BEACH BRAWLIN' - BOSS FIGHT #1

As it’s been told and verified, The Boss Fight cards are generally for those working their way back and not so much the highlight reel as giving the main numbered UGP shows. After the first Boss Fight held in Long Beach, I would advise all of you. Fighters and fans alike to not sleep on any of these nights. Ever.

Another sold out crowd in Long Beach...Walter Pyramid, REAL FIGHTS. Play-by-play commentator Patrick Carson said it best “tonight is the first of many events where we showcase the up-and-comers of Union GP.” I’ll gladly add on to that with letting you all know they are coming sooner than you think. Which ties in PERFECTLY with the opening bout.

EDAN MCLEOD VS SANG-HYUN LEE

I will start this with a question…

“Have you ever seen a chihuahua fight a pitbull?...

Me neither but I’m sure it isn’t pretty.”

THAT...would be my synopsis on this entire affair. If you haven’t guessed it Edan McLeod...the Natural. Is obviously the Pitbull. Sang-Hyun Lee, unfortunately, the chihuahua. When I say this was the type of whipping you see from a black Baptist bible belt father coming home after a 12-hour shift seeing his son has broken the window…

Can the church say amen?

When you debut you are coming in looking to make an impact. McLeod said it in the pre-fight press conference after being asked if his opponent is not that well equipped to deal with him standing?

“Confident he doesnae want onie part ay it.”

I don’t believe even Jesus himself wants any part of that young man. Not even a sliver. Let's just go with facts here, anyone who’s landing a good 77% of their punches is giving a well-sized beating. From the moment the fight began, there was nothing but pure, natural, power in the punches as well as the technique. Crisp movement, perfect timing, and just a mauling. It also stands out to me how Edan McLeod touched on his BJJ background and had no need in even implementing it. Signs of an experienced fighter taking the fight where he wants to be. McLeod would knock Lee down, give a kick to the thigh here or there, and for the most part wait for Lee to come back to the stand. Some say that’s not the killing instinct you look for in a fighter. I say, boy pipe down! That’s exactly what you want to do knowing you have the advantage on the feet. Best thing I can say to Lee is that he lasted until the 2nd round because with the shots he was taking...I’m just wondering if you all are ready for the Natural vs Uccisore. I know we will be looking at a better overall showing from Lee. A fight like that leaves far too sour a taste in the mouth.

Experience wins the day - I start off on my picks 1-0.

HAILEY MCINTYRE VS AMEDEA RAO

The Rising Phoenix comes into this after being eliminated in the tournament by Hanako Takeuchi in record time. Something that can be demoralizing to some if they don’t have their mental strength. This fight with her coming 0-1 was about her showing something. The debuting “Shatterstar” Amedea Rao being another challenger able and willing to put her away. As I said in my picks, it can pull the super Saiyan out. This fight a story of perseverance and simply giving back as good as you get.

It beings with a good trade. Rao coming off of a counter but McIntyre throwing right back. What opened the round up early would definitely be McIntyre’s body kick following that with a flying knee. From there McIntyre takes pretty good advantage in the short time and Rao counters. At this point it isn’t that dangerous to me for McIntyre to pull guard she was winning that battle on the feet overall but then I had to check myself. She isn’t shabby on the ground so, let’s just see what happens Saint. McIntyre works into a kneebar. Not badly positioned but Rao fights out and up but catches an up-kick for her troubles before McIntyre is stood up. From there McIntyre is the aggressor, she is more busy with the takedowns, getting Rao’s back, and submission attempts. There are good moments for Rao fighting strong from the bottom as well as a few submission attempts herself. Rao even gets the full mount for a moment in the round but overall the control goes to McIntyre along with her submission attempts being a lot more dangerous than Rao’s to me. Plus that up-kick was as a doozy.

Second round, all Rising. She gives Rao more problems on the standup gaining a knockdown by a strong right. Rao gathers and takes more shots before pulling McIntyre into the clinch which to me was one of the smartest moves of the fight saving herself from more punishment. They break and we’re back to the same, McIntyre full advantage and a lot more aggression. The takedown to the Americana submission and Roa looked done I give her full credit in getting out of that because it was surely looking like another second round ending. It doesn’t stop McIntyre’s flow with more beautiful transitions gaining Rao’s back once again. It’s really another controlling round like the first until McIntyre loses out on a kneebar and it gives Rao some life. A few punches are in for Rao and then we are right back to McIntyre dominating the ground. This point I’m thinking Rao has to try to get to her feet it’s getting later in round 2 and maybe she has better chance stealing the round there because on the ground it just wasn’t happening. Then Rao says “F you Saint” and completely turns the tide after a deadly kneebar given to her by McIntyre. A light clicks on and Rao starts going to work. A very nice G & P session to McIntyre. The first stint of full aggression and overall control from Rao in my opinion. Keeping the control Rao shows me a little IQ taking the moment and coming to stand. I’m not saying mind control here guys I’m just saying she’s on her game. McIntyre comes to stand and Rao gives everyone something to think about ending the round strong on her feet giving McIntyre the wobble. Saved by the bell. Close round, edge to McIntyre due to initial knockdown as well as more dominant ground work. That Americana and Kneebar were very close to ending the fight.

Starting round three, advantage McIntyre. It’s her debut so I don’t want to denote this as law by any means but Rao has to look into starting the rounds quicker. Similar to my previous analysis of the Parker-Kane and Moore fight. Moore needed to end the rounds and here Rao has to start on the better foot. McIntyre takes to Rao continuously and even works out of a takedown attempt by Rao making her pay for that some more. Rao finally gets feel about the middle of the round a good counter and McIntyre pushes her back, resets, and takes Roa down. Perfect timing for such an attempt and completely stalled any hope for a Rao comeback. McIntyre gets more out of the ground game until she catches an elbow from Rao. Shatterstar is not done yet and it shows in the way she’s fighting compared to the heavy breaths from McIntyre. There’s a slip on the fingers at this point, McIntyre catching Rao’s eye. Here’s my first hit...

Dear Ref Dusty - You didn’t even give the woman a warning. Just took the point out from under her like the carpet in a cartoon. Fall full on her behind. At this point in the fight, you want to make the right calls things like that can determine the fight. I will say McIntyre was a little high with the hands trying to gas Rao but take a point once it’s noticed she’s at least belligerent with it. End hit.

They get back to the feet and the stoppage ends up harming Rao more than helping. The onslaught by McIntyre and she brings to the ground. McIntyre gets a good omoplata, Rao slips out of that and finds good position only to be reversed by McIntyre. Rao gets caught in an armbar that is uglier than any other submission hold McIntyre has given her in the entire fight. Divine intervention is the only excuse I have for Rao getting out that that...then McIntyre goes full A-hole (I’m saying it jokingly but seriously all I could say was ‘oh that sucks serious a**’) as she locks in ANOTHER armbar...same arm...no mercy. With that we see the tap with 15 seconds left in the fight, shades of the Laughlin and Grey fight just as competitive and entertaining. McIntyre comes back from a disappointing loss in a big way showing that super Saiyan we all have in us. Amedea Rao shows well in her first Union GP bout a small turn up at the beginning of rounds and she’s on the way. Enjoyed the will shown from both.

If you aren’t keeping track, I’m 2-0 at this point.

KIRA IZUMI VS AERON ROBERTS

Humblebrag, this one makes me 3-0. Just saying. The Prince of Darkness needs a win. The Demon Queen needs a win. There can only be one in the “Battle for Hell.”

Get it because of Darkness and Demon? Both of them in winless hell? Ahh forget it, it was funny to me.

Where to begin, where to begin. Roberts scores the takedown and from there I just enjoy the groundwork. They jockey and battle for position for a good part of the start trading submissions and transitions. Then Izumi gets the full mount. To be honest this is what I’ve been waiting for from Izumi in his 3rd match. I know the ability is there and even if he’s new to MMA overall he’s someone of contact sports background. Seeing this moment made me smile a bit feeling that he’s finally getting to that level of comfort to be productive in the cage. He tries for the submission, doesn’t catch but at least the move was done soundly. Statemate after awhile and ref stands them up. The stand-up difference shows at this very moment. Roberts leaves a lot to be desired there and it shows with Izumi getting the advantage. Roberts tries to clinch, fails. She tries to take Izumi down, fails. All this time he’s making her pay with strikes. Then he goes and makes me question...pulling Roberts in a clinch. Ok...look…

You guys have got to stop doing this. PLEASE ALL UNION GP FIGHTERS!! ATTENTION!! ATTENTION!! You have that advantage and flow, take it and go! Break off on them wherever the fight is working for you at the moment because you give your opponent a chance at life, they WILL take it. No questions asked. To Izumi’s credit, he stays on the feet while Roberts tries to bring him down and gets a good few shots in the clinch but eventually Roberts does get him to the ground pulling guard. Then Roberts goes to work getting the life back I feel she wouldn’t have seen if Izumi didn’t go for that clinch making it into a close affair. Izumi eventually gets back to his feet only for the new life in Roberts to take him down again. She works again, doesn’t get much, he gets back to the feet. Last takedown attempt comes from Roberts which Izumi sprawls on and while Roberts looks to get close Izumi learns that the distance is his friend before the round ends. I give the round to Izumi even though it was close with the major difference in the stand-up and takedown defense. He gave Roberts more than she actually took from him. Not the best way to win rounds.

Next round begins with Roberts once again scoring the takedown like the first. Demon Queen is busier overall but The Prince of Darkness does start with the more dangerous submission. That triangle was in well. Back to stand up due to inactivity a good call from Ref Ripley. From there Roberts gets that Thai clinch tries for a takedown and pulls guard after being denied. Roberts begins to open up in the middle of this round. Izumi has control in the beginning but after a reversal, Roberts gets a nice kimura in and Izumi has to work to escape. Izumi stays down after the escape while Roberts gets to her feet. Keep in mind what I said, take your advantage and use it as best you can, especially if it’s working. Izumi didn’t get up and it’s unfortunate for him Roberts decided to meet him on that ground. From there, all Roberts. That’s even with the sound reversal from Izumi because he did absolutely nothing with it but almost get put out by a triangle from Roberts. He’s learning yes but still has a long way to go. They are brought up again by Ripley and it is I will admit another good call. The gas is draining on both fighters at this point and with it being the ground dominant round it’s been I understand it. That stuff is TAXING most don’t understand how bad until experiencing it. Then again this is the second round conditioning has to be a part of the full preparation.

Roberts will another takedown after getting back to the feet. She works, he gets out. Back to the stand-up and they trade a bit where I believe Izumi gets the better of the trade to another Roberts takedown. Izumi slows Roberts up this time around and gets a triangle attempt before Roberts bails out. She stands. He stands.

You can guess what happens next right? It’s becoming a pattern.

Roberts with another takedown. Izumi started well stuffing a few of these but toward the end of round two, she’s firing at will. She gets another submission in and Izumi gets out of it and answers with a few shots while on top. They work a little more Izumi tries for a few more shots doesn’t get much then Roberts gets another submission in but its lazy. Izumi gets out and stands with Roberts following. At this point, I’m figuring Izumi’s corner should be pleading with him to stay on the feet.

Guess?

Roberts takedown. Yup. round ends with Izumi on defense alert while Roberts tries to better her position. A lot of position battling this round but I give Roberts the round simply due to control with the takedowns.

Again, I’m sure Izumi’s corner is telling him to take the stand up battle. I’m almost positive of it. Willing to bet the rent money on it. The round begins with Roberts keeping it close getting Izumi against the fence and then on the mat. Then she opens right up on Izumi. Few shots, RNC attempt, all Roberts. Izumi gets out though and they get back to feet. Roberts actually trades a little with Izumi on the feet. Doesn’t last too long, another Roberts takedown. I can tell she’s tired but she’s still cranking takedowns. Kudos deserved.

Back to feet and Roberts gets fancy as all hell with a flying heel hook attempt. If I were Izumi I’d felt disrespected as hell! That’s what you do with some confidence but with all these takedowns I couldn’t blame her. His defense is on point though but still, disrespectful. I say this while laughing of course. Another Roberts takedown and deep submission attempt. Another escape. Wash, rinse, and repeat only difference being a full mount is applied before the armbar submission from Roberts. Beautiful transitions as Izumi gets the credit due for getting out of the full mount danger for about...5 seconds. Roberts reverses right back to full mount once again. Throws heavy shots Izumi rolls as Roberts goes with it and he gives up his back. Roberts gets one hook in. I felt something from that moment. Like the spidey sense just tingling. It’s been my culture that this feeling is followed by running but this time it’s much more pleasant. Roberts controlling the arm from behind to Dee-bo’ing my Submission of the Night Harpie Award with that slick modified armbar. Izumi taps and I’m impressed. I figured Roberts had the moves in her we just hadn’t seen it until this fight. The battle for Hell goes to The Demon Queen and Izumi though showing improvement has the dreaded 0-3.

SIMON BISHOP VS JEREMIAH FORD

I was on a roll with the picks, wasn’t I?

Sigh.

This is one of the Union classics for right now. We are still early in the history chapters but this was such an inspiring fight from both men. The Bullfrog and StrangLA. Definitely deserved of the fight of the night honors. Had to agree.

First-round most say is the feeling out stage of the fight. I think they both just said damn that thought process personally. From the Ford takedown, it’s a full movement of fast-paced transitions, denials, and much more submission attempts from Bishop. I mean he links them one after the other rather impressively. Eventually, Ford has enough escapes to the feet where Bishop follows and its Ford’s turn to show out in the standup and clinch. Ford buys in with the trip I guess he felt he could do just as much damage on the ground. I appreciate that but doesn’t mean that’s how it’s going to go. Bishop makes an elite level reversal look like child’s play to the point he’s full mount on Ford. I said it enough in the Roberts vs Izumi fight. Won’t repeat it, I’ll just sigh. Ford realizes quickly that Bishop is not Roberts. Escapes out and tries for a few strikes now that he has the top position that Bishop blocks well and then another textbook reversal from Bishop to get the full mount again. Ford fends it off well enough to get them back to the feet. The next few minutes my jaw drops. Bishop getting the better of Ford in the standup! I picked Bishop for the win but the reason I did that was due to what was shown in the earlier minutes of the round, on the ground. Bishop firing on the feet was a whole side I wasn’t exactly privy to. Ford switches it up quickly though not letting Bishop get too far into it by clinching following that with the takedown. Daring in my opinion from Ford until he works to the full mount before the round ends. That was basically my shut up from Ford. I could only nod. Overall round to Bishop though Ford had his bright side toward the end but other than the initial takedown the bigger moments belonged to Bishop.

Second round Bishop gets to Ford well, good solid shots and even better takedown. Bishop working his element shifts and works to get Ford’s back and more than anything Ford tries to defend the position eventually getting Bishop into side mount. Let me give it straight here the headbutt from Bishop looked extremely questionable but Dusty was blinded by the breasts in the front row so the fight continues. Bishops submissions are a little half done so Ford slips out and gains the advantage. It only lasts a minute with Bishops reversal I’m enjoying this more than anything due to the fact that a wrestler. Well in general known for being a wrestler still has the capability to make a submission guy like Bishop work. It shows something to have that kind of dynamics in your overall skills. The ref eventually stands them up which is a good call from there Ford with a takedown and when I say the best sequence of reversals I’ve seen in any Union GP fight yet...I almost had to grab the tissue. Ford reversal, Bishop reversal, Ford reversal, a thing of beauty on this night. The sequence ends with Bishop almost getting a win with an armbar but Ford escapes. Eventually, they get to the feet. A very good striking sequence follows with Bishop getting the better of it also working good in the clinch. Shortly after the round ends. I would say even with it being a tight round Bishop had more offense overall and that deep armbar put Ford in a good amount of danger.

Round three, when I say I wasn’t ready or prepared for this come of events at all. Now the last round pulled gas out of both of them. Not surprised in the slightest. That’s what those later rounds are for. Push you once uncomfortable you must produce even in the later periods. It’s another good Ford start for the beginning of the round. Takedown and for the most part control of Bishop. Ford continues to transition until he tries to fire shots a little too early giving Bishop the opening to power out and reach his feet. Both come to the standup. Ford strikes first in that regard but Bishop fires back. The crowd’s losing it. I’m losing it. You good folks at home were probably losing it at this point. Bishop shoots in shortly after and whew…

Just whew…

The sprawl from Ford and the immediate injection of energy that follows would make you think Ford took a hit of spinach like Popeye. Full winding blows followed by and crucial uppercut and honestly unnecessary jab to Bishop...LIGHTS OUT!!

I believe this is officially the first come from behind style of victory for Union GP. Up until this point Bishop had controlled and maintained the previous two rounds. Ford was obviously well aware of it especially seeing his choice of action after the sprawl. Impressive victory from the Bullfrog and has to hurt something serious for StrangLA to be caught in such a way. That is the fight game and it’s why we love it so. Bishop falls to an even 1-1. Ford to 2-0.

KALEAN LAUGHLIN VS XABIER BELAZCO

Want to talk about two people who are no longer in the tournament but still hungry for the fight, Laughlin and Belazco are pure definitions of it. For the first 5 round fight in Union GP history, perfect candidates. I was looking forward to this one from the moment it was announced. Let's start by saying they delivered a Main Event quality fight in full.

The fight opened up with a strong trade in the standup then due to a flurry by Belazco makes Laughlin shoot to ground to slow him down. A smart move with great timing working to open Belazco’s guard but Belazco shows his skills giving hard body shots while on bottom. He pastes a little more on with a triangle attempt and Laughlin breaks out. She jumps on mount and with crafty escape from Belazco he gets the advantage only to having to block of kneebar from Laughlin. He goes from there into a hellacious ground and pound on Laughlin. It was looking on the brink of ending until Laughlin latches for a full guard stopping the attack. Belazco tries for transitions but Laughlin eventually fights out getting both to standing and crowd to cheering. Laughlin returns in her mode with an uppercut and the following takedown. A little while later Belazco reverses to a full mount to the surprise of me considering the position he was in. Belazco looks for an armbar which Laughlin gets out of and they come back to their feet. Between the Ford/Bishop match and the beginnings of this Main Event...my ground game cup runneth over weeping. I plan on bringing more tissues to these events. Beautiful groundwork. The round ends with a good standing trade that I believe Laughlin gets the better look of. The round to me goes to Belazco though with the major deciding factor being more offense work being done on the ground also with his brutal ground and pound. Not to take away from Laughlin’s takedowns though those are noted.

Second round Laughlin is back and bringing pain to Belazco’s being. A few good shots in return but nothing in comparison to the uppercut given to him that knocks him way back. The heart in Belazco shows for a second time as he returns with body shots and a vibe made me think perhaps they would duke it out for a while standing this round. Duke it out would be an understatement. These two went nuclear. Hook by Belazco. Straight right by Laughlin. Haymaker by Laughlin. A fight ladies and gentleman and with their pace, I honestly wondered if we were nearing the end. One of these shots would be strong enough to put the other out. Laughlin must of understood that shooting for the takedown and getting it slowing things down. Unfortunately for her Belzaco gets the better of the ground game nearing the end of the round with a good amount of strikes from the bottom and another reversal to gain the mount. He loses it but ends the round on top as they struggle for position. I have to give the round to Laughlin overall not to say Belazco’s ground game wasn’t the better of the two. Laughlin rocked him though and he did have good moves and transitions but not enough offense to counter the stand-up dominance.

Round three. Standing. Trading. And beating each other half to hell. Belazco getting the better of the exchange and when I bloody Laughlin. It isn’t funny.

OK, terrible joke but still.

Here’s an interesting part of the fight. Belazco getting into the clinch which is one of his more comfortable places to work. Laughlin tries to get out he doesn’t allow it but before he can really get to work he actually lets go of the clinch he worked hard to get into. It just threw me for a loop as far as the effort to get into the position, he let it go really easily.

Then he gave Laughlin a spinning back fist like from hell itself.

I immediately shut up.

Laughlin fires back with a couple jabs and a hook that lands. The hook taking The Black Knight down to the mat.

I shut up further. No, actually I “whoa’ed” but still this crazy pace and trades continue.

While on the ground Belazco gets a kick off to Laughlin’s knee before she tells him to get up and he obliges. Laughlin makes him pay for getting up from that moment on. Numerous hooks, jabs, combos...Belazco is back down on the mat once more. Laughlin goes all in after that actually taking to Belazco’s guard. Something I questioned but even with Belazco’s submission attempt Laughlin sees no problem with it looking for a leg lock herself after breaking his triangle. They are both stood up after that by Ref Warden. The stand up continues to be Laughlin’s advantage ending the round on a strong combo before they break. Laughlin’s come back is on the way. Both are beaten, battered, and bloody as hell going back to their corners. Which made me so happy to see the fourth round. A well contested Main Event not being held back by 3 rounds of action.

Round four. History being made. Spectacular beginning for Laughlin. They trade back and forth a bit before Laughlin targets with a devastating hook that puts Belazco on wobble street. A few more shots and Belazco is on the floor Laughlin following looking to finish. She transitions quickly making short work of it all gaining a kneebar. Belazco basically tells us f that and never taps making the ref come in to break the hold calling the fight. I could say kudos to The Black Knight for not tapping but man you have a long career ahead of you, make sure it stays that way. Laughlin comes back from her first loss making it 1-1. Belazco still winless in Union but not at due to lacking effort in the slightest. He's been improving with each appearance. Must work through it sometimes we all have those times

Now of course, you know what time it is.

HOLY S**T MOMENT OF THE NIGHT: I'd have to say Bullfrog. Bishop had control most of the fight then out of nowhere that burst from Ford to the win.

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Simon Bishop vs Jeremiah Ford

SUBMISSION OF THE NIGHT: Aeron Roberts. That armbar was pretty pretty. Prom Queen pretty.

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT: Edan McLeod. Simple. No one can dispute this.

CLEANEST COUNTER: Again Edan McLeod. Pick one. Any one. The fight was full of them.

THROWDOWN TAKEDOWN: Aeron Roberts. That takedown toward the end of round one. The technique was actually wonderful what made it look worse was the power in it. I was close enough ringside. Things, all the things, shook.

Closing thoughts:

More rounds require more analyzing and more words. This is much longer than my previous ones. Whew. Made it.

Tally on my picks so far: 4-1. I'll be keeping score.