starts to laugh for a moment before reaching up and removing his aviator shades from his face. Slowly he fold them up and slides them into the interior pocket of his navy blue suit jacket. He looks around the room and just continues to laugh slightly]
“So I’m assuming you guys have questions?”
[Almost as on cue there’s a host of hands that shoot into the air as Aries just laughs once again and shakes his head slowly.]
“I hate to break to you folks but there isn’t going to be any questions today, instead you’re just gonna sit here and listen to what I have to say. For the first time in a long time, I’m actually the underdog in a fight and to be honest, it’s a real comfortable position because when I do what I’ve been doing for past twenty plus years, I still enjoy looking at the looks of shock and awe on every single one of your faces when I do what no one else has been able to do…”
[Aries doesn’t even look in Robert’s direction...instead, he just points to the Union GP Middleweight Champions direction.]
“...that’s make sure he doesn’t walk out of Chicago with the Middleweight Championship around his waist. I look around this room and you’ve seen and heard it all before. How some plucky contender is going to do this and do that, because the Champion over there is right, talk is nothing but the wind. But it’s that wind is what floats my boat...it’s that wind that has filled up this very room tonight, it’s that same wind that what’s going to make this Main Event something to see and something to behold because you all got questions but you’re asking the wrong ones...or maybe you’re just sitting on your hands until after the fight, so you can be first to be the one to say ‘I told you so’ or ‘I believe in Aries the entire time.’ Honestly, write what you want...say what you want the fact of the matter is until today, half of you guys didn’t think I belonged in a cage.”
[He points his finger to the bullpen of reporters with a large smile on his face.]
“That I should’ve stuck to wrestling and being just an ‘entertainer’. When I first came into the Union GP, you all wanted to write me off beside the fact that my started in MMA was better than what you all had hoped. I’m 5 and 1 in Union GP...let me say it again for the people back…”
[Aries lowers his head into the microphone as his voice booms]
“FIVE AND ONE...since coming into the Union GP and yet you all still want to think that I don’t belong here. And you’re hoping that Captain Charisma over here will finally be the one to put me on my ass, well I hate to break to you win..lose...or draw, you guys ain’t getting rid of me that easily. You hear me, Bobby?”
[Aries turns and looks over at Robert with a large grin.]
“Because after June 8th, not only am I going to take that title away from you? I’m going to make sure that Killas know that you are as much of a Killa than I am Irish.”
[His wit brought a few chuckles from the crowd of reporters.]
“All jokes aside though, June 8th is when you see Aries Reed at his very best. On June 8th is when you see Aries Reed fire on all cylinders. On June 8th is when you see the Primarch realize that there is a fine line between complacency and contentment and in this sports, there’s no room for either. I’ve worked my ass off for this, I’ve earned this. Sleepless nights. Nights away from my wife and kid, all to prove that I’m very best at what I do...and I don’t give a shit what gym you claim, or where you’re from...I’m here for everything you said I couldn’t have...and then some. I know you have questions and you gotta do your job...but honestly, I’m not here for questions, I’m just here so I won’t get fined, Boss.”
[After the floor is given for the fighters to speak, several reporters are signaling to current Union GP Middleweight Champion, “The Primarch” Robert Guilliman, of Real KILLAS MMA. He is well dressed as always, this time in a sharp black suit and a matching black tie.]
MICHAEL HARRISON | BEFORE THE BELL
Michael Harrison with Before the Bell, for Robert Guilliman. [The Primarch nods expectantly.] “THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
Go ahead, Mr. Harrison.
MICHAEL HARRISON | BEFORE THE BELL We have seen some heated discussion between you and Aries Reed - he claims you got him, and I quote, “shook”. Perhaps you would like to comment on that?
[Guilliman gives an amiable smile, and throwing his hands, he shakes his head.] “THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
This is a man who prides himself on that sort of trash-talk to see if it shall give him any advantage once the bell started up. But when have I been a stranger to that? In my second fight it was Adegöke Muller, then it was Cristian Bonanno, he attempted to put the pressure on at my defense fight. How did it end for both of them? In the end, words are wind.
[He taps the side of his head.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
It is what is in here that counts. As everyone else has witnessed, or been a direct party to, and most importantly as Aries Reed will know first hand, there is nothing that can stop me from addressing them in the way I do best.
[After this, and another pause, Guilliman gives a hard stare at the cameras and the eyes of the journalists locked in on him, before tapping his head once again with the edge of his palm, mimicking a kick to the head.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
All it takes is one hit.
MICHAEL HARRISON | BEFORE THE BELL
Strong statement as per usual, Mr. Guilliman.
[The Primarch raises a hand, with the same kindly smile on his face.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
Remember, Robert is fine.
MICHAEL HARRISON | BEFORE THE BELL
But should you not be concerned that Aries Reed has said you are no longer hungry?
[Guilliman shrugs once more, with a look of honest confusion on his face.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
Why should I no longer be hungry? Because I already have made history? Because everything I do as Union GP Champion is making history? Because I want to be there when Donnie Calabrese wins the Union GP Heavyweight Title and makes the Real KILLAS camp the most dominant camp in mixed martial arts? How should I, how should any of us Real KILLAS stop being hungry? That concept is anathema, Mr. Harrison. Aries Reed wanted to throw it out there, well, it’s time for me to disabuse him of that notion in UGP 12. Unfortunately for him, though - my way to do that will have him not shook, but shaken.
[Having no more questions, the journalist sits back down, as another one rises to address Guilliman next.]
LISA FRANCO | FROM THE MAT
Lisa Franco, with From The Mat. Robert, surely you must be aware that Aries Reed is a very well-rounded fighter. You have so far managed against wrestlers well, but do you think his added boxing game might be a challenge?
[The Primarch raises his eyebrows, and his traditional cheeky grin appears on his mouth again.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
We shall see about that, shouldn’t we, Ms. Franco? So far the only person that was able to keep me at bay has been Edan McLeod, and that was more of a matter of speed. I took note of that when we faced next time, and no amount of boxing technique, as vast as it may be, can help you if you are on the receiving end of one of my kicks.
[Guilliman sits up straight, and that confident, political smile grows even wider.]
As I’m certain everyone remembers.
LISA FRANCO | FROM THE MAT
As proud an answer as ever, Mr. Robert. But it leads me to ask you, what happens if you lose this fight?
[The Primarch returns that traditional stately smile that he reserves for hard diplomacy.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
We know no fear, Ms. Franco. As for your question, well, it will be time to prepare for a rematch. Win or lose, I am already a part of Union GP history. I have brought glory to myself as a wrestler and to the Real KILLAS camp as a member. It will only be a matter of going back to work and climb again. But I trust that should not happen. As you know - I’m not a very easy man to take down.
LISA FRANCO | FROM THE MAT
And my final question, then. What happens if you win? What is there left for the Primarch?
[Guilliman’s gaze turns upward for a split second, as he gives the question some consideration, then back he looks at the reporter]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
There are no naysayers left, Ms. Franco. There is no one that can dispute what I have done. Should I win this fight, I will have one more defense than Cristian Bonanno, and I will have held the title longer. From here on out, it’s adding defenses and value to the Middleweight Title, and perhaps eventually getting to face a fellow KILLA, or another worthy contender. But the main concern for me is not for myself at this point, but to this family I am a part of that rules the world of mixed martial arts. LISA FRANCO | FROM THE MAT
Best of luck with that then, Mr. Robert, and I hope those are words that shall be said. That will be all.
[Very proudly, Guilliman nods his head.]
“THE PRIMARCH” ROBERT GUILLIMAN
My thanks, Ms. Franco.
[And with the round of questions finished, Guilliman takes a sip of his water, as the floor is given for other fighters to speak.]