UGP #3 PRESS CONFERENCE

[Derrick has finally shown up for a press conference, not for lack of trying. He’s leaning forward, listening to the reporters ask their questions and the photographers snapping their picture. He’s really excited for UGP 4, and cannot wait to show the world that he was finally ready to hold a championship. He looks eager, but humble, when all of a sudden he hears]

[b]Fightline News[/b]

My question is for Derrick La’Bell...

[Derrick gets a grin on his face he just can’t shake]

[b]Fightline News[/b]

Derrick, you’ve had title matches in wrestling, and have always seemed to come up short. Does that play into your mindset here in the octagon?

[Derrick takes a minute before responding]

[b]Derrick La’Bell[/b]

Not really. I love the ring, I enjoy getting to show off my athleticism for crowds in ways I can’t necessarily do in the octagon, but it’s like comparing apples to oranges. In wrestling, not everyone deserves their shot, and not every shot is a fair one. It’s treated as a spectacle, and given anything can happen in wrestling, 9 times out of 10, you won’t be the guy winning the match.

The Octagon though, that is something different. It’s more intimate between fans and fighters, because you’re watching the two actual best fighters in a division face off.. Sure, we’re still showing our athleticism and putting on a show per say, but wrestling matches go on for 15-30 minutes before anyone starts to slow down, and a lot can happen. In MMA, most of us barely make it to the finish in one piece. We put our bodies on the line in a way wrestlers don’t, and when you’re in a championship situation, it’s because you truly are the baddest mutha out there.

There’s no interference or roll ups in that cage. The Slaughterhouse crew aint gonna distract Ferdinand for me to get a cheap win. I’ve got to knock him out before he knocks me out, and we’re both gonna be looking to end it as fast as possible. MMA Championship fights are a completely different [i]“beast”[/i], so to answer your question, my losses in past championship matchups won’t be on my mind in the slightest, my undefeated streak here in UGP will be though.

[Derrick nods, as he takes a drink of water, as another reporter stands up and directs their attention to “Long Island Strong”]

[b]Fight Me Online[/b]

Derrick, you brought up your undefeated streak in UGP. How does it feel to be, statistically, the best fighter in the division?

[Derrick laughs a bit, and shakes his head]

[b]Derrick La’Bell[/b]

Don’t jinx me like that! Haha

You calling me that is too much now. There’s only been three fights that we’ve had, you can’t call me the best.

[The reporter looks confused]

[b]Fight Me Online[/b]

But statistically speaking, you are the best. Let me rephrase, how does it feel to be the only undefeated fighter in your division?

[Derrick points to the reporter with a smile]

[b]Derrick La’Bell[/b]

Much better. Legit though, it’s makes me proud of the work I’ve put in. The dude before you brought up that I’ve been on the bad end of some championship matches in wrestling, but as a whole, I’ve been on a bad side in wrestling.

Coming back to MMA, joining a legit gym, and putting in that work day in and day out, it’s proved that everything I’ve said really can be backed up. Being undefeated, fighting a man that I’ve defeated before, and I am confident that I will do it again, it all plays into the concept that the harder you grind, the sharper you will be.

Being undefeated is great, but I also look forward to my inevitable first loss, so I can learn even more. I don’t think it will be UGP 4 though.

[A random voice from the back screams out]

[b]Random Reporter #847.3[/b]

How long do you train?

[Derrick laughs a bit]

[b]Derrick La’Bell[/b]

Too much time. I’ve had Teresa Salazar personally kick me out of the gym a few times, because I’m always there.

I have a similar work out regimen to that one movie star with all that ugly bull tattoo and the crazy cheat day posts on IG. Up at 3-4 am, train till I can’t anymore, eat, sleep if I can, and then go right back at it while everyone is sleeping.

[A few of the other reporters laugh at the comparison of his work out and Dwayne]

[Another reporter comes to the forefront, and asks Derrick a question.]

[b]Da Punching Website[/b]

Derrick, is there a chance we're gonna see the #HellBows tomorrow night?

[The reporters laugh a little, before Derrick can answer]

[b]Derrick La’Bell[/b]

I have no ideas. Ferdinand looks ready, and he sounds ready, so I'm sure he's already scouted my ground game. I've come to I understand that my Elbow strikes have become a crowd favorite these last couple of fights, but I have no idea how this fight could go down.

I'm very excited for tomorrow night

Sat at the table is the youngest member of the roster, Jordan Parker - Kane. The teen sits back and waits patiently. He grows bored, as questions others get naturally go to the RK vs Oahu, and begins to play on his phone. A reporter comes up to the microphone.

Reporter:

Mr. Parker… Still with us.

Jordan lifts his head and sets his phone down.

JPK:

Yeah… You know I’m only 19. My attention span can only last so long when some of them get long winded.

A few laughs from the crowd of reporters and fans.

Reporter:

How are you feeling after your fight against Lauren Moore?

JPK:

I feel great. Was a great fight, certainly the most intense I've had so far. Would have rather had a cleaner win, cause had a few moments gone differently the result could have easily swung the other way. That said, at the end of the day it was my hand raised and ultimately that's what matters.

A new reporter steps up. His press pass says he's from Bleacher Report.

Bleacher Report:

Steven Rondina, with Bleacher Report. You semi-final round fight is against Annie Zellor. Someone you idolized growing up.

Jordan laughs a bit as he interrupts.

JPK:

Idolized isn't the word I'd use, but I see where you’re going. Annie was just getting started as a wrestler as started to become a bigger fan, really discovering wrestling and mma. I was like 13 I think. Yeah, at that time Annie was one of my favorites. It does feel a little weird to face someone you watched in that manner, but given my age, this kind of situation is likely to happen more and more. It’s a bit surreal that it's happening here and not in wrestling.

Bleacher Report:

How have you prepared differently for Annie than you had too for Lauren?

JPK:

Annie is a wrestler by trade, so the ground game is there. It may not be to the level that Laurens is, but something I have to be careful of nonetheless. Annie's striking is something that I definitely have to be more careful of. I know Annie is going to want to end it early. Try to catch me with a quick strike and knock me out. It makes sense, the longer the fight goes the more it favors me. As much as I respect Annie… She knows she can’t outlast me.

Bleacher Report:

What do you think of Annie's comment earlier that you were scared?

Jordan smirks as he looks down toward Annie for a moment.

JPK:

There seems to be this thought running around that if you're not running around Twitter, or other social media platforms, talking a bunch of shit that you're hiding or scared… No, I'm scared of Annie or anyone else for that matter. Be it in a wrestling ring or in the cage I have never run from anyone. Hell… the most dangerous man in this room, Daniel Fisk, came into my gym and I stood toe to toe with him and didn't flinch.

Jordan peers down toward Fisk, then back at the crowd.

JPK:

This wasn't to train or to spare. This was because I had offended him and he wanted to take my head off. In the end, I was knocked out and bloody, but never once did I hide or back down. Most of you have seen the video... I went at him and gave him a fight. Weather that earned me an ounce of respect or not.

Jordan shrugs.

JPK: You'll have to ask him that… That's not the point here. You can say may not be the smartest or the best fighter, but I sure as hell ain't scared.

A new reporter steps up. His credentials read MMAfighting.com

MMAfighting:

Jose Youngs with MMAfighting.com. much has been made about your 12% lead on the fan poll. Any thoughts?

JPK:

No, not really. It's a fan poll. Fan poll had me.losing to Lauren. How many of these fan polls had a person winning by a landslide only for that person to get knocked out? It's nothing it means a nothing. If Annie needs to use that for fuel to get her hyped up, well that's her issue. I don't need to manufacture tension.

MMAfighting:

If you win, do you have a preference on who you face in the finals?

JPK:

Not really… either would be a good fight. Clash of styles for sure. Those tend to lead to some really good fights… Lux and I know each other a bit more and there is a small amount of history there. Sure there will be a thing made of me versus another RK member in a final. Course it doesn't matter who it is if I don't beat Annie and that is my sole focus at the moment.

FIGHT!:

Roscoe Robinson, where’s your head at going into this upcoming fight against Seth Daniels?

[The entire rooms attention shifted to Roscoe Robinson. He was sitting in the far corner, leaned back in his seat. He looked rather comfortable to be honest. Pointing to himself, he locked eyes with the journalist before leaning up in his seat and clearing his throat.]

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

In it to win it.

[He quickly replied.]

FIGHT!:

In it to win it, is that what you said? I could hardly hear you back there.

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

That’s correct. My head is in the same place it’s in before every fight since my first on the scene and the many back home underground. Answer me this. If anyone who has a fight doesn’t have winning in their head the moment it’s announced, then what’s the point of even showing up?

FIGHT!:

You do make a good point there. What I mea--

[Holding his hand up, Roscoe cuts him off mid sentence.]

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

Beating Seth Daniels in Daytona has been in my head before the new lineup was even announced. I knew we’d be facing off given the outcome of round one. Maybe you should ask him where his head is at? I’ve even tried calling him out on social media and it’s been crickets. Mister former professional wrestler talking about leaving his former place because it was like a circus act. I’m just trying to figure out how a clown is going to survive away from the circus when he’s stepping up to some grown man shit, you feel me?

[The crowd of journalists begin to stir and talk among one another after the last comment. Stepping forward, a different face takes the floor and addresses Roscoe.]

MMAJUNKIE:

Speaking of your opponent and his previous endeavors, does Seth Daniels being a professional wrestler have any stance on how you go into this fight?

[Roscoe snickers at the question, looking down for a brief moment as he runs his fingers through his hair. Looking back up to the journalist, he shrugs his shoulders before replying.]

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

I’m going into this like I would any other fight. We ain’t going to be rasslin’ and jumping off ropes and whatnot. This is a fight. If he can get me on the ground he better hope that wrestling comes in handy because if he comes at me on his feet, toe to toe with ‘The Shooter’, I’m going to lay him out no questions asked. Tag em’ and bag em’, leave nothing but a stiff body for his brother Keith to identify. Walking around calling himself a minority not too long ago, sheeeeeeit. Seth don’t know a damn thing about being a minority but I’m going to show him when you’re in the cage with Roscoe Robinson, there’s only one minority in terms of undeniable skill and talent, and it ain’t him. You’re looking at it right here, baby.

BLOODY ELBOW:

On the ground or standing up, how are you trying to finish this fight?

[Another voice catches his attention from across the room. Without hesitation, his head cuts in the direction it came from as he answers with no thought going into his words whatsoever.]

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

With a ‘W’, that’s all there is to it.

BLOODY ELBOW:

Can you go into any details on your strategy is what I mean?

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

Lights out for Seth. He knows the term, even seen him using it in the past. Whether it’s a kick to the dome or getting knocked out like Deebo did Red, it’s all on the table for how I put Seth down for the night. It’s going to be a knockout, as simple as that. Then, it’s on to fighting Fisk and us showing you all how Real Killas get down.

MMAReload:

Off topic, true or false? Has Phoenix Quagliaterre came by the gym and touched your abs?

[Turning his head back to the other side of the room, a puzzled look comes across his face.]

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

What?

[It was off topic indeed, even catching him off guard in his initial response. The question came from a MMAReload jounalist front and center. ]

MMAReload:

It’s a simple true or false question. Has Phoe--

[Holding up his hand and extending his fingers, he silences the journalist before they can even finish.]

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

I got nothing but respect for Miss Phi. I’ve seen her around the gym a time or two, but she ain’t the type to do this nonsense you’re talking about here for some attention. Sit down. Next question!

[He looks out into the crowd of journalists. There’s a short moment that passes before a different voice finally speaks up and addresses him.]

TDZ:

I have a question for you.

[Pointing at the journalist, he nods.]

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

Well, let’s hear it.

TDZ:

What does being a part of Real Killas MMA mean to you, in the long run?

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

That’s easy.

[Standing to his feet, he stretches his arms briefly before rubbing his hands together.]

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

What’s being a Real Killas soldier mean to me? I don’t know where you been at lately or what circuit or crowd in this sport you’ve been keeping up with, but Real Killas is ride or die family. That’s the gym I rep all day, everyday. I know there’s a lot of Slaughta dick riders out here in the crowd, so don’t let these next words get you in your feels. Real Killas is here to take over the industry. I’ve been very vocal on that and my opinion towards one gym in particular. You either with us or you’re against us, you’re either going to get down or lay down. We the Killas in charge here. Fuck Slaughta, each and every gym they own. Y’all got a problem with that? I ain’t hard to find. Come see me. I’ll go down swinging for Real Killas. I doubt they can say the same for their own home when they can’t even go down swinging for a strap they carry. I’m going to rep Real Killas until the day I get carried by six. Is that long run enough for you?

TDZ:

Well then…

[Slapping his hands together, Roscoe then shouts out to the crowd and anyone else who may be watching.]

ROSCOE ROBINSON:

Real Killas, baby! Anything else is just trash. Got a problem, come see me!

Throwing up the deuces, he sits back down in his seat, leaning back and getting himself comfortable as the commotion slowly begins to die down.

BLOODY ELBOW: Hanako, you had a Performance of the Night at Union GP 1 with your one kick twenty-five second KO against Hailey McIntyre.

[We cut to Hanako Takeuchi, who is wearing a medium gray three piece skirt suit with a black undershirt and heels. She has three title belts lined up in front of her. From left to right, they are: the Union Battleground Battalion Championship, Iron Japan Shoot Crown Championship, and RCW Artemis Championship. Still harboring cuts from her recent Death Trip Wrestling match, she sits upright with a rather haughty posture – her chin held high. The Black Rose looks down at the reporter with a playful assertiveness.]

That put a lot of people on notice, including your opponent tomorrow night. Lux Forte also put in a top performance and you both have a lot of momentum going into this anticipated bout. How do you see it going down?

[As it's known by now, Takeuchi speaks fluent English with an almost-American accent that has traces of an Osaka one.]

TAKEUCHI: She will play the way I want. She will be tricky with her footwork and dodging ability, yet I have longer limbs and can also smother her in the clinch with my striking there. I have five inches on her and I'm stronger. If this were an arm wrestling contest, I could beat her with one of mine vs. two of hers. I would even let Annie help her.

[Collective “ooooh's” circle around the room.]

Physically, I have the advantage.

Now of course these striker's duels can be a toss up because it only takes one good blow in the right spot to piss off a lot of gamblers. That said, I like my chances. Even though Lux will probably be more difficult to strike than Hailey, I'm more confident in putting her down with one good blow. She knows this too.

[The Black Rose smirks as she waits for the next question.]

MMA JUNKIE: Hello, Hanako. You always get asked about your condition coming off these gruesome deathmatches before fighting in the octagon, but you just took part in an exceptionally brutal Glass House Deathmatch at Death Trip Wrestling's show at the Tokyo Dome just last week.

TAKEUCHI: Ah, yes! You can watch it again on the Battleground Network!

[Takeuchi gives a purposely cheesy thumbs up to the camera in the vein of a Mick Foley cheap pop.]

MMA JUNKIE: There were a lot of crazy moments. You slammed Riddick through that glass floor and fell all the way back into the ring. But he also did some extensive leg work during that match and you had trouble with that leg as it went on. How is your leg doing and how have you recovered from that match as a whole?

TAKEUCHI: As you saw, I was a bloody mess afterward. You can still see some cuts on me. I hoped to be out of DTW after my match with Riddick in September, but there was outside interference and I really needed to put an end to this stalker bullshit he put me through for a year. So I needed to fight him in the Tokyo Dome to settle it.

On the plus side, I got to co-main event the Tokyo Dome and get my big revenge on the biggest show in the history of the world's biggest deathmatch company. I got my Tokyo Dome moment.

On the bad side, that kind of match is exactly why I need to leave DTW. It sucks. Deathmatch wrestling is fun and it's where my roots are but I must prioritize MMA. Real Killas gives me tons of support and I owe it to them to be at my best. I'm still in pro wrestling, obviously, but DTW is a whole different animal. I come back to the gym looking like a horror film victim every time I do DTW.

I won't lie. There was a moment where I sat in silence with Masatake waiting for our ride from LAX last Friday. It felt like I ran it too close and bit off more than I can chew this time. Thankfully, I have a big bite and showed it at the gym this past week.

It's been interesting – a mix between fight training and recovery. But it's a top gym. Phoenix Quagliaterre didn't dump a bunch of money into that place so we can heal via bloodletting. Some of the top coaches and conditioning trainers are there. They have the most advanced technology in sports science. I'm not going to say it feels like I have a new body one week later, but they helped speed up my recovery.

But they're not magicians. I had to watch what I was doing for every minute this past week. Train too hard and go to bed just an hour later than you should fucks up the recovery. Train too little and you're not getting ready for the fight. There was a lot of discipline on my end as well.

MMA FIGHTING: Some people say you got lucky with that quick knockout against Hailey. What do you have to say to them?

TAKEUCHI: They're fucking idiots.

No, seriously. How much did they hype my striking game going into that fight? It was on Twitter. Dante Reed mentioned it before that press conference. A lot of people called me the best striker in the world. There was actual fight footage of me out there. They called me a “striking artist” on commentary.

When The Dirty Wizard's drunken old ass comes in and gets a quick KO like that, then yeah, it's a bit lucky. It's even more of a miracle if he can do it without pissing in his damn pants. Nobody expects that. You can put down one American dollar in a Vegas sportsbook and get back enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life if it actually happens. [i]That's lucky[/i].

But Eric O'Flaherty put it nicely on Twitter. I've mowed people down. I knocked out a guy twice my size in a boxing match. Getting KO'd by me is like giving up a home run to Babe Ruth. It's not luck. I've hit a dozen dingers and will hit many more. Let me flip my bat and take my time around the bases.

And much like The Babe, they will one day make a plaque of my face and put it in the Hall of Fame. Journalists and fans will talk about how great I was until the end of time. That's even if I burn out because they're going to play my Union GP 1 knockout for years and put it on every single “UGP's Greatest Moments Ever” list just because...

[Impersonates an old man, doing the voice and pantomiming a cane.]

“Hurrr! It was the veeeery first show and Hanako killed a bitch!”

[She reverts back to normal.]

Anyway, yeah. It wasn't “lucky.” Everyone with a clue knew what I could do and I did it.

COMBAT PRESS: You still have the Iron Japan Shoot Crown Championship. The last time you did a Union GP press conference, you said you would be open to granting a title shot to anyone who beats you outside of IJPW.

TAKEUCHI: Which is also on the Battleground Network!

[She does another purposely cheesy thumbs up to the camera.]

COMBAT PRESS: Is that offer still available?

TAKEUCHI: I have a title defense against David Troy – the Lion's Road World Heavyweight Champion. Yep, they definitely didn't find a slouch to challenge me.

By the way, you can also watch Lion's Road on the Battleground Network.

[Takeuchi does another purposely cheesy thumbs up.]

But the Troy fight is next month. If I still have it after that match and if someone were to defeat me in Union GP, then yes, of course I would grant a title shot to a deserving challenger. But that latter “if” is a big one.

FLO COMBAT: You're going up against a representative of Slaughterhouse Oahu. As a member of Real Killas, how do you feel about that?

TAKEUCHI: I don't have anything against Slaughterhouse, but I didn't think twice when 44 gave us the option to leave SoCal or continue onward under a new banner. I knew where I belonged and everyone knows what to expect from Real Killas. There's a lot of noise on our end but we sell tickets. We don't lose. We learn. We say what we mean because most of us come from a background where our word was all we had sometimes.

Compare that to, well... Slaughterhouse Oahu. They say they'll let the results speak for themselves one minute and then wannabe Gizmo goes on Twitter about “Lux finna ride that fade!” What the fuck are you people? Unostentatious modest bois “moving in silence, letting results speak for themselves” or bold and boastful bois? Because you can't be both. Shit or get off the pot, guys. With your haole asses.

But nah, I don't have anything against the Slaughterhouse people. But I don't regret leaving them to help build the foundation of Real Killas either.

SHERDOG: You won the poll with 51% to Lux's 49%. What are your thoughts?

[Takeuchi shrugs.]

TAKEUCHI: Whatever. I lost my first Union GP poll by about 20%. The IJPW Shoot Crown Champion lost by that much to somebody who was having their first professional fight. Think about that.

So I beat Lux in the poll.

So what?

The only things that strike me about the poll is that it was close and it had more votes than all the others. It shows how many people are looking forward to this fight and the building will be electric. A lot of fans felt strongly enough to vote. I want to leave Daytona Beach with yet another Performance of the Night and a “holy shit” moment to make those fans happy.

MMA WEEKLY: What are your thoughts on the other matches involving Real Killas?

TAKEUCHI: KILLAS. ALL. DAY.

[Cheering comes from all around as Takeuchi does a “raise the roof” gesture while proudly grinning. It takes a moment for the noise to die out so things can continue.]

FIGHT MAGAZINE: You just mentioned the background of many Real Killas fighters. We heard Daniel Fisk Jr. get into where he came from to get here. But we heard Lux Forte talk about her background and we know you're from a pretty rough area in Osaka. How do you feel about the contrast between your background and Lux's?

TAKEUCHI: I got into this in my last DTW promo. Like everyone else at Real Killas, I'm not coming in here off anyone's name but my own. Dad was a groundsman. My mother was a day laborer. They had three children to support. I didn't even get into a dojo until my mid-20's.

Why?

Because I had to fucking work. That's why. I had bills to pay. I couldn't afford it and you can't eat a gym membership.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of all the incestuous wrestling and MMA families. What happened to the working class people in these sports? The real people?

I'm talking about the people who've actually had to put in a thankless shift out in the real world.

I'm not talking about a summer job where you can get fired but oh well, dad still pays for everything and you were quitting anyway when school started.

I'm talking about day-to-day graft for years to support yourself. No safety nets. No famous or rich parents shaking hands to get you into gyms off a family name or covering costs for you. I mean saving up your money so you can bet on yourself knowing it's a long damn road to the top. Going in knowing that most crash and burn backing out of the driveway.

So when I heard Lux talk about her famous dad, the ringside seats, and all the experiences she got to have just for fucking existing... I thought, “Fuck off.”

And I don't want to hear any second or third generation person say what they always say. “Oh, the weight! The expectations! I had to work twice as hard 'cuz of muh family name!”

Again, fuck off.

And after that, you can fuck off from there too.

And then fuck off from there as well.

I don't know Lux as a human being. Maybe she's nice. Maybe she isn't. But I want to do like 44 said – that's bring back the real MMA. I want to bring back something relatable to the people. Because that's inspiring. That is what creates the next generation of fighters and inspires them. And right now, I see the opposite of that standing in my way.

Is Lux a great fighter?

For sure.

Looking at ability alone and nothing else, would Lux look like a credible champion?

Of course.

But look at the big picture. What does a Lux Forte win in this match mean for MMA? Other than she gets to be 2-0 in Union GP and her “moving silently, letting results speak for themselves” gym stays on that pot and whoops it up on Twitter about beating the Jap girl from Real Killas? Other than the possibility of seeing Lux and Annie have their fight that they want so badly, all their friends telling them how great they are, and wanky fucking wank? What does that all mean for MMA as a whole?

Nothing.

It's great for those particular individuals, but as a whole?

Nothing.

The commoner doesn't care about that. There's no charm or inspiration.

Wherever I go, sure, I always represent Osaka... but even more, I represent Kamagasaki – an area the city doesn't put on any official map because of its reputation. I consider myself to be a Kamagasaki woman more than a Japanese woman. There's not a lot to cheer for around there and yeah, it's damn gritty. But there's a lot of good people there too. Hardworking, funny, friendly individuals with families. There's a lot of bitterness and yet some of the most optimistic people can be found in places like Kamagasaki with dreams in their head and hope in their heart.

That's who I fight for and to see one of your own not only succeed, but to be presented in a positive light... That can mean everything. It can light that spark in someone to follow in those footsteps. That's what we should hope to achieve as fighters – all of us, regardless of gym – and it's imperative to do so because that's what keeps any sport alive. Not famous families or carny bullshit, but the hearts of the working class.

And that's why I can't let Lux Forte advance to the Cruiserweight title tournament final tomorrow night.

#ooc Did another because bored at work lol

[Still looking down at the table in front of him Daniel Fisk waits...As each minute passes the time gets closer. He takes a moment to check the status of his black tie and looking up grabs his water bottle taking a few more sips making sure the Killas logo says in front. Running fingers through his beard he looks about the auditorium and the fighters on his side of the stage. Adjusting the position of his Movado Bold Leather strap watch he hears his name called on again which buys in on his attention.]

MMA Junkie

.44?

Daniel Fisk

Whats crackin John? You stay standin out with them bright ass teal shirts homie. Lemne rock a polo.

[John Morgan from MMA Junkie chuckles as some of his media peers join in on the laugh.]

MMA Junkie

We would need a lot more fabric for you big guy. Tell me who your tailor is and we can work on it.

Daniel Fisk

That's gospel. See me after this I got you.

MMA Junkie

Wonderful speaking of clothes. The fashion sense. You here in an expensive suit ad you've done at all your press conferences so far. Add on that most Union GP fighters giving messages about being prepared as far as their mind and body. Ready to face tomorrow these last few days meanwhile you show a video of being at the barbershop. Why? Just seems to be very different

[Fisk straightens up in his chair a bit more before answering.]

Daniel Fisk

When you look good you feel good. I enjoy working in the cage at my best looking my best. My pops always told me no matter what you do, look good doing it. So I show up and conduct myself with the respect this business deserves. From me walkin to the corner store to walking to the cage. I learned from the best I’m call it boardroom G. Fits the streets & the boardrooms.

[Fisk laughs a bit. John Morgan continues.]

MMA Junkie

Alright we are all here for the main event. Got to ask you, is there any part of the fight you are worried about? Anyplace the fight can go that you are concerned about?

[Fisk points to Nathan Lucas.]

Daniel Fisk

Cuh knocked out an Olympic caliber boxer. Worry right there in front of you. I don't sell people short. I take em for exactly what I see in there. I don't think either of us looking to come to similar results as our last fights. This aint gon be easy but it will be fun. The fight can go anywhere that's why you train your strengths and even more on your weaknesses. If it hit the ground Moto & I been working on that too. Plus my Killa Strang been showin me more of those ropes. For me I want to show y'all why they call me deep wata. I think our power will test us both on that front. Who can still swing sledgehammers after throwing for awhile? I'm here for it.

[John Morgan being satisfied with Fisk’s answers moves on to the next.]

Combat Press - Jaewon Paik

When it comes to Nathan Lucas you both showed power in your fights with highlight knockouts. How would you feel if Lucas becomes the first person to stop you in the octagon?

[Fisk quick fires in response.]

Daniel Fisk

Well firstly pissed cause that means I lost. Just saying. Then relieved in a way I think. This will be my 17th look in there. I been touched by a guardian angel to go that long & not be cleared out in some kinda way. I just give it out now as challenge forreal. See who got the shit in them to do it. Don't get it tied up a nigga has been knocked the fuck out before. Woke up like what day it is. Thought breakfast was dinner and dinner was breakfast. Just hasn't happened under the lights. He got the power to I know that already. I aint tryin to c’s that fate just wondering how long the stretch gonna go. Ko or submission either way it go.

[The next media member doesn't give a lot of time in between.]

Middleeasy

Surprised this hasn't been asked but I'm Alex. Just...Alex. Middleeasy.com. So considering your return to the cage ends up being a time limit under 30 seconds. Needless to say you haven't had a lot of time in there so far. 10 months since your last drawn out bout, do you think about any rust collected in that time?

Daniel Fisk

I want to stay it's all in the mentality but I think all of us has had a moment where you walk in fine then the body suppose to do shit & it don't go. Hell anybody workin out there know bout that. But I’ve been doing everything in my power really to make sure that aint the case. Power still there. Even with the weight cut. I want the challenge honestly. I can tell you to ends of the earth I'm more ready than I ever been but it's fight time when I prove it. Right now, I believe I keep my mental on point everything will follow thru.

Middleeasy

Do you still feel robbed out of a performance of the night bonus?

[The media and fans laugh in response to that question, Alex included. Fisk shakes his head but laughs as well.]

Daniel Fisk

Cuh, I'm sayin. I'll be disagreeing heavy with Nathan tomorrow in that cage but Nathan made points. That was some cold shit Dante. He had to make it up to us getting this main event slot.

[Fisk looks down at Dante and points playfully while still laughing a bit.]

Daniel Fisk

Playing that hand strong boss. I got you. I c’s u.

Middleeasy

Oh..also, how was the experience in being the host city for the first Boss Fight?

Daniel Fisk

Honor and privilege man. Since I wasn't fighting my focus was helping my Killas anyway they can be helped and also the company. Had a few that couldn't understand nann google direction. Outside of that anything Union needed too. The city came out for action & they got that. Proud of the work in my Killas. Unfortunately aint c’s W’s but them hoes coming. I have no doubts. It was good for our city to see expansion & future. These kids out here def need to peep that more often. Ima try to rep em proud tomorrow. We all is. DonMobbo. Shoota-Scoe. Black Rose. StrangLA. We got each other. We support each other. Stevie Wonder to the fuckniggas and bout to play a legendary ballad on Lucas with my fists. Higher Ground coming for sure. UGP 3. C this .44.

[Fisk gives two pats on his chest in respect after answering the last question.]

[First main event in a long time. Feels like forever ago. Daniel Fisk Jr sits in his chair right beside the main podium taking it all in. Sometimes you have to do that you know? Just enjoy the moment. Enjoy the wild fans and nosy reporters and enjoy the electric currents rushing through perhaps each one of these fighters. He takes a drink from his personal water bottle that sports the Real Killas logo on the front. Once again dressed to kill this time in a grey Brunello Cucinelli cashmere and silk sharkskin suit with a pair of matching brand black formal shoes with a matching grey accent lining in them. He waits in the pause after Annie’s and Lux’s questions searching to see who in the media continues.]

MMAReload

My questions are for Daniel Fisk…

[The crowd starts to cheer heavily for the Newark born semi-finalist contender. Which makes the reporter chuckle a bit at the fans behind him.]

MMAReload

My name is Will Getting, MMAReload.com. First of all, back in that main event spot where you belong huh .44? How are you feeling about that?

[Fisk makes sure his eyes meet the reporter asking the question and smirks a bit before picking up his microphone.]

Daniel Fisk

Trying to start early ain’t you?

[Daniel chuckles.]

Daniel Fisk

I wouldn’t say it’s where I belong. I belong to be where I’ve earned to be. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good feeling that Union GP & the folk having faith in giving me that spot. Knowing that me & Nathan about to give that all-time classic. It’s a real good old school feeling. Bring the real wars back. It’s what I’m here for cuh, I’m here to spark em. Those that know me know what they get with me. I’m just reminding those that forgot or aint chose to listen. Showin love to the heads & company for the opportunity.

[Fisk gestures to Dante Reed in a thankful way as well as the main decision makers of Union GP near the front row. Getting gives a nod back and smiles himself before continuing.]

MMAReload

Now many of the fans want to know. No, I won’t put it on the fans the media wants to know especially since you didn’t address it at all in your gym’s V-log before Boss Fight #1.

Daniel Fisk

Yeah because yall know yall be the nosy ones out here on God, you right. Place it right.

[Daniel points out to the media in the front area of the Peabody Auditorium.]

Daniel Fisk

Yes, I’m talking about y’all gossiping more than the church ushers out here. More than the mothers with the crooked hate & you know old ladies tell someone else whole life. Look at all these church mothers in the front rows. Look at em.

[Some in the media laugh and smile admitting what they’ll do to get the dirt by any means.]

Daniel Fisk

It’s gospel I fuck with y’all. Y’all keep the heads turning and that’s what suppose to be done. Come with it though Will my fault, I’m having a good time up here.

MMAReload

We saw you have some choice words on social media after the night in Houston. What was the meaning of your outburst on social media toward Derrick La’Bell after UGP #2?

[Daniel smiles expecting it coming he shrugs upward for a minute looking down toward La’Bell’s direction and nods up.]

Daniel Fisk

Cuh fired a shot. I wasn’t feelin it. Vida had the drinks going & I was chillin wit the big homie K.R.I.T celebrating like cuh I been hype ever since my I locked my name on the contract. He had to bring it to my attention I aint even seent it through his twitter till Union GP media retweeted it. That wait was crucial. That knockout of Maxine wasn’t even half my frustrations. Now in his reply he say it’s nothin on the serious & aight I c’s you. What I don’t think most understand is I’m a man been undermined & joked for the while. From moment this whole thing began people aint think it was gonna come through. People say I’ve spend my last on this & got my feelings in this...you know what? I do. Y’all speaking gospel. Betting the house & then some on it. All day chips. Put my all into every Killa & they all give it right back. I put my all into everything I do it’s why I am who I am. Shoutout to Phoenix Quagliaterre and the Elysian family for coming thru for real. She aint have to do that. The Killas on this stage & out here in full support, they didn’t have to do that. They coulda went anywhere else but they put trust in me. So I defend the name like a nigga in the Coliseum. I don’t wait, I don’t look for others to help me, and I will come for anybody coming at the squad. That’s how I saw that. Misunderstanding is cool. Drinks are no excuse on that. If I’m feeling the shots or not, that’s the way I feel about it. I didn’t like it. I made sure y’all knew I didn’t like it. Is what is. Stand on that continuously.

[Daniel looks left to right for a moment then back to Getting to see if he had more in response.]

MMAReload

Do you have a problem with Derrick La’Bell at this point?

[Fisk immediately shakes his head.]

Daniel Fisk

Naww, I aint gotta issue with yung cat. He spoke as he spoke. I spoke as I spoke. Nothing wrong with that.

[Fisk doesn’t have to wait long as the number of media wanting to ask questions increase.]

Union GP

.44, it’s Toussaint Harper. You know James Shark had an interview held at Boss Fight #1 with a few words.

Daniel Fisk

No doubt, I was sitting on the other side of the Pyri from him.

Union GP

What are your feelings about that interview and this whole state of Real Killas vs Slaughterhouse?

[Fisk laughs and gestures at the media.]

Daniel Fisk

That’s yall cut. The whole look. I aint mad at it. Thing is for us it’s everybody. Real Killas versus Everyone. Anyone. Your momma can catch hands if she in the wrong place, wrong time. From the top to bottom whoever our names lined up against that’s the focus. That’s always been it. A different creed. Not for us then fuck you too we not for y’all. Shark my OG, he taught me that & he said gospel we was laughin in texts after but it was still a man conversation. Do I hate Slaughterhouse? No. I worked from my bottom up for 15 fights under that banner. That’s just retarded. Do I dislike heavily how certain people in Slaughterhouse operate & getdown? Yes. It’s what lead to the departure. But while y’all pull weight on that I also respect a few people under that branch. Certain people. Others I think are fraudulent. That’s my opinion & it shouldn’t matter to them but these all are things Shark knows. He’s right all day bout me on this though. I’m going all in at every table, every fight, every fucking time...for Killas. Just as he gon go with his. Our realest fans stay with squad. You saw that from Boss Fight #1 & been c’ing it from very beginning. I ride for my family no matter what camp our opposition from. I ride for my family no matter if a huge bitch sending me heart eyes or a heavy-handed Chi-town boy looking to end my way. I know there’s a lot of controversy to it. Get your meat off it cuh on God but it’s been the same from the beginning. Fuck everybody but true.

[Fisk looks around for the next reporter as they start asking their question.]

Bloody Elbow

It’s me Nick Baldwin, Bloody Elbow. I want to congratulate you first on making it to the semi-finals Daniel.

Daniel Fisk

Good shit cuh. Thank you.

Bloody Elbow

No problem. What does the Jr Heavyweight belt mean to you? What does it signify? What does the chance to fight for it mean to you?

[Fisk looks down for a moment deep in thought before looking back up staring Nick Baldwin right in his is eyes.]

Daniel Fisk

Means everything. It means legitimacy. From being a fucked out stock boy at Shop Rite, pushing carts and destined to become another Jersey statistic. To being shot for defending a friend in danger and catching the blame. To moving all the way across the US because my Moms aint like how things were going. Leaving my family and everything I basically knew at the time. To get in an entry at Slaughterhouse. To befriending one of the most influential people in my life and losing them to gun violence. To building a raw skilled roughneck who had no idea what he was doing in that cage. Shit, to be shot at again. To learning lessons through each and every person close to me at one point or another. Losing most of them as well. To sitting here today realizing that each and every sacrifice made. Every loss. Every gain. Means something. That all it took to get there was the right thing to do.

[Fisk pauses for a minute. The question bringing more out of him than even he expected.]

Daniel Fisk

Every win. Every loss in that cage. Means something. That belt. Gaining the opportunity to fight for it. Hopefully winning it, means that this journey means something. That everyone has that future if you drive through to reach it. Even if you don’t see it. Being gospel even if I don’t win this tournament the journey still holds meaning but to me having that belt gives me a taste of what has eluded me my entire career. It is my personal thought of a comeback story. A man who was lighting the world on fire faded out and now is questioned constantly due to it. I don’t blame any of you for those questions. I want you to question. I lost the only fight I’ve ever had for a championship. I feel that. Daily. Every drill. Every session. Every workout. That day was 413 days ago. I still count to this day because it drives me. I remember the celebration of my opponent. I remember every detail to my soul what I felt that day and what occurred. People tend to say there will always be another opportunity. Those people are spoiled and stupid as fuck. It’s never guaranteed cuh. Ever. You don’t know your last day. You don’t know your last opportunity. So I fight each time ever since like it’s my last time being in that cage because for all I know it could be. This is another opportunity yea but instead of that bullshit message of there’s always another I want to make sure I never squander another one. Never again in my career. Never again in my life in general.

Me winning the championship means bringing MMA back. The real MMA. Not the gimmicks. Not even the controversy although that definitely sells tickets. Just the real. No people from legacy coming in automatically. The scruff of the liters. The real stories. I'm not supposed to be here. Real Killas as a whole...is not supposed to be here. But here we fucking are and only the ones who lived it can understand. I’m knocking Nathan’s life loose tomorrow because I have to. There’s no other way around it. Long winded and I’m sorry but when you ask me what does it mean to me. It means 413 days. It means Newark. It means Long Beach. It means Killas. It means that hard-headed nigga that was good at math you never expected to see anything from got your dumbass and is going to stand on the throne like the King he fucking is. Rep like the game how it should be repped. Proving the very few people that seent it in you from the very beginning right and show them thanks in success. Every person that been through gon understand & feel a real hustle. This championship is for them. That’s why it’s me and Roscoe’s job to finish out these niggas...so you’ll get that exact gospel.

[Fisk leans back after that realizing he went long. Looking around seeing if anyone else had questions. He didn’t mean to just that question filled his head with thoughts. The problems and constantly undermining. The bullshit. Even the good times. Friends lost. Family killed. Everyone has a story but to him, it’s about showing up. Proving that he’s exactly on time. The focus and want never being more stronger. Nathan would have a war. No hurricane that dies down to a tropical storm once reaching land. He wants to reintroduce the concept of “Category 6” on fight night.]